COUNT!

The substance here is traditional—numbers from one to ten introduced with animals to count; the idea extended with tens to 50—but the presentation is outstanding. Like the art in Fleming's eye-catching In the Tall, Tall Grass (1991), these illustrations are rendered in a unique medium using colored pulp from which she creates her own handmade paper. In the collage- like result, there are both areas of subtly modulated color with cloud-like edges and the crisper definitions of cut paper. The brilliant tones and bold juxtapositions will nourish the imaginations of babies too young for the number concepts; the handsome design and exquisite balance of vibrant colors will make the book a favorite until the child is old enough to consider the final appealing spread with the numeral ``50,'' the words ``fifty bees,'' 50 marks grouped in tens, and 50 stylized bees headed up and away. Fashioned with care, intelligence, and artistry—a delight. (Picture book. 0-8)