(2) K-3 With a poetic text and sharp, uncluttered photographs, the Sayres examine transitions in the natural world--transitions from physical spaces as well as those between states of being. The initial double-page spread sets the stage: "Every creature / on earth / at times / finds / itself / in / between." A stark white background encourages scrutiny of the accompanying photograph of three chicks, "in between" birth and maturity, lined up in a nest located inside the V of two intersecting rafters. Other spreads, composed of two, three, or four images, create similar tableaux with layers of meaning; text placement expands the viewing experience. The authors gradually introduce synonyms; readers see a pair of birds with eyes just about closed, "almost asleep, / but not yet"; and see a duckling flapping its wings, as "in the meanwhiles" it grows stronger. Ideal for a group read-aloud, this book encourages discussion of personal "in betweens."

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Randy Cecil. "1 is a snail" (because a snail has one "foot"), "2 is a person. / 3 is a person and a snail. / 4 is a dog" and so on; eventually, "50 is five crabs . . . / or ten dogs and a crab." While this unusual approach--using feet to count to 100--may confuse at first, it will also lead some children to "aha" moments about grouping and higher mathematics. The humorous illustrations are instantly appealing.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt