Check It Out

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

Vive la France!--Celebrate Bastille Day by reading books that have a French flair.

Preschool and kindergarten: “Madeline,” by Ludwig Bemelmans

The first adventure for everyone’s favorite spunky, resourceful, uplifting mademoiselle.

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First and second grades: “The Story of Babar,” by Jean de Brunoff

Classic story about an elephant whose travels to the city make him a sophisticate, therefore affording him the qualifications to become king of his species.

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Third grade: “Three Perfect Peaches,” by Cynthia De Felice and Mary De Marsh, illustrated by Irene Trivas

Humorous rendition of a French folk tale about a clever lad who outwits the king in order to marry his daughter.

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Fourth grade: “Charlotte in Giverny,” by Joan MacPhail Knight, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Historical details and museum reproductions lend credence to a child’s interesting year in Giverny at the height of the Impressionist movement.

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Fifth grade: “Secret Letters From 0 to 10,” by Susie Morgenstern

In this delightful, award-winning book, a very handsome but sheltered 10-year-old boy is brought into a world of merriment by a female classmate, who declares herself to be his girlfriend.

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Sixth to eighth grades: “Spider’s Voice,” by Gloria Skurzynksi

A fictionalized story of France’s famous lovers, Abelard and Eloise, as told by their mute servant.

Storytime

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

* “Pigs Aplenty, Pigs Galore!” by David McPhail

A man is reading in bed when he discovers pigs in his room eating pizza. He decides to kick the pigs out, but changes his mind when the pigs promise to clean up. Themes: rhyme and fantasy.

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* “Uncle Jed’s Barbershop,” by Margaree King Mitchell

A little girl tells the story of her Uncle Jed, who travels from town to town giving haircuts and hoping to start a barbershop of his own. Themes: family, self-esteem, feelings.

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* “Too Many Tamales,” by Gary Soto

Maria loses her mother’s ring while helping to prepare tamales. Themes: family, holidays, problem solving.