100 Things

Most number books for young children stop at the number 10 but this one leads toward the concept of 100 and the understanding that ten 10s make 100. The large format and effective use of colour make possible some wonderful double spreads and children learn something about the creatures depicted as well as about number while being entertained by the wit and humour that light up the pages. The book starts off with a hundred mice organised in sets of ten and with quirky comments ‘Don’t chase me’, and questions ‘What are you eating?’ to keep things dynamic. The 100 moles are underground of course and we get a sense of what this earthy world smells and looks like. The 100 ants are shown moving and twirling across the double spread in a purposeful way. Each page is full of questions and comments and little tasks and activities that add greatly to the pleasure of reading and looking. Can you find the one rabbit amongst the 100 sheep? There are extra suggestions for activities and questions on the final page. Where is the mouse with the yellow ribbon? Where is this sleeping ant? The book has the details young children love and there are likely to be lots of observations and questions. So yes — this lively, interactive book with lots of potential for sharing, thinking and learning deserves a place on the book shelf at home or in the nursery.