COUNT ON ME 123
by J.B. Frank ; illustrated by Ela Smietanka
A counting book highlighting community workers and family members.
Each double-page spread features a category of people (or person) very young children can “count on.” Sweet but pedestrian rhymed verse and busy, colorful scenes employing whimsical two-dimensional graphics feature a countdown of 10 crossing guards, nine firefighters, eight teachers, seven doctors, and more. As the numbers decrease, the helpers are found closer to home, and readers meet four grandparents, three siblings, and two parents. The project ends with a Mylar mirror at the back and the reminder that youngsters can also count on themselves. A diverse group of folks is represented, so readers see energetic toddlers, big kids, and grown-ups with a broad range of racial presentations. One family features a White, green-bearded dad with a Black toddler. The intended age range is a bit muddled, since the inclusion of a mirror skews the book toward babyhood, but many of the scenes feature content that will resonate with older toddlers and preschoolers, particularly the subject-specialty teachers and the scenes of dramatic play.
Readers will enjoy counting down with these visuals.
(Board book. 6 mos.-4)