Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian, Los Angeles Public Library:

Black History Month--Not only will children enjoy these books now, but they are also great to read all year round.

Preschool: “Everett Anderson’s Year,” by Lucille Clifton, illustrated by Ann Grifalconi

Pictures and rhyme give glimpses of a boy’s happy time.

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Kindergarten: “Because You’re Lucky,” by Irene Smalls, illustrated by Michael Hays

A boy learns to love and appreciate the cousin who has come to live with him.

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First to second grade: “Marriage of the Rain Goddess: A South African Myth,” by Margaret Olivia Wolfson, illustrated by Clifford Alexander Parms

Dazzling illustrations enhance this romantic myth.

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Third to fourth grade: “Fly, Bessie, Fly,” by Lynn Joseph, illustrated by Yvonne Buchanan

“Brave Bessie” Coleman soars as America’s first black aviator.

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Fifth grade: “A Drawing in the Sand,” written and illustrated by Jerry Butler

A lot of interesting information is stunningly packaged in this part-autobiography, part-history of African American art.

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Sixth to eighth grade: “Black Hands, White Sails: The Story of African-American Whalers,” by Pat McKissack and Frederick McKissack

The story of how runaway slaves and free black men found opportunities working in the whaling industry.

Storytime

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

* “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,” by Kevin Henkes

Lilly loves everything about school. But when her teacher asks her to wait before bringing her new purse to class, she does something for which she is sorry. Themes: trust, consideration for others

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* “Turnip Soup,” by Lynne Born Myers and Christopher Myers

George faces a troublesome Komodo dragon that has slithered into his family’s root cellar and is eating all of their vegetables. Themes: fantasy and feelings of fear

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* “Yo! Yes?” by Chris Raschka

Two boys, one black and one white, meet on the street and become friends. Themes: Friendship and respect

BOOK EVENTS

Selected visits at Los Angeles Public Library branches.

* Monday: Erica Silverman, author of “Raisel’s Riddle,” at 3:30 p.m. at the Wilmington Branch Library, 1300 N. Avalon Blvd.

* Tuesday: Dolores Johnson, Author of “Children’s Book of Kwanzaa,” at 4 p.m., Venice Branch Library, 501 S. Venice Blvd.

* Thursday: Ann Paul, author of “Hello Toes, Hello Feet,” at 4 p.m., Los Feliz Branch Library, 1874 Hillhurst Ave.