How Many Legs?

Newcomer Spitzer’s screenprintlike illustrations practically vibrate with energy in this pocketbook-size counting book. Working in striking shades of turquoise, yellow, and red, Spitzer begins with “1 unicorn” before moving on to five kites (among them are an octopus and a Chinese dragon) and six boxy robots (one of which is a Dalek). After readers reach 10, Spitzer begins a new sequence, asking readers to do the counting (“How many cowboys?” “How many mischievous monkeys?”) while leading them up to 10 once again. The whimsical details and bright colors command interest—who can resist a world of mermaids, ice cream, and fedora-wearing spiders?—in a stylish counting exercise that fully supports the axiom about good things coming in small packages. Available simultaneously: Let’s Go Outside. Ages 3–5. (Feb.)