Check It Out

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

Ilene’s picks--Gifts for the holiday season.

Toddlers: “The Baby Dances,” by Kathy Henderson, illustrated by Tony Kerins

A newborn’s year of growth lovingly portrayed.

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Preschool and kindergarten: “My Goose Betsy,” by Trudi Braun, illustrated by John Bendall-Brunello

Picture book explains the life of a goose.

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Second to fourth grade: “Through My Eyes,” by Ruby Bridges

Prejudices and segregation seen through the eyes of the first black student to enter an all-white Southern school.

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Fifth grade: “Gypsy Rizka,” by Lloyd Alexander

Heroine matches wits with town leaders, wins admirers.

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Adults and children: The Harry Potter series, by J.K. Rowling

Harry’s charismatic character and his imaginative exploits have topped child and adult bestseller charts.

Storytime

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

* “Froggy Gets Dressed,” by Jonathan London

Froggy is eager to get dressed and play in the snow, but he keeps forgetting important pieces of clothing. Themes: family, responsibility.

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* “Borreguita and the Coyote,” translated and retold by Verna Aardema

A little lamb is able to outsmart a wolf who wants to eat her. Themes: fantasy, fairy tale, resourcefulness.

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* “Babuska’s Doll,” by Patricia Polacco

A little girl learns to become more patient with the help of her grandmother’s doll. Themes: fantasy, responsibility.