5 Busy Ducklings

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

The ducklings on the cover seem to be looking right at the reader, but they do not seem to be particularly happy. The object of this tabbed "Rookie Toddler" board book is to teach counting from one to five. There is a big Arabic numeral on the left hand page. The text then describes what the duckling is doing. For example, 2 are pecking at the ground, while 3 are looking right at the reader. Mother duck rounds up her brood and says that it is time to eat, so off they go all in a row. There is a tip for parents and caregivers on the closing page suggesting ways to practice early math skills. The pictures in the book appear to be digitally manipulated with the duck not really walking on the grass, just apparently placed on it. Young ones probably will not notice or care. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot