3, 2, 1, Go!

This lively, eye-catching counting book features animal competitors squaring off in Olympics-style athletic events. Parisian author-illustrator Morgand (ABC: Off to Sea!) counts up to 20 and back down again. A bear lifts a barbell (“9 weights to lift”), a cat referee gives him “a perfect score!” of 10, and alligator swimmers compete in a pool with “13 white lane floats” and “14 red lane floats.” When a rabbit (jersey number 19) is injured playing ball, the referee calls for a 20-minute break. Then, events pick up again with zebra fencing (“11 sword thrusts”), ostrich archery (“9 flying feathers”), and a lion and cow in the boxing ring. Countable objects throughout provide an interactive element, while Morgand’s bright color-contrasting screenprints evoke retro children’s book illustrations. Ages 4–7. [em](May) [/em]