My First Number Board Book (My First Board Books)

DK's "My First Number Book" takes children through counting, first 1-10, then 20, then 50. DK is known for their non-fiction books with full color-photos, and even this small board book demonstrates why. The book uses large, brightly colored photographs to illustrate the numbers. Made of sturdy cardboard, it features big shapes in primary colors set against a white background. Because of this, the pictures stand out well, making them the focal point. There are also a few easy words on each page, but the pictures are clearly meant to engage the reader. All of the photos are of shapes and objects clearly recognizable to young children: apples, cars, kittens, balls, etc. As with most board books, there is no plot or story here; rather it show more is meant to be a tool to promote activities and discussion with young readers or listeners. It is clear by the layout of the book -- 20 toy cars on one page, fruits and vegetables on another -- that it was meant to prompt counting activities with children. This interactivity is further emphasized by the adding and subtracting activities in the back of the book. One can almost here a mother asking, "and how many cars do you see on this page? One, two, three..." I would recommend this book for children (and parents of children) in the first few years of life, birth to three years old. show less