I CAN COUNT

Practice counting objects and animals with an embedded arch of 10 movable beads.

This board book encourages number recognition and counting practice, thanks in part to its unusual design, which includes a curved die-cut opening through both covers and all pages. Occupying that space is a plastic rod arching from point to point, where it’s attached to an extra-thick internal page; strung on that rod are the 10 bright beads. The rhyming text encourages readers to answer questions like, “How many colors does a traffic light show?” or provides a directive such as, “Count [the airplanes] as they fly so high.” The beaded arch is usable from every page. Belaboring the point, “Slide the beads to help you count!” is written above it on every double-page spread. The number of items to count is clearly displayed as a numeral at the left-hand corner of every page, which is helpful for caregivers helping make the connection between one-to-one correspondence and the total number. When readers get to 10, they’re encouraged to count back down, a nice touch and a bit of an age-appropriate challenge aided by the beads. The illustrations are sweet, full of big-eyed characters. The simple and clear nature of the design lends itself to counting, and the beads facilitate both the math skill and fine-motor practice. This is assuming, of course, that the beads truly assist with counting rather than distract from it—a distinct possibility.

Sure to occupy little fingers.