Check It Out

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

Preschool: “Summer,” by Ron Hirschi, photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen

While learning a bit about nature, young children will enjoy browsing through the color photographs of animals in their summer habitats.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “The Plant That Kept on Growing,” by Barbara Brenner, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

In this beginning reader’s book, two children grow an enormous tomato plant and win the 4-H prize.

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Second and third grade: “The Secret Knowledge of Grown-Ups,” by David Wisniewski

Check out the cool cover for this top-secret book about why adults really insist that children eat their vegetables and comb their hair.

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Fourth grade: “School’s Out,” by Johanna Hurwitz

A rambunctious boy plays havoc with his baby-sitter and eventually learns a lesson in responsibility.

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Fifth grade: “The Silent Hero,” by George Shea

An exciting adventure awaits the reader in this true story of a deaf boy who rescues a downed pilot during World War II.

Storytime

Some of the books to be read on KCET’s “Storytime,” Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* “Mirette on the High Wire,” by Emily Arnold McCully

Monsieur Bellini, a mysterious retired tightrope walker, teaches little Mirette to walk on the tightrope. Mirette must help Monsieur Bellini overcome his own fears before they can become a successful act. (Themes: determination, caring/concern for others, friendship.)

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* “The Gully Washer,” by Joyce Rossi

While waiting for the gully washer (a desert thunderstorm), Letitia learns of her grandfather’s past when he was a vaquero. (Themes: family, fantasy, imagination, nature.)

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* “Contrary Mary,” by Anita Jeram

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