cover image World of Wonders: A Trip Through Numbers

World of Wonders: A Trip Through Numbers

Eileen Doolittle, Starr Ockenga. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH), $16.95 (48pp) ISBN 978-0-395-48726-6

This highly unusual counting book is from the producers of The Ark in the Attic: An Alphabet Adventure . Fabulously rich and multi-textured, this journey from one to 12 is a triumphant blend of art, storytelling and theatre. Photographs of each miniature ``set'' illuminate a rhyme that is magically esoteric but concrete enough to keep vibrantly alive the connection between one number and the next. The compilations of new and antique toys, mechanical what-nots and found objects sparkle invitingly against meticulously painted backdrops. The balance of color and movement that compel readers to turn pages is brilliantly maintained. Each number is introduced in Arabic and Roman numerals and also spelled out in bold red letters. Obvious and hidden references to the numbers turn the book into a game. A key in the back of the book explains various intricacies more fully. References to well-known sayings (``Once in the blue moon'' or a golfing foursome shouting ``Fore!'') and other wordplay make the pictures an endless source of fun, suitable for shared activity among people of all ages. A Floyd Yearout Book. All ages. (October)