One, Two, Cockatoo!

PreS-Gr 2—One cockatoo is sitting in his tree, but before long two friends join him. Then there are three. Four cockatoos dance a jive; when another one arrives, suddenly there are five. This simple counting story goes from one to 10 as the charming birds huddle together in the rain, splash in puddles, dry off upside down, and simply enjoy their day. Reaching 10, the story is complete…almost. For just then, a small, furry chick pops out of its egg to join the fun. Garson uses primarily cheerful greens, yellows, and blues in illustrations that are rendered in watercolor and charcoal. The book has uncluttered spreads and limited text. It is highly suitable for preschool storytimes about counting and numbers. Or, combine it with other light tales about birds such as Natalie Chivers's Rhino's Great Big Itch! (Good Bks., 2010) or Joan Lexau's classic Who Took the Farmer's Hat? (HarperCollins, 1988).—Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA