Check It Out

Books recommended for young readers by Susan Patron, senior librarian, Los Angeles Public Library:

Mysteries--Librarians can attest to the popularity of mysteries--compelling stories that keep us turning the pages. Here are some good ones for children:

* Babies and toddlers: “Whose Shoe?” by Margaret Miller

The shoe is a clue to what the wearer does. Crisp photographs.

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* Preschoolers: “Wings: A Tale of Two Chickens” by James Marshall

Dumb cluck Winnie doesn’t know that foxy Mr. Johnson is up to no good. Marshall’s signature sly humor pervades the pictures as well as the story.

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* Kindergarten: “Jane Martin, Dog Detective” by Eve Bunting

She’s not at all fooled by dog disguises or things that go whoo-oooo in the night. Clever illustrations by Amy Schwartz.

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* First and second grades: “Detective Dinosaur” by James Skofield

Officer Pterodactyl helps solve the strange case of the squeaking shoe. Illustrated by R.W. Alley.

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* Third grade: “Piggins” by Jane Yolen

Piggins the proper butler solves the mystery of the missing diamond necklace with style. Detailed colorful illustrations by Jane Dyer.

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* Fourth and fifth grades: “Julian, Secret Agent” by Ann Cameron

Julian and friends go on a crime-busting spree, but they can’t seem to catch the right crooks. One book in an appealing and popular series.

Storytime

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

* “If You Give a Mouse a 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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* “The Rough-Faced Girl” by Rafe Martin

A Native American version of the Cinderella story (themes: fairy tale, identity).

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

A color cutout book with shapes that create a big green monster (themes: feelings, shapes, colors).