Goodnight, Numbers

Actor and author McKellar (Math Doesn't Suck) brings her enthusiasm for mathematics to a younger crowd in this gentle and well-executed counting book. As the book proceeds from one to 10, cherubic toddlers of various ethnicities interact with their parents and surroundings: "Goodnight, four paws./ Goodnight, kitty cat./ Goodnight, four froggies/ on the bathroom mat," writes McKellar as one father runs a bubble bath for his daughter. Padron's (Little Fox, Lost) cozy watercolor vignettes are stuffed with objects to count, providing bountiful opportunities to explore each number in depth, and closing notes offers tips for adults hoping to encourage kids' interest in math. Ages 2-5. Author's agent: Laura Nolan, Kuhn Projects. Illustrator's agent: Minju Chang, Bookstop Literary. (Mar.)

Toddler-PreS—This clever picture book celebrates bedtime and math. A diverse group of toddlers and adults are counting their way to bed in different rooms of the house. Each spread introduces a number as a child bids familiar objects good night. For example, for the number three, the text states, -Goodnight three wheels./Goodnight, three cans./Goodnight, all trucks/and pots and pans.- The watercolor and digital illustrations elevate this title above most concept books by providing multiple examples of the number in question. For instance, for the number six, there are six snaps on the child's pajamas, six dots on the lampshade, and six blocks. Detail-oriented readers will love poring over these small nuances and counting everything on the various pages. VERDICT A winner for bedtimes or storytimes focusing on counting. A first purchase for libraries. — Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI

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