Book Review of
Lewin, B. (2003). Cat Count. Henry Holt and Company, LLC. ISBN 9780805067477
Plot Summary
Counting cats, beginning with one, soon turns into counting many cats! Before you know it, you have fifteen cats but that’s not all. In this fun counting book, counting cats will quickly become too many cats due to a surprise ending.
Critical Analysis
Counting cats is enjoyable in this lively counting book. Counting from one to ten and adding each set of cats along the way, Betsy Lewin makes counting enjoyable. Combined with vibrant and whimsical illustrations depicting different types of cats, such as “full of funny tricks cats” or “chasing duck and hen cats”, Lewin creatively rhymes with each new set of felines. Each illustration adds to the amusing and playful words revealing the group of cats being described. Young readers will be entertained by this silly counting book with a surprise at the end.
Review Excerpt(s)
“The loose, pen-and-ink and watercolor cartoons perfectly match the lighthearted tone of the text. From the title page, which shows an amusing rear-end view of three kitties with tails proudly held aloft, to the action-filled group scenes, Lewin perfectly captures the elegant postures and mischievous nature of these self-assured creatures. A fun choice for cat lovers and children who are building their math skills.” - School Library Journal
“Cat lovers and children just learning how to count will be entranced by this colorful, energetic book.”
Connections
For additional activities related to the book:
Have children place the correct number of colored beads on a pipe cleaner to represent specific numbers.
Create cat cutouts and draw numbers on them. Create a sheet with numbers randomly placed and have children match the cat to the number.
Place cups or bottles on a table with a different number on each one (a cat sticker or cutout would be cute!). Give the children cheerios or some other sort of counter and have them practice dropping in the correct amount of cheerios to match the number shown on the bottle.
Other recommended books if you liked this one:
Click, Clack, 123 by Doreen Cronin
My Very First Book of Numbers by Eric Carle
Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh
No comments:
Post a Comment