Tracks Count: A Guide to Counting Animal Prints

PreS-K—This counting book is both an introduction to numbers and a guide to animal tracks. An introduction aimed at grown-ups explains parts of the tracks and how adults can use this book with children. Each spread includes the number, a footprint, and brief text about the animals ("One horse in the corral stands by the water trough. Each foot has one toe."). Sepia-toned illustrations depict the animals in their habitats. Numbers greater than six are portrayed with a mix of two animals, such as a tapir and a coatimundi (a ring-tailed mammal similar to the raccoon), which together make up eight toes. End pages contain additional facts about each of the animals covered. The book is somewhat uneven in tone. Many of the adorable animals portrayed are anthropomorphized (such as the tapir giving the coatimundi a ride on its back), which contrasts with the somewhat complex scientific information on offer. Although the concept is unique, there are too many issues here to make this title a worthwhile purchase.—Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elementary School, San Antonio, TX