Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Number 1 Teacher: A School Counting Book
Illustrator: Doris Ettlinger
Nonfiction Picture Book
For ages 7 to 9
Sleeping Bear Press, 2008 ISBN: 978-1585363070
The teachers who guide us through our school days have a profound affect on our lives, and often we fondly remember teachers we had many years ago because they inspired and influenced us. In this very special counting book the authors celebrate our teachers, our schools, and the subjects that we learn about when we go to school.
For the numbers 1 to 12 and then for the numbers 20, 30, and so on until the number 100, the authors explore a variety of school-ish topics. For example on the number seven page we learn about the seven colors that "make up every rainbow." There is short four line rhyming poem to introduce the subject, an illustration, and then, in a side bar, there is a more involved explanation of the topic for that page.
For the number nine the authors have chosen to highlight the nine innings in baseball. In the sidebar they discuss the subject of physical education in schools. Gym teachers not only educate their students about how to stay physically fit, but they also teach them about the importance of good sportsmanship, "good eating habits," and more.
The topics covered in this book are not only very varied, but they are also interesting. Readers of a variety of ages will be able to appreciate the book. Very young children will enjoy looking at the artwork while the poems are read to them, while older readers will be able to read the poems for themselves and they will learn a great deal from the sidebar text.
This is one in a series of entertaining and interesting number books published by Sleeping Bear Press.
