cover image Waving: A Counting Book

Waving: A Counting Book

Peter Sis. Greenwillow Books, $47.5 (28pp) ISBN 978-0-688-07159-2

Mary and her mother wave for a cab; two bicyclists, driving in front of the taxi, respond by waving back. Soon a chain reaction of people waving consumes the city with warmth and friendliness. The scene involves three boys walking dogs, four girls in a car, five mailmen, six policemenand waiters, joggers, musicians and, of course, the inevitable tourists and out-of-towners; the numbers for each group range from one to 15. The prime movers of the wave of good cheer, Mary and her mother, exit the scene and head for home on foot. This is a jolly counting book, highly original and a terrific greeting card from the big city to the rest of the world. With Sis's fine ink lines, subtle backgrounds and crayon-bright watercolors, the place looks more like a cozy neighborhood than a bustling burg. Ages 4-up. (April)