Check It Out

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

A love of storytelling and story listening begins with these tales from France and England.

Preschool: “Cinderella,” by Charles Perrault, illustrated by Loek Koopmans, translated by Athea Bell

A very young-looking Cinderella dazzles the prince with her charm and beauty in this classic fairy tale.

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Kindergarten and first grade: “Puss in Boots,” by Charles Perrault, illustrated by Fred Marcellino, translated by Malcolm Arthur

Catch the expressions on the faces of the characters in this story about a wily cat determined to bring fame and fortune to his master.

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Second and third grades: “The Three Sillies,” by Steven Kellogg

A young man travels the world to find sillier people than the ones he left at home.

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Fourth grade: “Favorite Fairy Tales Told in France,” retold by Virginia Haviland, illustrated by Victor Ambrus

Beginning readers can discover the wonders of “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” and “Sleeping Beauty.”

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Fifth grade: “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” by Marcia Williams

Comic book format used for stories about Robin and his Merry Men.

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Sixth through ninth grades: “The Sword and the Circle,” by Rosemary Sutcliff

The magic, adventure and romance of the Arthurian legends, as related by a master storyteller.

Storytime

Some of the books to be read on KCET’s “Storytime,” weekdays at 12:30 p.m.

* “Contrary Mary,” by Anita Jeram

One morning, Mary the mouse wakes up feeling contrary and decides to do everything the opposite of what she is supposed to do. Themes: Cooperation, family, feelings, opposites.

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* “If,” by Sarah Perry

A colorful picture book that contains a collage of fantasy scenarios that encourages the reader to think up more stories. Themes: imagination and fantasy.

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* “Listen, Buddy,” by Helen Lester

Buddy is a rabbit with big, beautiful ears who never listens. Themes: responsibility and cooperation.