The best yet of Milich’s urban albums for the toddler set, this offers within each photograph’s frame both numerals and familiar items to count, from a single pedestrian with a “1” on his back to “10” tempting French fries lined up on a plate. For context and reinforcement, each big, bright color picture comes with a bulleted number line and the number written out on the facing page. Each pair of numbers is then followed by a double-paged spread that includes the accumulation to that point. In some instances, the photos are natural; in others, Milich has added subjects. So readers will find six little manmade chicks perched on an iron fence in between six finials, but numbers one to 8 in brass over an elevator. Like Stephen Johnson’s City By Numbers (1998), this offers an irresistible invitation to count, and also to look more closely at the world all around. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: March 1, 2005
ISBN: 1-55337-540-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kids Can
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2005
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Leave these penguins on the ice.
As the title implies, a counting book set at the zoo.
Starting with “ten playful penguins, living in the zoo,” forced rhymes count down in reverse as the penguins meet zoo animals: elephants, chimps, hippos, a bear, parrots, pandas, seals, and a zebra (unnamed but described as “stripy”). With each encounter, one stays to play with that animal. The penguins meet only eight animals, which may confuse some readers, as one remains in the rookery in order to prepare a feast because “she’s so good and kind!” (Really, the one who cooks is female?) The penguins are cute—raised plastic forms peeking through die-cut windows—but the slight story and cartoonish illustrations are trying too hard to match their appeal. The pictures add little new information, and the text attributes human characteristics to several of the animals. (Hippos don't take bubble baths.) The second couplet on each spread, “ ‘Penguins, stay and have some fun.’ / ‘Yes, please!’ says another one,” is meant to provide a predictable refrain but is wordy for young children and scans poorly for adults who must read this to them. The last page has the best illustrations, though why the penguins now sport hats and drink from stemware is unclear. Adding to the book’s woes, Arabic numerals are nowhere to be found.
Leave these penguins on the ice. (Board book. 2-4)Pub Date: Oct. 27, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-545-79439-8
Page Count: 20
Publisher: Cartwheel/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Aug. 30, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2016
BOOK REVIEW
That most basic of functions, subject of countless earnest tomes, at last receives a treatment whose instructional value is equaled by its entertainment value. “If you ever get that funny feeling . . . ” reads a series of signs borne by a host of cheerful, cartoony mice as they fly, drive, march, and (in at least one instance) get shot from a cannon past a bevy of dubious-looking multicultural children: “don’t PANIC! Don’t FRET!” The simple text is direct, not without humor (“And please don’t ignore it!”), and wonderfully child-wise, providing the critical reassurance that “everything will still be right where it was.” The multitudinous mice in their kite-flying, instrument-playing, sky-diving, helicopter-driving variety constitute a visual feast that enlivens the simple text and will keep the inevitable re-readings from becoming snooze-inducing. The uncluttered layout allows the children to take center stage while the legions of mice, with their text-bearing signs, happily perform their supporting roles. Those kids move from doubt to magnificent relief to pride in a happily encouraging progression, making this offering number one in the potty department. (Picture book. 2-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2003
ISBN: 0-7868-1868-9
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Hyperion
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2003
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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