NUMBERS

A diminutive, flimsy caterpillar-shaped novelty book "unfolds" its segments to represent numbers one through 10.

In an accordion format, individual circles in varied sizes (small to larger and back again) present each numeral; its flip side gives a physical representation. Objects, though clearly recognizable, at times need elbowroom; 10 ladybugs appear scrunched together on the small surface, for instance. A patterned border frequently relates to the featured items; seven birds sit within a leafy background of varied hues of green, and four sailboats appear against a background of crashing waves. The number two receives the most whimsical treatment, with two off-kilter houses standing akimbo; vertical hashed lines fill the yellow border. The insect's head on the cover, with black-and-white string antennae, smiles with flushed cheeks. A choking hazard warning discourages children younger than 3 from manipulating the unstable contents, precisely the age tots will naturally gravitate toward the bright Kool-Aid–colored selection.

Run, don't crawl away from this impractical offering.