One Red Rooster

This simple but versatile rhyming book presents barnyard animals and their noises, along with numbers and colors. After the animals are introduced, they reappear in successive illustrations for youngsters to identify again--often cleverly placed, as when cows, birds and sheep are glimpsed through a barn window. The figures, particularly cats and dogs, are whimsically primitive, and several pictures include objects such as a shovel, a rake, flowers and apples for children to name. Barbier's bold palette is particularly eye-catching, while her variegated borders add visual interest without distracting from the art. Frequently the creatures' tails, ears or noses jut outside these frames, adding a playful and dynamic dimension. The large typography is often slanted, stretched or elongated to accentuate the animals' sounds. Ages 2-4. (Mar.)