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Counting Lions
Counting Lions
Reviewed by: Mary Peverada - Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square, Southern Maine Library District
Review Date: December 8, 2015
Review
10 double-page spreads introduce the numbers 1-10 - and animals that are vulnerable and endangered. Each spread includes an illustration of animals in the accompanying number and has a short free verse poem about the species. The book is hard to categorize: it doesn't totally work as a counting book because the numbers are spelled out only; the information about the animals really targets school aged children and not preschoolers; the subtle hint that counting the species is a reminder of dwindling numbers targets adult readers; the impassioned foreword by Virginia McKenna (animal activist and actress from Born Free) is definitely written for the adult reader. Still it is an important book - but where will it go in the collection?
The illustrations are exquisite. They are charcoal drawings that are photo-realistic. The cover drawing of the lion is as rich and detailed as any photo. The book is over-sized which will make shelving difficult. It is like a coffee-table book for the younger reader. It is a beautiful tribute to endangered species and worth looking for a place on your shelves to host it.
Overall Book Score: very good
About the Book
Author:
Cotton, Katie
Illustrator: Walton, Stephen
Illustration Quality: excellent
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Book Type: picture book nonfiction
Genre:
Audience: grades k-3
Binding Type: trade edition
Binding Quality: very good
ISBN: 9780763682071
Price: 22.00