Check It Out

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

Baseball--This season, thousands of baseball fans will be playing Little League, rooting for the Dodgers and Angels and cheering for these books:

Preschool and kindergarten: “Ballpark,” by Elisha Cooper.

A behind-the-scenes introduction to what the groundskeepers, food vendors and ballplayers do on a typical game day.

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First and second grades: “Home Run,” by Robert Burleigh, illustrated by Mike Wimmer.

Full-page oil paintings bring the story of Babe Ruth to life in this poetic picture-book tribute.

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Third grade: “Baseball Ballerina,” by Kathryn Cristaldi, illustrated by Abby Carter.

Although she would rather be playing baseball, a little girl takes ballet lessons and learns that both skills can be useful.

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Fourth grade: “All-Star Fever,” by Matt Christopher.

A shortstop who is dreaming of making the all-star team learns that being a good sport is just as important as being a good athlete.

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Fifth grade: “The Trading Game,” by Alfred Slote.

The grandson of an ex-major league player is disillusioned when he discovers that his grandfather is not a kind and gentle sportsman.

Storytime

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

* “Baby Rattlesnake,” by Te Ata and Lynn Moroney.

A young rattlesnake begs for his own rattle, but uses it unwisely. (Themes: family, responsibility, comfort.)

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* “Ruby, the Copy Cat,” by Peggy Rathmann.

Ruby, the new girl in school, tries to fit in by copying everything that Angela does and says. (Themes: friendship, uniqueness.)

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* “The Wolf’s Chicken Stew,” by Keiko Kasza.

A wolf sets out to find chickens for his stew, but discovers friendship instead. (Themes: sharing, cause and effect.)