Check It Out

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

Los Angeles County Fair: Get your children in the mood for a day of rides, farm animals and crafts.

Preschool: “Night at the Fair,” by Donald Crews

Merry-go-rounds and teddy bears are lighted up against a black background that glows with delight.

*

Kindergarten and the first grade: “Fair!” by Ted Lewin

Pictures capture the excitement and immediacy of the events, contests and carnival rides.

*

Second and third grade: “County Fair,” by Laura Ingalls Wilder, illustrated by Jody Wheeler

Adapted from the Little House stories, this book relates Almanzo’s trip to the county fair, where he wins first prize for his outstanding pumpkin entry.

*

Fourth grade: “Mystery at the Fair,” created by Gertrude Chandler Warner

In this popular series, the Boxcar Children set out to find the culprit who is sabotaging the contests at the county fair.

*

Fifth grade: “Danger at the Fair,” by Peg Kehret

Just when Corey needs to scream, “Stop, thief!” he discovers he has laryngitis because of his yelling on the roller coaster, so he has to chase a pickpocket through the terrifying River of Fear ride.

Storytime

Some of the books to be read on KCET-TV Channel 28’s “Storytime,” Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

* “Slither McCreep and His Brother Joe,” by Tony Johnston

Slither the snake and his brother Joe have an argument over their toys. Slither decides to break all of the toys, but afterward regrets his action and finds a way to replace them. (Themes: family, sharing, responsibility)

*

“Chrysanthemum,” by Kevin Henkes

A little mouse named Chrysanthemum hates her name until an understanding teacher helps her to learn to appreciate it. (Themes: feelings and self-esteem)

*

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” retold by Jan Brett

A family of bears leave their home to wait for porridge to cool. Goldilocks enters while they are gone and decides to help herself to the porridge. (Themes: fairy tale, responsibility and size)