Check It Out

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

Kids can grab a magazine to read while lounging around the pool or on vacation.

Ages 5-8 “Ladybug”

Heavy on short stories and language arts activities, this magazine is geared to beginning readers.

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Ages 8-12 “American Girl”

From the producers of the “American Girl” book and doll series comes this pleasant, noncontroversial magazine featuring fiction, true life adventure, recipes, crafts and articles about girls living in other eras.

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Ages 8-12 “Boys’ Quest”

Games, puzzles, projects, cartoon strips and informative articles are brought together under a popular theme.

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Ages 8-12 “U.S. Kids”

Articles, games, comics and projects are aimed at learning how to keep fit and healthy.

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Ages 11-14 “Girls’ Life”

Lots of advertising in this younger version of Seventeen, which includes articles about beauty, fashion, boys and contemporary concerns.

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Ages 9-16 “Boys’ Life”

This classic magazine, published by the Boy Scouts of America, features topics and activities that support Scout programs and is jammed with memorable articles and excellent do-it-yourself projects.

Storytime

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

* “Don’t Fidget a Feather,” by Erica Silverman

Duck and Gander are friends, but they’re always competing until Duck must save Gander from ending up in Fox’s stew. Theme: friendship.

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* “The Hunter,” by Paul Geraghty

A young girl becomes lost and encounters a baby elephant whose mother has been killed by hunters. Without losing hope, they work together to find their way back home. Themes: family, adventure, caring for others, nature.

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* “Tops and Bottoms,” adapted by Janet Stevens

A poor hare works a bear’s fields while the bear sleeps throughout the season. The hare gives the bear a choice of either the tops or bottoms of the vegetables, keeping the better half for himself. Themes: resourcefulness and nature.