READING: THE ABCs of helping youngsters achieve literacy--the first skill. : Reading by 9 : Check It Out

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

Love, laughter, wisdom and warmth all combine to produce those terrific grandparents we honor today, Grandparents Day.

Preschool: “Flashlight,” by Betsy James, illustrated by Stacey Schuett

When a girl is given a flashlight by her grandfather to assuage her fear of the dark, she discovers a whole new world of play.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher,” by Becky Ray McCain, illustrated by Stacey Schuett

Afraid to be away from her parents, a little girl learns the legend of the dreamcatcher from her Chippewa grandmother and never has nightmares again.

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Second and third grades: “Oliver, Amanda and Grandmother Pig,” by Jean Van Leeuwen, illustrated by Ann Schweninger

When grandma comes to spend a week, the piglets discover that fun and games need to be modified for older people, but hugs and kisses come easily for everyone.

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Fourth grade: “The Imp That Ate My Homework,” by Laurence Yep, drawings by Benrei Huang

This fantasy has Grandpop, the meanest man in the neighborhood, and his grandson chase a magical imp through the streets and stores of Chinatown.

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Fifth grade: “In the Language of Loons,” by Natalie Kinsey-Warnock

A nature-loving grandfather teaches an insecure boy lessons of strength, courage and tenacity.

Storytime

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

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

When Rosie’s baby tooth comes out, she’s reluctant to give it to the tooth fairy until she receives a good offer. Themes: family, identity, growing up.

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* “The Woman Who Outshone the Sun,” based on a poem by Alejandro Cruz Martinez

A beautiful woman, ousted from a small town, takes the town’s beloved river with her. Themes: magic, differences.

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* “The Itsy Bitsy Spider,” by Iza Trapani

After a series of unsuccessful climbs, the spider finally makes it to the top of the maple tree. Themes: nature, music.