KIRKUS REVIEW
This elegant counting book by a Caldecott Honor–winner introduces young children to the numbers one through ten. An owl identifies and counts the various creatures she observes during her nocturnal wanderings. By the glow of the rising full moon, she encounters animals large and small, from five majestic cranes to eight tiny spiders. In simple, straightforward prose MacDonald describes Owl’s observations while the abundant repetition provides new learners with plenty of practice in counting. “Owl saw 3 ducks near the pond. She counted 1, 2, 3.” MacDonald’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every illustration. A two-page spread is devoted to each new number. One page details the name and quantity of the animals Owl espies, with an accompanying illustration depicting the appropriate number of creatures. The facing page contains a picture of Owl soaring over the landscape. Forming the feathers of her outspread wings are the numbers one through the featured number. For children already familiar with their numbers, the intricate cut-paper collages offer a visual challenge. Ingeniously designed pictures reward observant readers with a surprise—each animal has the highlighted number incorporated into its body. For example, a pair of mice form the numeral two with their tails. Likewise, seven bats all have one wing that resembles the numeral seven. A treat for both new and experienced counters. (Picture book. 3-6)
