ONE, TWO PEEK-A-BOO!

Count a variety of animals and objects both above and below nearly full-size flaps on each page.

“ONE big doghouse—who could be inside?” Under the flap, the workmanlike text reads: “ONE smiley dog, trying to hide!” Die-cut holes offer readers a peek of what is underneath, but these glimpses are rarely a help to would-be guessers. While the cheery cartoons present the world in muted tones, the page design is very busy, and there is no unity of image or idea across double-page spreads. The book continues the pattern of counting and rhyming until the last double-page spread, where a teddy bear encourages readers to count a multitude of objects arrayed in vertical lines. Companion title Red, Blue, Peekaboo! presents the colors in similar fashion. Above the flap, items of one featured hue are joined by other objects in the shade below (purple hat/umbrella and blue shell/whale). In both books, most of the objects and animals will be easily recognizable to tykes, and each page is labeled with the color or numeral in question. The flaps, which alternate between opening from the bottom or from the top, are sturdy enough for repeat use.

While there are some enjoyable moments here, the overbusy design mars the entire effect.