Check It Out

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

Favorites of 2000--Enrich your holiday season with these outstanding books published for children this year.

Toddlers: “Off We Go!” by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Laurel Molk

All the little critters in the field can’t wait to get to their grandmother’s house in the delightful refrain of repetitive sounds.

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Preschool and kindergarten: “Wemberly Worried,” by Kevin Henkes

Humorous tale of the angst and imagined fears of this little tyke as she discovers the joys of school and realizes that

she has nothing to worry

about.

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First grade: “Child’s Book of Blessings,” compiled by Sabrina Dearborn, illustrated by Olwyn Whelan

Prayers for all occasions are drawn from religions and countries around the world, and are served up with charmingly colorful and detailed drawings.

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Second grade: “In the Rainfield: Who Is the Greatest?” by Isaac Olaleye, illustrated by Ann Grifalconi

In this Nigerian folk tale, dazzling illustrations dramatize the conflicts between wind, fire and rain.

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Third grade: “Atlantis: Legend of the Lost City,” by Christina Balit

Stunning, captivating illustrations bring to life the story of a paradise island that vanished into the sea.

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Fourth and fifth grades: “Paul Goble Gallery: Three Native American Stories,” by Paul Goble

Reprinted in one volume are three previously published “sacred stories” distinctively drawn with the fine details that capture the spirit of living on the Great Plains.

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Sixth and seventh grades: “Sir Walter Raleigh and the Quest for El Dorado,” by Marc Aronson

Extensive research, including a detailed timeline, contributes to this outstanding biography of Queen Elizabeth’s adventurous courtier.

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Eight and ninth grades: “Sitting Bull and his World,” by Albert Marrin

Drawing on primary sources, this well-balanced chronicle of the life of the Lakota warrior emphasizes the American political and cultural environment of the late 19th century.