Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian for the Children’s Literature Department, Los Angeles Public Library:

Gardening--Transform a mud-pie maker into a green thumb with books that are sure to turn the little sprouts into gardening enthusiasts.

Preschool: “Sunflower House,” by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt

A child plants a garden of sunflowers, then plays with his friends beneath its canopy.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “Mrs. Rose’s Garden,” by Elaine Greenstein

Destined to win blue ribbons for every one of her enormous vegetables, Mrs. Rose secretly plants them in her friends’ gardens so that all of her acquaintances receive awards too.

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Second to fourth grades: “A Prayer for the Earth,” by Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, illustrated by Bethanne Anderson

While Noah was collecting animals for the ark, his wife gathered seeds that would eventually provide the Earth with beautiful fields of color.

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Fifth to sixth grades: “Seedfolks,” by Paul Fleischman

While reclaiming an empty lot and transforming it into a community garden, a diverse group of people tell the stories of their lives.

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All ages: “The Enchanted Gardening Book,” by Alice Herck, illustrated by Linda Dockey Graves

This book teaches children how to make a doll’s garden, rain forest, wreaths, tussie-mussies and garden windows.

Storytime

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

* “The Fortune-Tellers,” by Lloyd Alexander

A carpenter who is told he will be rich and happy by a fortuneteller passes his good fortune on to others. (Theme: fairy tale.)

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* “Effie,” by Beverly Allinson

Effie’s loud voice causes problems for other ants until she uses it to warn the others. (Themes: nature, problem solving, differences.)

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* “Rosie’s Baby Tooth,” by Maryann MacDonald

Rosie is reluctant to give her tooth to the tooth fairy until she receives a good offer. (Themes: family, identity, growing up.)