★★★★★ 5
A Multi-faceted, beautiful book for babies through primary grades.
Format: Hardcover
Our second generation is now loving this beautiful, clever, playful book. Although there are no words, the story line is a delight. A watercolored village develops one page to the next starting with 0 and ending with 12. The pictures add one item in each category for each new number, building on the previous scene. Readers can find and count buildings, children, adults, pine trees, cherry trees, and an assortment of animals. In addition, in a lovely subtle manner, the four northern hemisphere seasons pass from January to December. The details of adult and child activities through time and seasons can be noted. Anno's creativity in this genre is unsurpassed. For my children, and now for my grandson, this book evokes fascination on several levels both aesthetic and intellectual. Start using it as a baby word book, and it will last as a joy throughout early childhood. Not every baby book must be a board book. Teaching children to turn pages gently is easy to do and adds to the amazing, shared experience.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2015