Check It Out

Books recommended by Ilene Abramson, Los Angeles Public Library:

A Look at China--Introduce your children to these books when you visit the treasures from the National Library of China, now on display at the Central Library.

Preschool: “The Rooster’s Antlers: A story of the Chinese Zodiac,” retold by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Yong Sheng Xuan

Dragon is worried that he is not attractive enough to be appointed to the zodiac so he borrows Rooster’s antlers to cover his bald spot.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “Thank You, Meiling,” by Linda Talley, illustrated by Itoko Maeno

A boy and his duck learn the importance of manners when they visit the village to buy food for the Chinese Moon Festival.

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Second and third grades: “Cat and Rat: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac,” by Ed Young

Dark, compelling pictures show why a cat has not forgiven the rodent who tricked him out of a place in the Chinese calendar.

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Fourth and fifth grades: “Yang the Second and Her Secret Admirers,” by Lensey Namioka

Funny take on “Much Ado About Nothing,” when an immigrant Chinese girl gets tricked into falling for a Chinese American baseball player.

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Sixth grade: “Child Bride,” by Ching Yeung Russell

Exciting tale about an 11-year-old girl’s escape from an arranged marriage.

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Seventh through ninth grades: “Child of the Owl,” by Laurence Yep

When a girl moves to Chinatown in San Francisco to live with her grandmother, she learns the comforting stories of her heritage and family.

Storytime

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

* “Uncle Jed’s Barbershop,” by Margaree King Mitchell

A little girl tells the story of her Uncle Jed, who travels from town to town giving haircuts and wishing for his own barbershop. Themes: family, self-esteem, feelings

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

Duck and Gander are friends but are always competing until, one day, Duck must save Gander from Fox’s stew. Theme: Friendship

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* “The Hunter,” by Paul Geraghty

A young girl wanders too far into the forest and guides a baby elephant back to its herd. Themes: family, nature, concern for others

BOOK EVENTS

* Thursday: Julie Mammano, author and illustrator of “Rhinos Who Surf” and “Rhinos Who Snowboard;” 3:30 p.m.; Exposition Park Branch Library Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, 3665 S. Vermont Ave.