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JANE FOSTER'S 123 by Jane Foster Kirkus Star

JANE FOSTER'S 123

by Jane Foster ; illustrated by Jane Foster

Pub Date: July 7th, 2015
ISBN: 978-1-4998-0073-9
Publisher: Little Bee Books

A simple and stylish counting book.

The familiar preschool journey from one through 10 is reimagined here by textile designer Foster. Each double-page spread presents a large numeral and an adjective-noun phrase on the left (“1 friendly fox, / 2 sleeping birds,” and so on) and an illustration on the right. Foster makes the most of this simple design, crafting large, 1950s- and ’60s-influenced illustrations that tots and adults will appreciate in equal measure. Thick black lines and eye-catching patterns make for pleasingly clean, high-contrast images that will stimulate babies’ developing vision. The board book is also handsomely produced, coming with a hardcover binding and sturdy, reinforced pages. Even the most destructive little readers will have trouble tearing this one up. Another title, Jane Foster’s ABC, publishes simultaneously and illustrates the letters of the alphabet in similar fashion. Both titles are stunningly simple, but Foster is able to create some truly arresting images here, making both books pleasurable repeat reads.

A fetching and effective introduction to the world of numbers.

(Board book. 3 mos.-2)