Check It Out

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

Diego Rivera: These books will introduce the Mexican muralist and pave the way for a visit to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where his paintings are on display.

Preschool and kindergarten: “Talking Walls: The Stories Continue,” by Margy Burns Knight, illustrated by Anne Sibley O’Brien.

Begin this artistic journey by showing children how walls around the world convey messages of peace and hope through murals, monuments and historical references.

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First and second grade: “Lives of the Artists,” by Kathleen Krull, illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt.

This short chapter about Diego Rivera and his wife, Frida Kahlo, introduces the two dynamic personalities.

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Third grade: “Frida Kahlo,” by Robyn Montana Turner.

Life with Diego from his wife’s point of view is beautifully captured in her art.

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Fourth grade: “Diego Rivera,” by Jan Gleiter and Kathleen Thompson, illustrated by Yoshi Miyake.

This bilingual book concentrates on Rivera’s artistic and political journey to fame, from a toddler who drew on walls to his position as one of Mexico’s most significant talents.

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Fifth and sixth grade: “Diego Rivera,” by James Cockroft.

This biography details Rivera’s life and explains how the prevailing events of the times contributed to his beliefs and work.

Story Time

“Rose Meets Mr. Wintergarden,” by Bob Graham.

Rose has been warned to stay away from her scary neighbor, Mr. Wintergarden, but when her ball flies over the fence one day, she finds a way to be friends with him. Themes: friendship and feelings of fear.

“The Old Woman Who Named Things,” by Cynthia Rylant.

An old woman who outlives all of her friends keeps from being lonely by naming the things in her life. Then, a shy brown puppy appears at her front gate and teaches her how to love again. Themes: love, friendship, imagination and trust.

“Chicken Sunday,” by Patricia Polacco.

Natasha and her neighbors spend every Sunday together. One day, they decorate eggs and sell them, allowing the purchase of a special hat for the church singer, Miss Eula. Themes: family, caring for others, differences, friendship and resourcefulness.