Curious George Learns to Count From 1 to 100

From School Library JournalPreSchool-Grade 1–Curious George is back in this counting adventure that is chock-full of activities such as grouping, mapping, and sorting questions, prompted by a little blue bird that travels with him throughout the book. Readers will enjoy exploring with the monkey as he and the man with the yellow hat go from home to school to the town's Centennial Celebration. Hines's color illustrations in the style of H. A. Rey contain many things for young learners to count, including a parade of ants, leaves blowing in the air, and rungs on a ladder, so this title may be best for sharing one-on-one. Ideas for using the story to enhance learning as well as ways to explore numbers are included at the end of the book.–Tracy Bell, Eastway Elementary School, Durham, NC Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. From BooklistPreS-Gr. 2. On the morning of their town's Centennial Celebration, the man with the yellow hat challenges Curious George to count to 100. In his bedroom and the kitchen, at the school they visit, and at the big celebration, George finds plenty of things to count. In fact, he finds one more thing each time (48 paperclips in a chain, 49 books on the shelf, 50 states on the classroom map) until he finally reaches his goal. Given the continuing popularity of Curious George and the institution of math-reinforcing 100th-day celebrations in many classrooms, this book sounds like a good idea, and it looks even better. The illustrations capture the spirit of the original character and even make counting entertaining. A closing note reassures adults that it isn't necessary for children to count every object along the way and suggests simple games that will reinforce the concept. Though longer than most counting books, this refreshingly childlike picture book will suit those who are working their way up to 100. Carolyn PhelanCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved