Count On Us!

September 30, 2022

K-Gr 4-This call to environmental action doubles as a counting and alphabet concept book, with entries for numbers 1-10, and then going by orders of magnitude up through one billion. Making the numbers and alphabetical order work means entries include the concrete ("4 demonstrating against deforestation") to the more metaphorical ("80 questioning''). X stretches a bit with "10 million X-ing out ignorance" but Z scans well with "1 billion zooming towards the future." Back matter gives background information on real people pictured (such as Greta Thurnberg and Jane Goodall) and steps to help combat climate change. Solar panels and electric cars are aimed more at adults, but there are plenty of ideas for young readers, such as recycling and riding the bus. Brightly colored illustrations, a diverse cast, and easy-to-scan text all ensure the book lends itself well to story time, while the back matter and opportunity for further conversations will work well in one-on-one settings or part of larger lesson plans on the environment and activism. VERDICT Combining the standard concepts of counting and the alphabet with newer ones of activism and climate change puts a fresh twist on both. Recommended for general collections.-Jennifer Rothschild

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June 1, 2022
A call to eco-action based on the power of numbers. One child takes "action" by planting a tree, two groups of young marchers hold "bold banners," three hikers are "caring about nature," and so on in Snyder's alphabetical count to 10, and then, by 10s to 100, and on in larger increments to a billion of us: "Zooming towards a better future!" Young readers marching in step will meet Greta Thunberg and other iconic environmentalists and glimpse multiple ways of participating in the movement, from mass demonstrations to planting gardens and organizing community cleanups. Walsh may not always be equal to the ABC bit--filling out one page with 80 question marks, for example, and after 100 just going to abstract bands of color for each jump--but she does make dedicated efforts to diversify the many human figures in her cartoon illustrations by age, race, and physical difference. In a closing section that also includes visual keys to some of the more crowded pictures and further suggestions for a greener lifestyle, the author concludes by reinforcing the overall message that individual action is good but not enough on its own to effect real change. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Sounds no new notes but joins the chorus of appeals aiming to turn passive concern to active deeds. (author and illustrator notes) (Informational picture book. 6-9)

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