Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
Counting on Birds
Illustrator: Jori van der Linde
Board Book
For ages 2 to 4
Creative Editions, 2017 ISBN: 978-1568463001
In the branches of a tree that overlooks a park there is a nest. While people play games, picnic, walk their dogs, and enjoy the sunshine, two birds “take turns keeping eggs warm.” Soon enough the eggs hatch out and the parents are very busy keeping three gaping mouths full of food.
It isn’t long before the three chicks start to grow and change, and now their six eyes can see the food that their parents bring them, and they can peruse the world around them. For a while they are helpless and stay in their nest, but then the day comes when each bird hops onto the nearest branch, where they grip onto the wood with first seven and then eight toes. A big step waits these babies. When will they be ready to take to the air?
Through a simple narrative that describes how two birds raise their three chicks, Kate Riggs take children on a counting journey that is quite charming.
