CHRISTOPHER COUNTING

Learning about numbers opens a world of discovery for a curious rabbit. Teacher Ms. Goat uses a basket of oranges to introduce a lesson on counting to the rapt class, which includes a large cross section of animals (turtle, fox, pig, etc.). Practically jumping out of his desk, young rabbit Christopher excitedly takes part and, arms spread wide with joy, leads the parade of students out of school, counting everything in sight. At home, he counts the fish in his aquarium, the plates and cups in the kitchen and all the shoes in the house. Even more opportunities present themselves outside. After dinner (during which he naturally counts all the peas on his plate), Christopher yawns and yawns. Mother Rabbit puts him to bed. “One kiss,” he says, drifting off to sleep. Gorbachev’s terrifically detailed illustrations, in watercolor and pen-and-ink, greatly enhance the simple, straightforward story. (Picture book. 3-6)