THE BAKER’S DOZEN

The ruddy-cheeked, jolly baker juggling 13 cupcakes on the cover has irresistible appeal to open the pages of this rhymed counting book. Each one-sentence rhyme counts up to a dozen with oil paintings whisking up the delectable baked goods: “The baker takes care / to make one cream éclair. . . . He measures with teaspoons / eleven macaroons.” From two chocolate German cakes to four sticky buns to seven tarts to eight warm strudels, the device is extremely clever and will have kids counting over and over. A graph on the endpapers enumerates each treat. When the baker reaches 12 cupcakes, his job is complete because he has 13 folks to greet as he opens the bakery door. Though the term “baker’s dozen” isn’t explained, preschoolers will get more than a taste of the meaning. Bursting with bouncy flavor, this blue-ribbon winner of counting tales is sure to engage participation. It’s simply scrumptious fun (and calorie-free), but one thing is missing that would have put the icing on the cake: Scratch-and-sniff tabs. (Picture book. 3-6)