I See 1, 2, 3

February 1, 2020

PreS-K-Beloved Sesame Street characters, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Abby, Zoe, Oscar, Rosita, Big Bird, and the Count bring young readers a fun and educational look at counting. The book is not just a rote counting book from one to 10; it helps children explore counting in many different ways. Big Bird uses a digital crosswalk sign to introduce the concept of counting down instead of up. Abby demonstrates counting by two as she counts bikes with two wheels. Oscar helps readers count by 10 by using the 10 pins at a bowling alley. Super Grover introduces the concept of addition utilizing coats and school bags hanging on a wall. Each type of counting or other mathematical concept is complemented with pictures of real objects that will be familiar to children. Interesting facts are also sprinkled throughout ("The biggest crayon-making company makes 12 million crayons in a day."). The characters invite reader participation through assigning interactive tasks such as counting the number of colors in Elmo's drawings. VERDICT Having beloved and familiar characters introduce basic mathematical concepts makes this a highly engaging title for young readers. This may also serve as a gentle support for preschool or kindergarten students struggling with early math concepts.-Kristen Todd-Wurm, Middle Country Public Library, NY

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.