cover image Countablock

Countablock

Christopher Franceschelli, illus. by Peskimo. Abrams Appleseed, $16.95 (94p) ISBN 978-1-4197-1374-3

Franceschelli and U.K. design team Peskimo follow 2013’s Alphablock with this equally clever numerical companion, which counts to 10 before leapfrogging up to 100 in increments of 10. Each featured number gets two spreads that have a certain cause-and-effect relationship, with diecut numerals giving a peek at what’s to come. Early on, two smiley snowmen in winter become (sad, but true) “two puddles” during warmer weather, and subtle humorous touches keep things lively (“forty eggs become... thirty-nine chicks and one dinosaur”). Stylish silkscreenlike illustrations and opportunities for both counting and guessing what happens next should keep copies of this chunky book well-loved. Ages 1–4. (Aug.)