Let's Count Goats!

The traditional counting format receives a charming update as playfully expressive goats mimic human behavior. While these floppy-eared, flat-nosed animals may play the trumpet or throw a snowball, the lure of hot sandcastles or crunchy umbrella stands prove delicious distractions for the frisky friends. The lilting rhymes nicely capture the building energy. As the growing menagerie frolics across each page, pointed questions encourage audience participation. “Here we see a soccer goat roaring at the ref! / But can we count the CHEERING goats who must be going deaf?” Fox, an early-literacy specialist to the core, gets each rhyme just right, though this hasn't the sublime predictability of her spectacular Where Is the Green Sheep? (illustrated by Judy Horacek, 2004). Thomas’s trademark digital spreads provide punch through chunky, dark outlines and zany off-kilter expressions: The slant of an eyebrow or the turn of an ear—not to mention all those beards—makes for some seriously funny faces. The distinctive Grenadine type, which allows each all-uppercase word to pop dramatically, suits the bold backdrops. These wacky goats guarantee a goofy good time. (Picture book. 2-5)

This animated counting book uses irreverent couplets and a screwball cast of goats for its humor. As if Thomas's goats weren't entertaining enough just to look at (and they are), Fox (Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes) pairs random and often mischievous goat activities with invitations for readers to count the wide-eyed animals. "Here we see a fireman goat climbing through the smoke./ But can we count the RESCUED goats trying not to choke?" And when the narrator says, "Here we see an over goat. And this one's going under," a page turn reveals the question, "But can we count the CROSSING goats, terrified of thunder?" (The goats are seen nervously rowing a boat during a storm.) Thomas (the Dust Bunny books) sets her taupe goats against bright, solid backdrops; whether they are pricking up their ears, jumping off monkey bars, huddled in the snow, or blasting their trumpets, they exude personality and slapstick humor. The only number that shows up in the text is "one," (the book goes up to 10), giving kids the opportunity to practice counting without any hints. Ages 2-6. (Oct.) Copyright 2010 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

PreS-K--The title says it all. Fox and Thomas draw viewers in through catchy phrases and amusing pictures of goats that appear in a variety of shapes, sizes, and numbers. As they romp across the bright, colorful pages, their antics will make children giggle; more importantly, the text encourages listeners to look carefully at what is happening. For example, the number of goats increases as the pages turn, and the author's questions concerning them will motivate viewers to examine the images and figure out the answers. A clever counting lesson.--Barbara Elleman, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, Amherst, MA

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"This animated counting book uses irreverent couplets and a screwball cast of goats for its humor. As if Thomas's goats weren't entertaining enough just to look at (and they are), Fox (Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes) pairs random and often mischievous goat activities with invitations for readers to count the wide-eyed animals." —Publishers Weekly