Check It Out

Books recommended by Ilene Abramson, senior librarian for the Children’s Literature Department, Los Angeles Public Library:

With Kosovo in the news, many parents might need to explain to their children about people fleeing for their lives and surviving in refugee camps.

Preschool and kindergarten: “The Silver Path,” by Christine Harris, illustrated by Helen Ong

Cooped up in a “hotel for refugees,” a young girl writes to her pen pal about happier days in her village and wistfully ponders the future.

*

First and second grades: “The Whispering Cloth,” by Pegi Deitz Shea, illustrated by Anita Riggio, stitched by You Yang

A Hmong girl stitches the story of her life into a beautifully embroidered tapestry in this sensitive depiction of war and displacement.

*

Third grade: “Leaving Vietnam: The Journey of Tuan Ngo, a Boat Boy,” by Sarah S. Killborne, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

This dramatic nonfiction book describes the story of a boy and his father escaping from Vietnam by a flimsy fishing boat, eventually finding shelter in America.

*

Fourth grade: “Our Journey From Tibet,” by Laurie Dolphin, photographs by Nancy Jo Johnson, with a letter from the Dalai Lama

Vivid photographs record the true story of a group of children who must sleep in caves and walk across the Himalayas searching for freedom and an opportunity to study.

*

Fifth grade: “The Lost Boys of Natinga,” by Judy Walgren

A true account of Sudanese youngsters, living in a displaced-persons camp, whose thirst for education transcends the hardships of classes held in huts.

Storytime

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

* “The Empty Pot,” by Demi

An emperor tests the honesty of children who wish to succeed by giving them flower seeds that will not grow. (Themes: responsibility and nature.)

*

* “Going Home,” by Margaret Wild

Hugo is sick and confined to the hospital. Hugo’s room overlooks the zoo and each night a new animal takes him for an adventure. (Themes: imagination, feelings, adventure.)

*

* “Ollie Knows Everything,” by Abby Levine

During a trip to New York City, Ollie is separated from his family but later finds a way to get back to the hotel. (Themes: family, feelings and problem-solving.)