Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian for the children’s literature department, Los Angeles Public Library:

National Poetry Month--Don’t leave April without these suggestions.

Toddler and preschool: “Animal Crackers,” by Jane Dyer

Introduce your little one to the wonderful world of rhyme with these familiar childhood ditties.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “The Genie in the Jar,” by Nikki Giovanni, illustrated by Chris Raschka

Simple words provide strong images in this lyrical piece that sets the reader to singing.

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Second and third grades: “Sky Scrape/City Scape,” selected by Jane Yolan, illustrated by Ken Condon

From noise to dirt to city parks, this collection captures the essence of urban living.

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Fourth grade: “A Moon for Seasons,” by Ann Turner, illustrated by Robert Noreika

Sweeping watercolor illustrations provide the background for these intimate nature poems.

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Fifth grade: “A Jar of Tiny Stars,” edited by Bernice E. Cullinan

Children picked their favorites by award-winning poets for this fine collection of funny and thought-provoking poems.

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Sixth through eighth grades: “I See the Rhythm,” by Toyomi Igus, illustrated by Michele Wood

The history of African American music, from slave songs to hip-hop, is gloriously portrayed through poetry and exquisite artwork.

Storytime

Some of the books to be read on KCET’s “Storytime,” weekdays at 12:30 p.m.

* “Zin! Zin! Zin! A Violin,” by Lloyd Moss

A unique counting book that offers an introduction to musical instruments and musical groups. Themes: counting and musical understanding.

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* “The Old Woman Who Named Things,” by Cynthia Rylant

An old woman’s loneliness is cured by a persistent puppy. Themes: friendship, appreciation.

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* “The Empty Pot,” by Demi

An emperor tests the honesty of children who wish to succeed him by giving them flower seeds that will not grow. Themes: responsibility, nature.

BOOK EVENTS

Selected visits at Los Angeles Public Library branches

* Monday: Anne Ingram, author and illustrator of “A Visit to Olvera Street”; 3:30 p.m., R.L. Stevenson Branch Library, 803 Spence St.

* Tuesday: Ann Paul, who wrote “Hello Toes, Hello Feet”; 4:15 p.m., Fairfax Branch Library, 161 S. Gardner St.

* Wednesday: Dolores Johnson, author and illustrator of “My Mom is My Show and Tell”; 4 p.m., Los Feliz Branch Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave.

* Saturday: Caroline Arnold, author of “Children of the Settlement Houses”; 2 p.m., Frances Howard Goldwyn Hollywood Regional Branch Library, 1623 N. Ivar Ave.