Review - One Fox

One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller
by Kate Read
Date: 2019
Publisher: Two Hoots
Reading level: C
Book type: picture book
Pages: 32
Format: e-book
Source: library

A stunningly gorgeous counting book with a delightful surprise

One hungry fox with two sly eyes is on the prowl...three plump hens had better watch out! Rich and colorful illustrations plunge the reader into a dramatic and exciting story set in a moonlit farmyard. With something different to count on each page, learning to count from one to ten has never been so thrilling! This surprisingly simple counting book with a gripping tale, great for early education and read-alouds, has a hugely satisfying ending that's sure to delight generations.

(synopsis from Goodreads)

I really enjoy a good counting book. The best ones are those that incorporate something other than the numbers themselves, such as engaging illustrations or a simple story. One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller has both.

The book begins as we're introduced to the fox. He's sneaking up on the henhouse, where three hens are resting inside, along with their five eggs. Each number focuses on a different aspect of the story (e.g., two sly eyes, four padding paws, nine flying feathers, etc.). But when the count reaches 10, readers (and the fox) are in for a bit of a surprise.

The illustrations here are interesting, and look to be done in a mixed-media style incorporating collage, drawing, and painting. The overall look is colourful and complex (but not so complex that the various objects throughout can't be easily counted).

This is a strong counting book that also functions as a story. Highly recommended to kids who are learning their numbers, as well as to fox fans.

Quotable moment:

Premise: 4/5
Meter: n/a
Writing: 4/5
Illustrations: 4/5
Originality: 4/5

Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall: 4 out of 5