A compelling collection of things that fly and a counting book all rolled into one.
On the opening double-page spread, “10 birds” fly across a bright blue sky. On subsequent pages, a seaplane, a balloon, a helicopter and more appear on the scene, and as they do, one bird leaves the flock to hitch a ride on the vehicle in question. The text is simple, describing the number of birds still left to count and labeling the flying apparatus: “4 birds and a race plane.” This pattern continues with the appearance of a glider, a biplane, a Wright flyer and even a blimp, until only one bird is left solo on the page. While the end is a little anticlimactic, Biggs’ thick-lined cartoons in bright colors provide a clear counting experience for little ones and are playfully droll as goggled and wide-eyed pilots and passengers are visible inside the various contraptions.
A delightful addition to the Everything Goes book series; here’s hoping more vessels are not too far behind.
(Board book. 18 mos.-3)