From School Library Journal
PreSchool-Grade 1-This colorful counting book begins with Toby the turtle carrying 10 balloons to his friend Tina. However, a bird swoops down and pops one of them, leaving him with nine. The birds continue popping the birthday surprise, one by one. He tries different means of transportation to escape them, such as in-line skating, skateboarding, bicycling, and even leaping aboard a train, but with no luck. However, they keep following him and destroying his gifts. The young turtle finally blasts off in a rocket, and manages to arrive at Tina's with one red balloon. Each spread features appropriately numbered die-cut holes for the balloons. Bright, perky illustrations make this book appealing to very young children. Each spread includes a humorous touch, such as a frog leaping out of Toby's way as he zooms past on a motorcycle or two rabbits, with ears flapping in the wind, waving at Toby as he cruises past them in a red car. This counting book will be a hit with preschoolers.
Kristin de Lacoste, South Regional Public Library, Pembroke Pines, FLCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
About the Author
Keith Faulkner is the author of numerous books for young readers, including the pop-up books
The Wide-Mouthed Frog and
The Long-Nosed Pig. Rory Tyger illustrated
The Tallest, Shortest, Longest, Greenest, Brownest Animal in the Jungle and many other picture books.
