Check It Out

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

Usher in the Year of the Dragon with these fun and varied dragon stories.

Preschool and kindergarten: “The Paper Dragon,” by Marguerite W. Davol, illustrated by Robert Sabuda

Pull-out pages provide a backdrop for this tale of a ferocious dragon who loses his grit when confronted with the power of love.

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First and second grades: “The Dragons Are Singing Tonight,” by Jack Prelutsky, illustrated by Peter Sis

Humorous, full-page drawings match whimsical poems that delve into all aspects of dragon life.

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Third grade: “A Friend for Dragon,” by Dav Pilkey

Offbeat story about a lonely dragon who makes his apple his best buddy.

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Fourth grade: “Three Tales of My Father’s Dragon,” by Ruth Sitles Gannett, illustrated by Chrisman Gannett

Trilogy of gentle adventures about Elmer and the flying dragon, starting with the Newbery Honor classic, “My Father’s Dragon.”

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Fifth grade: “If That Breathes Fire, We’re Toast!” by Jennifer Stewart

A wisecracking dragon brings fun and adventure to a couple of bored children.

Storytime

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

* “Contrary Mary,” by Anita Jeram

One morning, Mary the mouse wakes up feeling contrary and decides to do the opposite of everything she is supposed to do. Themes: cooperation, family, feelings, opposites.

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* “If,” by Sarah Perry

A colorful picture book that contains a collage of fantasy scenarios that encourage the reader to think up more stories at the end of the book. Themes: imagination and fantasy.

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* “Jessica,” by Kevin Henkes

Ruthie and her imaginary friend, Jessica, do everything together. When it is time to start kindergarten, Ruthie’s parents suggest that Jessica stay home, but Jessica goes anyway. Themes: friendship, imagination, family.

BOOK EVENTS

* Monday in Newport Beach: Pajama storytime for children ages 3 through 7. Children can bring their favorite stuffed animals for just-before-bed storytime fun. 1000 Avocado Ave., 7 p.m. (949) 717-3800

* Tuesday in Ventura: Storytime for toddlers and preschoolers in Adventures for Kids bookstore. 3457 Telegraph Road, 10:30 a.m. (805) 650-9688

* Wednesday in Pasadena: Preschool storytime for ages 2 to 5 at the Hastings Branch Library, 3325 East Orange Grove Boulevard, 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. (626) 744-7262

* Saturday in Riverside: Story hour for ages 3 to 7 at Imagine That bookstore. 5225 Crescent Drive, 10 a.m. (909) 784-0132