This Old Man: The Counting Song

Koontz, the talented illustrator of Pussycat Ate the Dumplings , has given a popular counting song new vitality with this perky interpretation. Using humorous line drawings with bright watercolor, she places the song in a barnyard setting. A succession of very little old men, each in a colorful numbered sweatsuit, arrive and play havoc with the farm's quiet organization. Readers will identify with the pig-tailed girl who tries to calm her dog while dealing with each of the small men's antics. By the final spread, calm is restored and the girl and her dog relax as the little men set the farm to rights. Koontz has included music and actions; although the play actions could have been more effectively illustrated and clearly described, this volume is sure to please. Ages 3-7. (Oct.)