The Very Cold, Freezing, No-Numbers Day

PreS-Gr 1—Opening on a snowy, frozen landscape, the book depicts a clock in the snow that appears to be losing its numbers. The first pages are a cry for "H-H-H-H-H-H-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-L-L-L-L-L-L-P-P-P-P-P-P-P-P-!" and four numbers appear, "numb" with cold. The only way to warm them up (and prevent time from stopping!) is to count them. On each page, readers count four new numbers. The numbers start out purple to match the sky of the frozen landscape, but as readers count them, they turn to blue, then grow a grassy green landscape. Children are also asked to trace the numbers with their fingers. The numbers turn tiger striped and start to grow jungle shrubbery around them. Readers are then asked to softly blow on the numbers, in addition to counting and tracing. On the following pages, the shrubbery is blown aside, and the numbers turn red-hot and then adorn a birthday cake. This book has a clever premise and a desirable interaction component that children will love. Even better, kids can practice counting from one to 20. The illustrations are simple, containing rich, brilliant, eye-catching colors. The goal of turning "red-hot" is a little unusual, but it is the natural opposite of being frozen. The final page shows numeral four sipping lemonade and sunbathing in a lounge chair, enjoying the heat!