Hootenanny, A Festive Counting Book by Kimberly Ainsworth-OPTIONAL.

Ainsworth, Kimberly.  Brown, Jo. Hootenanny: A Festive Counting Book, 32 pgs. Little Simon, 2011.  $12.99.  Inside cover: “This jazzy counting book features a hilarious set of owls who are working their way to the top of the Old Oak Tree for a party on Saturday night. Along the way these owls boogie, play music, and choose dapper duds for their special affair until, at last, they all “hoot and holler” at the hootenanny!”  This is a colorful counting book, but it’s tough to read aloud because the rhyming is off in places.  My kids liked repeating the phrase, “Hootenanny, hootenanny- it’s time for fun.  Hootenanny, hootenanny- the party has begun.”  Students will also enjoy joining in on the verse.  It would be a good book for Preschool and Kindergarten number introduction or review, but I have to give it an “optional” review because of the lack of rhythmic rhyming.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL.