Swallow the Leader: A Counting Book

Reviewed by: Carla McAllister - New Gloucester Public Library, New Gloucester, Maine, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 6, 2016

Review

This counting book uses assorted fish who follow one another. Each number has a humorous poem attached. They hide from sharks, imitate whales' blows, and float on their backs. When they number ten, a shark arrives on scene and their numbers dwindle. Are all these little fishies done for? The illustrations are actually layered, using cutouts and watercolors; they are unusual, and therefore, appealing. The fish have expressive eyes and different shapes, especially the ray and the blowfish. This reader especially enjoyed the seahorses. This will appeal to little ones because of the amusing verse.

Overall Book Score: good