A Little Bookshelf

Hodder Children's Books, London, 2014

Hardback, 48 pages

ISBN: 978-1-4449-2441-1

Suggested reading age: 3+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ***

Numbers and maths are just as important for young children as letters and language.  There are lots of ABC books already out there so it's great to see this fantastic 123.  Paul Thurby is a full time illustrator based in London and with this book he was trying to make numbers fun.  I think he succeeded!  The illustrations have a vintage vibe with some great pop culture references that parents will love - the number four is represented by the Fab Four.  So go ahead and get counting!

Ko Kids Books, CA, 2010

Hardback, 32 pages

ISBN: 978-0-9723-9463-5

Suggested reading age: 5+

Reviewed by: Indrani Perera

Rating: ****

Zero is the second book by children's author, Kathryn Otoshi.   The bold colours and calligraphic style of this book will appeal to young readers.

I wish I could take the credit for finding this book but it was my husband (who is a self professed maths nerd) who found it when he took our daughters to the local library.  Zero is a book about numbers and also about finding where you fit in and what it is that makes you special and unique.  Zero searches for her place, at first by trying to be like the other numbers and then by being herself.  A lovely book for young children to learn about numbers and self acceptance.