Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book

PreS-Gr 2–At the break of day, readers see one willow flycatcher singing. As the day progresses, they meet different animals representing each number up to 10. Each spread highlights an animal of the temperate forest and either their sounds, actions, or a bit of background sound. For example, water glistens, owls hoot, butterflies flit. Realistic illustrations in soft blues, greens, and browns show each creature in its habitat. The day includes rain, animals in trees, and water animals. This sweet, quiet story is not only a counting book but is also encourages an understanding of the need for conservation and protection for these animals and their habitat. A glossary, with a simple drawing of each animal, has detailed background information on the animal as well as possible environmental threats. In addition, curious readers will find many other animals “hiding” on each page. The last page has a thumbnail of where these animals appear in the previous text with the animal’s name. Parents of young children can show them the thumbnail and then help them find the animal in the “bigger” picture in the text.