10 Little Hermit Crabs, by Lee Fox & Shane McG

Ten little hermit crabs scuttle to the beach,
Down swoops a seagull Screech! Screech! Screech!
Hush says the seashore,
Shh says the sea,
How many hermit crabs will there be?

Ten cute and funky hermit crabs play together on the beach, but as the story progresses, one by one they disappear. But young readers will be happy to know when only one hermit crab remains, he is reunited with his friends.

This brightly illustrated reverse counting book is a pleasing read-aloud offering. With rhyming text and a repetitive refrain which youngsters will learn to join in with, as well as the educational element of the counting, it will be enjoyed by both adults and children.

An entertaining early childhood offering which will withstand repeated readings.

10 Little Hermit Crabs

10 Little Hermit Crabs, by Lee Fox & Shane McG
Allen & Unwin, 2009

This book can be purchased online from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereveiws.

Joey the Roo, by Marion and Steve Isham

 

As Joey the Roo moves through his day, he counts the objects around him – from one to ten. A single sun shines outside his window, his clothes are in pairs, his toys are in threes and so on.

 

This is not a simple counting book however. Children will need some encouragement and interaction with Mum and Dad to see the pattern as on most pages the number being illustrated is not mentioned. On the ‘seven’ page, for example, Joey paints a rainbow – and the seven colours of the rainbow are listed, while on the ‘five’ page, he bakes star shaped biscuits, with five points on each.

 

The educational aspect of the text is supported with a list at the back of the book suggesting counting rhymes, songs and activities, most of which parents will be familiar with from their own childhoods.

 

A simple yet fun offering from Bandicoot Books.

 

Joey the Roo, by Marion & Steve Isham
Bandicoot Books, 2003