Check It Out

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

Preschool: “Eric Carle’s Treasury of Classic Stories for Children,” retold and illustrated by Eric Carle

The very young are introduced to the brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Aesop.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “Snow White and Rose Red,” retold and illustrated by Bernadette Watts

Innocence and kindness abound in this tale.

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Second and third grade: “Seven at One Blow,” retold by Eric A. Kimmel, illustrated by Megan Lloyd

Tailor rises to glory by bragging that he killed “seven at one blow,” not disclosing they were flies.

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Fourth grade: “The Six Swans,” by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, illustrated by Dorothee Duntze

A sister vows to save her brothers, who are turned into swans by an evil woman.

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Fifth grade: “Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm,” retold by Neil Philip, illustrated by Isabelle Brent

Collection of stories enhanced by lovely drawings.

Storytime

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

* “Sheila Rae, the Brave,” by Kevin Henkes

One day, the brave Sheila Rae becomes lost but her sister helps find the way back. Themes: family, siblings, feelings of fear and courage.

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

Uncle Jed, the only black barber in the county, fulfills his dream of owning a barbershop. Themes: determination, family, self-esteem, feelings of disappointment and love.