FICTION

Six Little Sticks

by Tiffany Stone (text) & illus. by Ruth Hengeveld
Greystone. May 2025. 36p. Tr $18.95. ISBN 9781778401237.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1–A delightful search-and-find picture book that introduces counting and subtraction. A mama stick bug introduces her six little stick-bug children; the narration tells us she’s going to teach them how to hide. They then disappear one by one with each page. Pencil and lush watercolor illustrations bring the natural world to life, making the bug’s habitat similar to human surroundings. Kids will enjoy pointing out miniature objects such as a lantern and binoculars, as well as bug-size toys like a soccer ball and tire swing. Once all stick bugs have disappeared, readers are asked to find “friends and cousins” on one spread, bringing the counting up to 20. Back matter includes facts about stick bugs and a list of six other critters that use camouflage.
VERDICT A unique and well-done spin on the subtraction caused by disappearing animals trope, and a good purchase for picture book collections.
Reviewed by Carrie Voliva , Dec 13, 2024

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