Counting Chickens by Harriet Ziefert

Ziefert, Harriet Counting Chickens, Illustrated by Flensted Mobiles. Blue Apple Books, 2010. $16.99.  PICTURE BOOK.  This book uses illustrations based on mobiles created by Flensted Mobiles, a company in Denmark.  The book has various animals and shapes attached to drawn wires, like a mobile would.  The text asks questions, having the reader count, add, and even subtract.  While readers do get the opportunity to practice counting, the youngest of readers might be confused by some illustrations and for sure the “Extra Credit” questions, which require much higher-level thinking. Thus, this book can be a useful learning tool, but it also requires much adult help for early learners.  PreK, EL(K-3) – OPTIONAL. Brent Smith, Reading Teacher.