123 Yippie

July 1, 1998
PreS-K-This small-size counting book features one little house; two young children; three little dogs; and an odd assortment of domestic, woodland, and zoo animals. They all show up for a rollicking party and then quickly depart. Ten little monsters, the last to arrive, overeat and leave in evident gastric distress. After all of the creatures are gone, there is only "1 little house all alone." The children return and "make it their home." Whimsical, black-bordered pictures are brightly hued and the objects are easy to count. Otherwise, it is hard to give much of a cheer for this oddly spelled title and nonsensical tale.-Meg Stackpole, Rye Free Reading Room, NY

March 15, 1998
Ages 1^-4. With bright, clear colors, this small, square counting book tells a simple story of 1 little house and 2 small children, who gather for a party with 3 little dogs who bark at the door, 4 little kittens who carry balloons . . . up to 10 little monsters who bring the dessert. In a big central double-page spread, they all party together. Then each group leaves: 10 little monsters walk away full of cake, 9 little mice sneak out of the chimney. . . . Toddlers will enjoy counting up to 10 and down again as they point at all the animals that arrive and have fun together and leave. ((Reviewed March 15, 1998))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1998, American Library Association.)