I'm Longer Than You! An Epic Contest of Measurement. Written and illustrated Carolyn Fisher. KIds Can Press, 2025. $21.99 ages 6 and up

 

"12 HOURS LATER

I have finished measuring Blue Whale ... 

in inches! 

I have good news ... and bad news. 

What's the good news?  

Blue Whale is 1300 inches long. 

What's the bad news? 

That took more time 
than I expected! 

And now I have to go into my 
cocoon for two months."

If you are looking for a book that will impress young math wizards and make them think, this is the book for you. The contest hinges on a free lunch. Its main characters are favorites of the younger set - a supersaurus and a blue whale. What could be bigger? And which one is longer? Let's find out. 

Each has compelling arguments to make the case that it is the longer one. An inchworm enters the picture, suggesting they measure themselves. Turns out neither have invented measurement yet. Inchworm offers to do the measuring in inches, and makes a suggestion for the contest's prize. Lunch choices are quickly discussed with great gusto. 

The measuring begins, and goes on and on. The whale is measured before inchworm must call it quits. Now, it's up to a centipede to measure the supersaurus in centimeters. Measuring begins for the second time. 12 hours later (the same time it took for the blue whale), the results are in. But wait, inches and centimeters are different units of measurement. How will that work to determine a winner? 

A dragonfly has the answer to their dilemma! What do you think it might be? 

Readers are invited to meet the story's cast in a full spread in back matter that ends with additional information about different ways to measure something. Excellent, entertaining and very engaging!

Seven Little Ducklings, written and illustrated by Annette LeBlanc Cate. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2025, $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"From the jaws of a fox 
she saves child number three. 

The fourth duck is stuck 
in the roots of a tree. 

Three more small babies 
are pulled from the ooze."

A quiet night provides tranquility for a mother duck sitting softly on a clutch of seven eggs. Her sleep is deep, and she does not hear the quiet noises as the eggs begin moving, and the chicks inside peep. All seven ducklings are awake before their mother! 

Not wanting to wake her, they step out into the soothing setting that is the nearby pond. Mama awakens to find her babies missing. She is frantic over their disappearance. Luckily, she finds a sleepy one close by. The two head out to find the others. Her search is entirely too successful. As she collects her own family, she manages to save a wee turtle. That ups the count from 7. A tiny mouse flailing in pond water finds safety on her back. Still, she carries on inviting other water fowl to follow.  

Observant readers will notice the count change as Mama exhibits confusion at how many ducklings are now in line. This is where a most entertaining spread is shared. On the left side, a bubble contains all members of the newly-formed flock, while the opposite page shows Mama confusedly aware that she only had seven eggs. How are there now 12?  

"Let's get this straight - 
Five more children than eggs! 
They can't all be mine ... 

Then she looks at their faces 
and knows that it's fine."

Wait! There's yet another surprise. 

What fun little ones will have counting, and recounting as this empathetic and loving mother continues to add to her flock!  Watercolor-and-ink illustrations are filled with grateful expression and maternal love as the story moves forward, offering humor and kindness with every turn of the page. 

Happy Mother's Day to all moms out there who love unconditionally and show that love no matter the circumstances. 

Six Little Sticks, written by Tiffany Stone and illustrated by Ruth Hengeveld. Greystone Kids, 2025. $23.95 ages 4 and up

 

"No little sticks. 
Six sticks are gone. 

Is Mama worried? Is Mama mad? 

No. Look, Mama is really ... glad!"

Mama stick bug has set herself a task. She wants to teach her six children how to hide. That way they will always be safe when they are not with her. The counting begins. Mama can only see 5! Then, only 4. The number continues to change as Mama carefully checks to find each of her tiny tots. 

When she cannot find any of them, she realizes just how bright they are. They have already learned a most important life lesson. They know how to hide! Wait! Mama's not done yet. Now, she wants friends and cousins to join in a game of hide-and-seek. A careful search will have eagle-eyed readers finding 20 bugs!!! 

Ruth Hengeveld uses digital media to create a world where stick bugs can be incredibly hard to find. Initially, along with Mama, readers will get a clear picture of all six as they play nearby on the leaves and branches. They have pencil crayons, binoculars, a pinwheel, a lantern, a scooter and a pear to keep them occupied. With each turn of the page, their number dwindles until they have all found a place to hide. When the new game begins, they are there to be found again. Observant kids will delight in finding each missing stick bug. It might take a while, and some patience. Back matter includes 'six little facts about stick bugs' and an introduction to some of the other tricky critters that can hide in plain sight, and can be found in the pages of this attractive and full-of-fun picture book. 

                                                                                          

Professor Goose Debunks The Three Little Pigs, written by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. ages 8 and up

"Then the wolf huffed and he puffed 
and he blew the house in. 

The two little piggies escaped and 
zigzagged all the way to their sister's 
house. 

I'm ready to honk and hiss! A lone wolf 
preying on pigs? HA! Real wolves are 
pack animals. They hunt, live and raise 
their young in family groups.

This is the second book in the Professor Goose Debunks series. This time story of three little pigs is also given a fact check in the name of science. It is narrated by Mother Goose's niece, a 'renowned and distinguished scientist' whose need to assure that her great-aunt's stories are told with complete accuracy and honesty. 

Professor Marie Curious Goose chooses to debunk some of the errors in this fault-ridden tale. Her first point is that pigs are often seen as lazy, dirty and a bit silly. In fact, zoologists, who study animals, know a lot about pigs and say they like clean spaces, don't sweat, and are very smart. Score one for the professor. 

As the story progresses, Marie continues to show readers a kinder version of the old tale. She discusses the properties of straw, the fact that a wolf does not have the power of a windstorm, that wolves live as a family group and are not so bad, and so it goes. Each time a fact check is provided in a sidebar to dispute relevant parts of the tale.  

Good-natured and told with creativity and humor, the book also provides interesting information for kids interested in the science shared. As they were in the first book, the illustrations engage and entertain while also keeping to the tone and logic of the fairy tale. 

I Want 100 Dogs, written by Stacy McAnulty and illustrated by Claire Keane. Chronicle Books, Raincoast. 2023. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Maybe 50 dogs. 

How would you train 
50 dogs? 

SIT! 

STAY! 

COME!"

The story starts with a huge ask: "I want 100 dogs." Her parents grimace while asking to see where all those dogs might sleep. The little one has an answer, as improbable as it might be.The child reduces the number by 10 each time she makes a new request. Each time the parents offer am answer that is cause for further thought. Her parents admit it might be interesting, but they do have a question about the enormity of the numbers presented ... 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10.

"Okay then, I just want 10 dogs. 

How would you clean up after 10 dogs
when they go number 2? 

You mean I'd have to ...

YEP."

Finally, she resorts to realism, asking for just 1 dog. Her parents are delighted they have avoided catastrophe. Who is smarter in this battle for a much-desired companion? I wonder.   

Digital, detailed illustrations evoke the humor found in the requests and responses. The parents are attentive to the child's wishes and carefully consider the scenarios that would fill their house, pool, yard and life should they fall prey to the demands for an exorbitant number of puppies. The accompanying artwork is filled with humorous expression as each number is considered and dismissed. 

So much fun to read. I read it yesterday to a group of kindergarten and grade two children. They were both attentive and entertained by the idea of such a request and had lots of comments to share. Their many smiles said it all!                                                                                   

Counting in Dog Years and Other Sassy Math Poems, written by Betsy Franco and illustrated by Priscilla Tey. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 8 and up

 

"One fifth of me 
is a brother. 
One fifth of me 
is a son. 

One fifth collects 
old comic books. 
One fifth finds 
campouts fun. 

One fifth of me 
loves shooting hoops 
or scoring 
a soccer goal. 

Five fifths combined
make all of me. 
I'm a living, 
breathing whole!" 

I am always on the lookout for new poetry to share with kids and their teachers. What about pairing poetry and math? That's exactly what Betsy Franco has chosen to do for this new book. It is a lot of fun for all. The 20 poems are divided into four separate sections: Hanging Out at Home, Math Musing, School Daze and finally, Last Bell, School's Out! 

I found a favorite or two in each section. It was difficult to choose the one I would use to open this post. In fact, I have changed the opening twice already as I go back and read some poems again. Readers will find numerous ones to share with their friends and classmates.

The topics are many, and Ms. Franco's way with wordplay make them appealing and relatable for her audience.  

"Do numerals get out of sorts?
Do fractions get along?
Do equal signs complain and gripe
when kids get problems wrong?” 

Offering a host of complaints from those trying to figure out things that are often annoying in terms of math and numbers, the poet also includes a guessing game, a poem to perform with a friend, and even a group of number palindromes. 

Priscilla Tey creates gouache artwork that is funny, frantic, and downright serene, in keeping with the mood of each poem included. There is lots here to make readers snicker, while also speaking to truths they know at home and at school. 

"Today, when she said, "Just a sec,"
I timed my mom ... and then 
one hundred seconds tick-tocked by -
she'd pulled her trick again. 

The next time Mom says, "Clean your room. 
Right now! Your floor's a wreck!"
I'll answer, "Sure, no problem, Mom. 
I'll do it in a sec."

Careful word choice and a genius mix of number and math concepts, make this great fun to read out loud, to think about, and to respond to the concepts being considered. It's a terrific addition to any home or classroom library where it is sure to find fans. 

"That’s three months of summer
but nine months of school!
It must have been grown-ups
who made up
that rule!” 

Too Many Pigs and One Big Bad Wolf, written by Davide Cali and illustrated by Marianna Balducci. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2022. $$23.99 ages 5 and up

"Once upon a time, there were seven little pigs. 
One for each color of the rainbow. 
                                                    And then? 

The wolf in yellow ate them all. 
THE END                                               
                                                   OK, that's enough! 
                                                   I want a REAL story! 

Tiny porcine beads are placed on an abacus in accordance with each new story being told, concerning the big bad wolf and an everchanging number of pigs. The problem for the narrator is that each of the stories is much too short. Although it would seem to have originated with the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, the only similarities are the characters; only once are there three little pigs. 

"Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. 
Then the wolf ate them. 
THE END

                                             This story is too short! 
                                             I want a longer one!"

The dialogue is witty, and would make a good book share for young readers to read together. Obviously, there is plenty of drama to rev up the storytelling and who can complain when it's a funny one. Moving from one full spread to the next, the number of pigs changes from 3 to 7, and then gets bigger and bigger until the final count is one thousand ... or more! Readers will be giggling with delight and counting as quickly as they can. 

When the number reaches 26, the text lists one pig's name for each letter of the alphabet before moving on to 29 (one for each day of the month of February in a leap year). You have to be kidding! The stories don't seem to be getting much longer, despite the rapidly growing cast of characters. 

"Once upon a time, there were 
three hundred pigs. 

                          Three hundred? That's a lot! 
Yes. 
                         Will it make the story longer? 

No, because they were tiny and 
the wolf ate them like cereal. 
THE END. 

                           I can't take this anymore!"

Marianna Balducci's animated illustrations use 'photography and a very brave abacus' to deal with the groupings created in this humorous text. Expressive faces and changing outfits will inspire little ones to take careful looks with each turn of the page. Those who love numbers and enjoy writing their own stories are sure to find inspiration here.                                                                                       

 

Let's Add Up! Written by Victoria Allenby and illustrated by Maggie Zeng. Pajama Press, 2022. $21.95 ages 3 and up

 

"7 capes + 3 robes = 10 costumes ... 

... or a play!"

This book is a fine addition to the Big, Little Concept Books series by Victoria Allenby. It follows Shape Up Construction! and Listen Up, Train Song! 

What an invitation it is for little ones to begin to think about numbers through play. By taking familiar objects and grouping them together, she gives kids an opportunity to count, combine and come to understand adding on to make a new number. 

She does even better than that ... after coming up with the answer, the concept becomes a new activity to share together. 

"5 drums + 5 tambourines = 10 instruments ...
... or a band."

Once they get the hang of it, readers will be challenged to make guesses about what the resulting activity could be. It won't be long until they are reading it for themselves and perhaps trying some of their own addition ideas. Numbers here go up to 10. 

Maggie Zeng's digital illustrations show wide diversity in the children who remain the same throughout the book's addition challenges. Following the party attended by 9 friends and 1 more, the author offers 4 clear tasks for parents and caregivers to try with young children that will help expand the learning.

Count on! 

Lion Lullaby, written by Kate Banks and illustrated by Lauren Tobia. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House, 2021. $23.99 ages 2 and up

 

"Six little lions climbing a hill. 
Why is it trembling rather than still? 

A pair of elephants are stomping their feet
while a herd of wildebeests drums a beat.
Oh, little lions, run along home." 

Ten lion cubs have been busy exploring their savanna environs. As dusk 'paints stripes across the sky', it is time for them to find their way home together. The one in a tree is taking stock of the sights there. Two are busy watching a cobra and a tree frog. The narrator's voice continues to encourage them all to head for home. 

Using their senses and instinctive curiosity, they slowly make their way back. Each page turn adds another cub to the text, which is carefully placed on double-page spreads that allow little ones a look at the wonders and wide expanses of the savanna. Careful consideration of the digital images provides an introduction to the flora and fauna that dot the landscape, and provoke distraction for the little lions as they wander. 

In the final two spreads, nine little lions are rolling about and ready to settle in. Then, all ten are 'huddled up tight', and fast asleep. 

Perfect for bedtime reading, it will be returned to for multiple listens and for counting practice. 
                                                                               

Super Santa: The Science of Christmas, written by Bruce Hale and illustrated by Guy Francis. Harper, 2021. $13.50 ages 7 and up

 

"Well, Santa visits about 200 million
homes on Christmas (depending on
who's been naughty or nice), and if
you figure two nice kids per house 
getting presents each -jumpin' Jack 
Frost! That's over a billion presents.
Line them up and they could stretch
three times around the Earth. Luckily,
Santa has designed his workshop to
handle this crazy workload."

As Santa makes preparations for a very long and tiring Christmas Eve, there are those children just beginning to question the impossibility of that monumental task. Our narrator Holly invites us into the workshop to see the logistics of making good on the promise to deliver gifts for children all over the world one night each year. 

A delightfully designed double-page spread allows readers to see a multitude of elves at work on conveyor belts in a remarkably busy workshop. In the garage, Mrs. Santa is working with her elves to ensure Santa's sled in ready to make the 20-million-mile trip (to the moon and back five times) again this year. Each looks capable and competent as they add the finishing touches that are needed. 

The enormity of the load the sled must carry is compared to 'carrying around three Empire State Buildings', and the speed at which it moves requires a good deal of preparation concerning each rooftop landing. Once the sleigh is safety-checked and ready to go, it's Santa's turn to get into his specially-designed suit. After a slight conveyor belt malfunction, Santa is ready with no time to spare. In fact, he is running a touch late. 

"Will he go fast enough? Will the sleigh hold up 
under all the weight? Will he be able to hit the 
brakes perfectly on every rooftop? Don't worry. 
We all know he will. Santa has it all figured out. 
Kris Kringle is a Christmas superhero!" 

Luckily for Santa, children and their families leave cookies and milk wherever he stops. It provides the much-needed energy to get the job done. At the end of the night, he is home at last. Isn't all that work on a child's behalf worth taking time to send a thank-you note once presents are opened and enjoyed on Christmas morning? Santa is sure to welcome every note. 

Some readers will appreciate both the science and math of the telling, while others will be content to consider the pure magic of Santa's trip as the explanation for it. It's a tale that requires thoughtful consideration of its validity while the detailed artwork helps to keep the magic alive.                                                                              

When I Am Bigger: Counting Numbers Big and Small. Written and illustrated by Maria Dek. Princeton Architectural Press, Raincoast. 2021. $24.99 ages 7 and up

 

"To keep 24 snails happy and fat, 
I will grow a giant head of lettuce. 

I will not clean my room for a week or maybe a year!
But I will collect trash in the park with Mama hedgehog
and her 27 happy hoglets."

This is welcome companion to Ms. Dek's earlier book, When I Am Big (2018). This one aims at attracting older kids. It is for those who can imagine a future life in terms of numbers and how to use them. In their minds they can imagine having an idea every 9 seconds, or building a robot that can do 16 different things, or holding a breath underwater for 35 seconds, or building a snowman out of 37 snowballs. 

With every turn of the page, readers see more gleeful flights of the imagination that just might come true, if the child doing the imagining does their best to accomplish the promised feat. Wonderful watercolor illustrations provide energetic color, careful counting, and intricate planning that bring each promise to fruition. There are many surprises and plentiful giggles as readers meander through the pages, stopping to ensure that art matches text. At the end, when they reach 100, they will have already practiced their big number prowess many times. What's more fun than making a point and proving that counting only becomes a bit more of a challenge as children get 'bigger'.   

The best thing about sharing this fun book is that it is sure to encourage readers to try to make a list of their number wishes and dreams. Perhaps the artists in the classroom could provide art to match the imaginings. 

                                                                             

One-A-Saurus, Two-A-Saurus, written by Kim Norman and illustrated by Pierre Collet-Derby. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2021. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"Eight-osaurus, 
nine-osaurus
scurry to the herd. 

Something's coming - 
something big! 
No one say a word!"

It's early morning and the dinosaurs are keen to get themselves involved in a 'counting game'. One by one they repeat the patterned refrain. They have completed their counting up to seven when there is a problem ...  

ROAR!!!

8 and 9 are in a panic and seek comfort with the first seven of their friends. Perhaps being with the 'herd' will calm their fears. 

"Ready or not, here I come!" 

Far too scared to stick around and see what's coming, they all take off at a run. Finding a quiet place, they hide themselves behind their numbers. Something is getting closer! They do their best to be invisible. They are in for a BIG surprise! Likewise, for little readers who are sure to react with great delight, and want to be a part of the next game the herd dreams up. 

Kids will love the counting practice, and have the opportunity to practice their numbers more than once. The rhythmic text and clever illustrations carry readers quickly through the movement-filled book. The dinosaurs are appealing and colorful, and the hiding will produce giggles.  

Wait until you learn what their new game will be! I wonder if we might see it in print at some point in time.                                                                                   

13 Ways to Eat a Fly, written by Sue Heavenrich and illustrated by David Clark. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2021. $19.99 ages 5 and up

 

"13

Zapped

In the blink of an eye, a wood frog snaps
out its tongue and catches a fly. The frog
closes its eyes and swallows, using its
eyeballs to push the fly down its throat.

Kids who want to practice their counting skills need look no further than this book that encourages their full attention as they watch thirteen different species of flies and gnats meet their demise at the will of an array of predators. 

Readers are first introduced to the species in a full spread of images for all thirteen:

"Big flies, 
     small flies, 
        fat flies,
            thinner. 

Yum! These flies are someone's dinner."

Even though many have a strong dislike for flies, there are animals and plants who depend on them for sustenance. They quite like having them nearby. The numbers begin at 13, with the flies spread across the top of the page. A frog quickly snaps up the blue bottle fly as it does its best to avoid capture. Moving on the long-legged fly gets tangled in the web of a garden spider. At the bottom of this page, the illustrator offers the flies that are left - twelve of them. So it goes from single to double-page spreads, always with the images of the descending number of flies shown in a long line for constant counting.  

The species of each fly is named (common and scientific) and a brief paragraph of accessible information is provided. The title for each page is rhymed with the one that follows. 

"Snatched

A well-camouflaged crab spider waits, motionless
in a flower. When an unsuspecting fly lands - 
pounce! The spider grabs the fly with its powerful 
front legs and sinks its fangs into the fly's head." 

Following the demise of the last counted fly, the author explains that human don't often eat flies (unless they swallow one by running into it). She does say that some people do eat other insects, and that research is being done to make use of more in foods for human consumption. A fly's life cycle is added, as a well as a tongue-in-cheek guide to fine dining, a labelled close-up image of the fly and its edible parts, lists of books and websites, and a selected bibliography. 

This is a terrific book, enhanced by the pen and ink, and digital media drawings of David Clark. They are filled with crisp lines, bold colors, and fitting close-ups of the flies and predators. Kids of all ages will find much to learn here, by presenting an original way to get kids engaged in science. If you know a child who likes insects, get this book; if they like fun and facts, get this book; if they like gross content, get this book!                                                                                               

5 More Sleeps 'Til Christmas, written by Jimmy Fallon and illustrated by Rich Deas. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2020. $25.99 ages 4 and up

 

"It's TWO more sleeps 'til Christmas!
Why can't this day be done?! 
If I can get just one more sleep,
then we'll be down to 1!"

What? After opening daily advent calendar windows and doors, those very excited little ones have only FIVE more sleeps until Christmas day. What wonder there is in the countdown to such a thrilling time!

As old as I am, I cannot remember the countdown with clarity. But, through the eyes of my grandchildren I have been experiencing it once again. This is the first year (they are 6 and 4) that the excitement has really been building with new books every day, crafts, baking, and counting down each day with great delight. Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, there is no lack of anticipation. 

Jimmy Fallon has written a book that builds on that anticipation. Endpapers show a young, bespectacled boy pacing back and forth across the spread. Pajama-clad, with floppy socks, he keeps his head down while waiting it out ... the last five sleeps! 

In first-person voice, he speaks directly to the excited children who will be hearing this book for the first time. He does his best to keep up with his chores and stay on Santa's good side. He counts sheep to help with taming the joy he is feeling as the days tick down. Preparations have all been made. All that remains is to put his on the pillow each night and get to sleep. As soon as he succumbs to slumber, something magical happens. 

Christmas Day is celebrated with joy - and an announcement. 

"Only 364 more sleeps 
'til next year!"

A bright color palette and highly expressive artwork is inviting for young readers and brings them right inside the impatient leadup to that final brilliant day. Pages are filled with Yuletide details, and the rhyming text provide a book well-suited to be read aloud on each of the five nights leading up to the 25th. Fun for all!                                                                       

                                                                                

Counting Creatires, written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sharon King-Chai. two hoots, Publishers Group Canada. 2020. $28.99 ages 3 and up

"This 
leopard
has ...

3 cubs

Tottering, swaying, 
pouncing and playing."

Thoughts are quickly turning to thoughts of Christmas and gift giving. It's going to be different this year, if we are following the many cautions for large gatherings. Bookstores are keen to help with getting special gifts to those who love books and reading. If you have a little one in your family, there are many fine choices for them. This one is perfect for those who are just learning to count ... and who also have an interest in animal babies. 

It is brilliantly designed counting book that hits all the high points. The animals will be familiar; the language is engaging, rhythmic, and descriptive; the numbers go from 1 through 10 and beyond by 5s up to 25; and the surprise ending encourages readers to go back to the beginning with a new task in mind. 

Wait! I haven't mentioned the glorious artwork, have I? The intricately created pages include cut-aways, die-cuts, flaps and fold-outs that begin on the front endpaper where little ones are shown the animals they will meet inside. Bright colors, textured images, and constantly changing settings add context and understanding for little ones. Each turn of the page answers the question of 'one more', and brings a new animal to the forefront. The back endpaper of a spider and some of her many spiderlings invites readers to go back and count exactly how many babies that mother spider has. 

There are many opportunities for counting, and discussion. Bravo! 

Arithmechicks Add Up: A Math Story, written by Ann Marie Stephens and illustrated by Jia Liu. Boyds Mills Press, Penguin Random House. 2019. $23.99 ages 3 and up

"4 chicks fast plus
3 chicks slow equals ...

7 chicks slipping down a slide,
while a lonely mouse watches. 

1chick in front plus
7 chicks behind equals ...

8 chicks playing follow the leader ... "

This is a lively and educational look for little ones at the concept of addition. Ten chicks are in the group, all following their mother's advice and heading off to the park to play.

On the first spread they are numbered, which gives interested readers a chance to count from one to ten, and back again. Their arrival at the park allows each to seek a favorite place and activity. Observant readers will quickly note the little grey mouse watching the action from behind a plant.

One chick tracks the numbers of chicks to be found at a variety of spots - the seesaw, the sandy path, the climbing bars, the slide, the swings, the basketball hoop. The mouse is a constant onlooker to the action. He likes to do what they are doing, but is too shy to join in the fun.

As the activity nears the end, their basketball gets caught in the mesh. One chick on top of another, all the way up to ten, cannot solve the problem. Can they find help? Yes, indeed.

"10 chicks tumble down,
plus 1 helpful mouse.

What a way to end the day!
Hip-hip-hooray
for new friends!"

Backmatter explains some of the ways grouping can occur when trying to solve mathematical problems. Playful illustrations add to the light mood, and the fun to be found in counting and friendship.

Not A Bean, written by Claudia Guadalupe Martinez and illustrated by Laura Gonzalez. Charlesbridge, Penguin Random House. 2019. $19.99 ages 5 and up

"On a bright and early morning,
una oruga - a wiggly caterpillar -
burrows into the seedpod.
The caterpillar eats
the inside of its pod
and drinks the water
that seeps in."

As a kid, I was always intrigued by the Mexican jumping bean. Of course, I knew nothing about it and may never have really seen a real one. It was the movement that caused me to wonder about it. Until now, that curiosity has never been satisfied. It's just one of the things I love about books for children. They continue to teach - even retired teachers.

In her debut children's picture book, Ms. Martinez invites her readers to learn about this bean that is 'not a bean.' As she explores its life cycle, she reveals that it is a seed pod that comes from the yerba de la flecha shrub. The caterpillar burrows deep inside. The pod hardens, falls to the ground nearby, and then spends time frightening animals and nearby birds with its jump.

It travels where rainwater takes it, and is eventually picked up by exploring children. Using it and others they have found for a favorite game, the NOT a Bean does its thing and entertains until evening. After many days under the desert sun, it is time for the caterpillar to spin a cocoon, and emerge the lovely moth it was meant to be.

Spanish vocabulary including counting words add interest. The warm colors and spirited desert scenes were created in Photoshop. A glossary, a list of Spanish words from one to ten, and an author's note make up back matter.

Fun to read aloud, and filled with new information for many.
                                                                         

Red House Tree House Little Bitty Brown Mouse, written by Jane Godwin and illustrated by Blanca Gomez. Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2019. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"Pink shoes
      Blue shoes
Green shoes
       Red.

Shoes go on your feet.
What goes on your head?

Purple fish
      Orange fish -
rainbow
      tail."

Oh, she's an industrious one - the little mouse who stars in the engaging picture book. She packs her suitcase and sets off to accompany little ones on this journey of discovery. Each turn of the page is a sweet invitation to readers and listeners to take the time to immerse themselves in all there is to see.

First, it is a concept book that encourages young children to take note of both color and number. It is also filled with lively language that builds on rhyming, listening, and new vocabulary. though not mentioned again, astute observers will spy that wee tiny mouse. She does appear on every new spread. The journey is perfectly paced, always directing the audience's attention to the questions being asked and things to be noted.

"Brown dog
         Red dog
Dog with a
          spot.

Dogs that are friendly,
and dogs that are not."

Blanca Gomez ensures that delighted attention will be paid with each new scene. They are brightly colored, with visits to many of the community's familiar places - the streets, a flower garden, local transit, the sidewalk, curb and street crossing, the aquarium, the ice cream store ... Kids are asked to make decisions when thinking about safety, flavor, observation, and always attending to the many details provided.

The final page asks a question that will send children back to the beginning -

"and did you spot that mouse?"

The mouse and her suitcase? If that isn't enough, the author adds a bit of extra fun using the endpaper images. She suggests that a careful look at them might lead readers back to a 'related image in the story'. What fun!
                                                                               

Fix That Clock, written and illustrated by Kurt Cyrus. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2019. $24.99 ages 4 and up

“Wibble-wobble goes the clock,
shaking loose a noisy flock.

First, the flapping pigeons go;
second is the cawing crow;
third, the owl; then the bats,
swallows, sparrows, mice, and rats.

Flap and flutter! Scratch and hop!
Scramble to the tippy-top.”

There's a big problem with the town's clock. It was once beautiful. Now it is broken down; mice, rats, bats, and birds living within. Not to worry! Three builders have construction and repair on their minds. So, the work begins. It is not an easy job.

Each part of the clock is in need of a full makeover. The builders are willing; they are also hampered from their task by hidden surprises. There is a lot of noise and each step in the process dislodges the clock's occupants. Luckily, the builders are professional and proficient.

"Put some windows here and there.
Cut a circle. Cut a square.
Wide or narrow, short or tall -
make them any shape at all."

What will happen to the critters whose home has been changed and whose lives have been disrupted? There is no need to worry.

The rhythm of the words in the text carry the story along, making it perfect to be read aloud to little ones. They will love the noises, and be consumed by the detailed remake of such a tumbledown structure. The quiet moments that reflect concern for those creatures being displaced are a marked contrast to the hubbub taking place. As you read it, you can almost hear the clock ticking.

The artwork is clear and detailed, ensuring that listeners see exactly what is happening as the builders replace the old with the new. Changes in perspective add interest and visual appeal. Changes in font give the book a most enjoyable feel. Kids have opportunities to count along with textual clues.

Hey! Where's the problem with showing kids that not all things need to be torn down? They can be fixed!

A Million Dots, by Sven Volker. Cicada Books, Publishers Group Canada. 2019. $25.95 all ages

"Double the numbers
to get from one to one
million in 40 pages!

A remarkable visualization
of numbers big and small."




Let's start with 1 ... 1 green circle sitting atop 1 short brown triangle. A turn of the page shows the number 2 on the verso facing overlapping green circles on 2 triangles. Add 2 apples to each tree and you have 4, then 4 more apples fallen from the tree in autumn and you have 8, and so on. Turning page by page to 16, 32, 64. 128. 256. 512, 1,024. The numbers become more and more astronomical as doubling the numbers continues. That does nothing to lessen the visual appeal of this unusual and outstanding book.

From 1 to more than a million in just over 40 pages: that is the opportunity that presents itself to those who read this book from start to finish. As the numbers get bigger, the dots get smaller. On the final page, they can barely be seen. Someone did the research and gave this report:

"At one number per second — with no breaks, at all, for any reason — it would take 11 days, 13 hours, 46 minutes, and 40 seconds to count from one to 1,000,000."

I will leave it to those who can do the math to suggest  that particular statistic. It would be impossible to count each and every dot shown on the final foldout panorama as the book ends, assuming you have the time or the inclination to even try it!

All will be in awe when the book is done! Though meant for young readers, it is sure to find fans of all ages. The graphic illustrations are the perfect means for presenting such an idea. What an imaginative and fascinating undertaking. 

A Million Dots was named to the NYT Best Illustrated Children's Books list for 2019. Well done, Mr.Volker.