by Rosemary Wells; illus. by the author

Hyperion Books for Children, 2000

Image from FictionDB

Wells’ book of counting introduces children to the numbers 1 through 100 in a series of playful, numbered illustrations with text. The pages are full of Wells’ signature bright colors and animal characters.  The numbers are represented by recognizable images, and each number is clearly highlighted on the page.  While the anecdotes for some of the numbers feel forced, Wells has created an extensive story-land framework that invites further discussion between reader and child.  Though not told in story format, the reader is introduced to many of Emily’s friends and family, and there are some chronological elements to the progression.  Many of the illustrations include opportunities for counting practice; for instance, all 77 of the stockings sent to UNICEF are represented on the page.  Kindergarten students will be able to relate to the celebration of the one hundredth day of school, as well as to the milestones that Emily accomplishes as the days progress (such as learning to write the alphabet and eventually a letter to her friend).  There is a lot of text; it would probably feel unnatural to read one number per day, but the book may be split into smaller segments for time purposes.

(This review was originally submitted as part of my picture book overview for Materials for Children class)