These Seas Count!

The children in Mr. Tate’s class take a field trip to clean up beach litter in this companion to This Tree Counts! and These Bees Count! This civic-minded activity also gives the kids a chance to learn about ocean habitats and the importance of conservation—with a number lesson to boot. As the children listen to the sea’s story, it delivers a gentle counting song: “Three mighty marlins glide across my waves./ Four sea horses gallop in a saltwater rodeo.” Snow’s digital collages call to mind torn-paper collage, as the class collects garbage and knowledgeable Captain Ned teaches them about pollution. Formento once again underlines the value of the learning that takes place outside the classroom. Author’s agent: Courtney Miller-Callihan, Sanford J. Greenburger Associates. Illustrator’s agent: Libby Snow, Artist Representative. Ages 4–7. (Mar.)