ONE IS A SNAIL, TEN IS A CRAB

Seeing patterns and different ways of calculation are standard concepts of mathematical reasoning, but there is nothing standard about this creative counting book. The potentially pedestrian subjects of counting, adding, and multiplication step up to another footing as each page or spread counts the number of feet of various creatures on a beach, from a snail with just one foot (of sorts) to a crab with ten feet, including its claws. Helpful white arrows within the humorous oil paintings point to the feet as each animal is introduced, helping to convey the logic of this way of seeing. The patterned text follows the sequencing in the title, moving on after numeral 10 to more complex computations of feet that march right into the concepts of multiplication and even elementary algebraic equations for those who choose to dip a toe into those waters. The buggy-eyed insects, crabs, and snails provide an appealing cast of characters who stand up to be counted against a summertime palette of orange sand and blue skies. (Picture book. 4-10)