CAT COUNT by Betsy Lewin (genre 1 book 2)

Cat Count by Betsy Lewin is illustrated with a chaotic chorus of cats. As each page is turned, rhyming language introduces the number of cats and their antics from one to ten. The numeral is included in addition to the words to reinforcing simple counting skills. After five, addition is added inviting the reader to add the previous cats together. The counting then continues up to ten and a final count of fifty-five. But even those with no interest in math will be surprised by the ending as the fat cat, who was originally counted as only one, has new arrivals resulting in "too many cats!"

Lewin is renowned for her painterly illustration techniques like the ones in Click, Clack, Moo; Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin. Here her cat characters are drawn with crazy personality to spare. The lines convey the personality of the cats as they play, jive, and yowl. The color which was added in this addition of the book helps to make each cat its own feline. Kids will enjoy studying the cats and their antics.

Review Excerpts:
"The bouncy rhyme makes a fine and funny read-aloud, and both cat-lovers and compulsive young counters will linger happily over the ever-more-populous pictures." -Kirkus 

"The loose, pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons perfectly match the lighthearted tone of the text." - School Library Journal

"Cat lovers and children just learning to count will be entranced by this colorful, energetic book." -Booklist

Connections:
*Beginning counters can count the cats from one to ten.

*Adults can point out the words and corresponding numeral on each page to reinforce language and math literacy.

*Counting the cats becomes a lesson in addition for older children using the reinforcing numerals on each page.

Bibliography:
Lewin, Betsy. 2003. Cat Count. New York NY: Henry Holt and Company. ISBN 0805067477