Check It Out

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

Hanukkah--Spin the dreidel, light the menorah and read these books that will enhance this special week.

Preschool: “The Borrowed Hanukkah Latkes,” by Linda Glaser, illustrated by Nancy Cote

It takes brains and determination, but Rachel finally finds a way to get a kindly next-door neighbor to celebrate the holiday with her family.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “The Chanukkah Tree,” by Eric Kimmel, illustrated by Giora Carmi

After decorating a tree with dreidels, latkes and a door, the fools of Chelm learn that there is no such thing as a Hanukkah tree.

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Second grade: “The Menorah Story,” by Mark Podwal

The story of Hanukkah is retold with the menorah taking center stage as a symbol of miracles.

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Third grade: “Pearl’s Eight Days of Chanukah,” by Jane Breskin Zalben

A little story and a lot of crafts make this a fun activity book for children and their parents.

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Fourth and fifth grade: “How I Saved Hanukkah,” by Amy Goldman Koss, illustrated by Diane deGroat

As the only Jewish child in her fourth-grade class, Marla is determined to learn about Hanukkah and share the fun with all her friends.

Story Time

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

* “If You Give a Mouse Cookie,” by Laura Joffe Numeroff

A mouse’s request for a cookie sets off a whole chain of events. Themes: sequence of events.

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* “Go Away, Big Green Monster!” by Ed Emberly

A color cutout book with shapes that create a big green monster. Themes: feelings, shape, color.

Book Events

* Today: 1:30 p.m. Kimberly Kirberger, co-author of “Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul I and II,” will sign her recent release, “Teen Love.” Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 446-2820.

* Friday: 7:30 p.m. Pajamarama story time. Holiday stories about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble (446-2820).

* Saturday: 10:30 a.m. to noon. Local Author Day with book signings by Lisze Bechtold, “Buster the Very Shy Dog”; Joan Bransfield Graham, “Flicker Flash”; and Marla Frazee, “Hush Little Baby.” At Adventures for Kids, 3457 Telegraph Road, Ventura (650-9688).

* Saturday: 7 p.m., Pajamamania Storytime. “The Cat in the Hat” visits story time. Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.