One Moose, Twenty Mice (Barefoot Beginner)

"It begins with a moose and ends with 20 mice, but children will be most interested in hunting for the partially (or mostly) hidden orange cat in each of the 20 illustrations. With some pictures on single pages and others on double-page spreads, the artwork consists of brightly colored felt appliques textured with stitching, buttons, rickrack, and the occasional piece of patterned cloth. Clear and direct, the text asks, 'one moose, / but where's the cat? / two crabs, / but where's the cat?' Not every young child can count 20 objects, but anyone can look for the cat. The simple satisfaction of playing the game and the pleasure of searching the illustrations guarantee that this counting book will hold children's interest longer than most. A good participation book for preschool story hour." —Booklist