One Bright Ring

PreS-Gr 2—A young man is about to propose to his sweetheart. Is that a logical plot for a counting book? Probably not. Does it succeed? Absolutely. The author-illustrator takes readers on a running, hopping, mommy-tugging, obstacle-packed adventure through attractive city streets as one small girl chases one young man who has dropped a bright ring. Géser makes every scene count, inserting clues, signposts, captivating urban details, and an engaging black cat that, for many children, will steal the show. There's so much to see in each scene, e.g., "four little babies" in strollers "block the path," "five frisky dogs" of various breeds, and the gorgeous variety of perspectives turns the pages into works of art. Ring might be included in units about love and family, but it will make its greatest contribution in explorations of city life. Because the mixed-media illustrations tell the story so successfully, the book will be as popular with preschoolers as with the early elementary set.—Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY