Fish in the sea

An original counting rhyme in board-book format, with a tactile twist. Following common nursery-game conventions, rhyming text counts fish from one to five, until--"Eek!"--a big fish chases them away. Squishy silicone numerals show through die-cut openings. On the front cover 1, 2, and 3 are visible, supplying the first part of the title. Inside, spread by spread, the number, spelled out, begins each couplet on verso, with the remainder of the couplet continuing on the right-hand page. Turning the page completes the rhyme with the next number. "One little fish is yellow, white, and blue. / He meets a speedy friend, and now there are… // Two…." All five numbers are visible on the first spread, which might confuse little learners who may not readily recognize the correct choice. This problem is mitigated as the numbers, and therefore the choices, are hidden one by one with the turn of the page. Another subtle hint is that each new fish to count is the same color as the correct numeral. Each number also has a slightly different tactile pattern. The fish, all approximately the same size, swim through fancifully colored seascapes. When a much-larger shark shows up at the end, his mildly menacing smiling and teeth become the focus. Not much of a fish story but good practice for toddlers just learning to count. (Board book. 6 mos.-2) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.