SEEK AND COUNT

A counting, lift-the-flap book in which each page reveals a hidden picture.

Each spread of this simply structured board book features a white page with a bold, black numeral and letters spelling that number on the left-hand side and an accompanying countable image beneath a flap on the right. On the page for the number five, for example, beneath a mitten-covered hand is a naked, pink-skinned hand with five fingers; the act of lifting the flap makes it seem as though readers are removing the mitten from the hand themselves. Underneath each flap, the illustration features items that can be counted along with brief, descriptive text that repeats the numeral: “5 warm fingers.” By and large, this concept works well, as readers find “1 baby chick” hatching from an egg or pull “6 fresh potatoes” from the ground. The flaps open in different directions, which adds variety and movement to the illustrations. Some of the images are harder to decipher, such as a blanket and a sea anemone, and they really only make sense once the image below is revealed. A paper-wasp nest, once lifted, reveals “9 buzzing bees,” perpetuating a common mistake. The illustrations themselves are very plain, with bold colors outlined in black, allowing readers to focus.

While not a complete standout in a crowded field of similar books, this attempt at a different approach does succeed overall.