Check It Out

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

Father’s Day: Celebrate this holiday with books that reflect dads’ importance in children’s lives.

Preschool and kindergarten: “The Bat Boy & His Violin,” by Gavin Curtis, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

The manager of the worst team in the Negro National League learns to respect his son’s musical talent when the child inspires the players with beautiful violin solos.

*

First and second grades: “Always My Dad,” by Sharon Dennis Wyeth, illustrated by Raul Colon

A memorable vacation to a farm becomes more rewarding when an absent father makes a surprise visit to his children and reaffirms his love.

*

Third grade: “In Daddy’s Arms I Am Tall,” illustrated by Javaka Steptoe

African Americans celebrate the bonds between children and their fathers in this picture book collection of poetry and interesting collages.

*

Fourth and fifth grades: “Ramona and her Father,” by Beverly Cleary

Laughs and sorrow follow spunky Ramona when her father loses his job and she learns to accept the fact that life has its ups and downs.

*

Read aloud: “The Barefoot Book of Father and Son Tales,” retold by Josephine Evetts-Secker, illustrated by Helen Cann

Father-son folk tales from around the world that focus on the “development of the individual masculine personality and collective masculine values.”

Storytime

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

* “Prize in the Snow,” by Bill Easterling

A young boy, eager to be a great hunter, traps a rabbit. But he discovers that the rabbit looks skinny and cold. The young boy feeds the rabbit and promises that he will bring more food the following day. (Themes: caring and concern for others and nature.)

--

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

One day Sheila Rae takes a new way home. Once she realizes that she is lost, she begins to cry for her sister, Louise, who then leads them both home. (Themes: family and feelings.)