Basher 123

PreS-Gr 1—Stylized, oddball animals take readers through the numbers from 1 to 20. In some cases, the creatures are alliterative: "angry ants," "freaky frogs," "sleepy spiders." In all cases, they are engaged in unusual activities: pigs bake cupcakes, ladybugs skateboard in a loop the loop, and cows frolic with hula hoops. Each spread has a large number on the left with all 20 numerals at the bottom and the specific number underlined for readers to identify where in the sequence it belongs. The recto has clear representations of the animals and their antics. Some are a little bit difficult to interpret: the fearless kites are floating free but there is no way to see them fly "higher and higher." The colors are clear, but the artwork is static. However, children will love counting the animals, interpreting their movements, and noticing bits like the holes in the socks of those freaky frogs. They will be able to identify colors and find the different expressions on the speedy snails driving their red racecars. A nice but not essential addition.—Susan Lissim, Dwight School, New York City