1,2,3 What Do You See: An Animal Counting Book

A counting book in which a freckle-faced girl gives whimsical gifts to groups of animals, from one elephant to ten butterflies

A counting book that is truly geared toward children and their love of animals. Decked out in a festively garish dress of orange, green, and yellow, a red-haired girl with a red nose cuddles up to a variety of animals. In the first spread, she lies on her stomach on top of an elephant; the numeral 1 appears with the words ``One Elephant,'' while, in a split-screen effect, a long strip at the bottom shows the animal with a blanket from the child. This gift and others--cherries for two toucans; balls for three polar bears, etc.--all match her dress or are made from the same material. Meanwhile, the cloth of her dress incorporates the numbers represented. She plays, romps, slides, and rides the animals, who are uniformly loving. A spread shows them all together in a fantasy habitat. Simple, sturdy, and well- conceived, this book gives children many opportunities to think about numbers and to practice counting. (Picture book. 3-6) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Ages 3^-6. In this simple counting book, a little girl visits various animals and brings them presents: watermelon slices for 4 squirrel monkeys, colorful balls for 6 dolphins, and ribbons for 10 butterflies. Each double-page spread divides into a large, horizontal panel on the top; with a narrow one beneath it. The larger scenes usually shows the girl relating to the animals in loving, playful ways, and the smaller pictures show the animals enjoying her gifts. Representing every child's dream of a personal, peaceable kingdom, this idyllic picture book has just enough action to keep it visually interesting. It does a good job as a counting book, too, since the animals are clearly defined. With its warm colors and well-composed illustrations emphasizing repeated, rounded forms, this picture book will please many young children. Carolyn Phelan