Ten Naughty Numbats – Let’s Count

Ten Naughty Numbats – Let’s Count written by Grace Nolan Illustrated by Nancy Bevington (Big Sky Publishing)  ISBN 9781922896575 RRP $24.99 (HB)

Reviewed by Jude Mullen

This beautifully written and gloriously illustrated counting picture book is one that every early educator and parent will want to have on their bookshelf.

Any children’s book with a hint of naughtiness or mischief in the title is sure to immediately capture the attention of young readers. This title is particularly clever: not only does it include the word ‘naughty’, it also features alliteration and a playful almost-pun, with ‘numbats’  being so similar to ‘numbers’.

The simple yet rich language continues throughout the book, with further alliteration such as ‘wobbly wombats’ and ‘perky possums’. The text also features smooth, unforced rhyme and a comfortable rhythm, making it perfect for reading aloud.

While appropriately sparse, every word of the text earns its place, and is brought to life by the  lively and engaging illustrations. As readers count from one to ten, they encounter vividly illustrated Australian animals that are swimming, playing, gliding, digging, or dreaming—and they are clearly having a great deal of fun. Full of movement, colour and animation, Bevington has also incorporated fun, quirky details in each spread which add freshness and humour. There are elegantly poised black swans wearing crowns, kookaburras peering through binoculars, kangaroos on pogo sticks, and my favourite, wombats wearing head-torches.

Rather than ending when the counting reaches ten, the book extends the enjoyment with four additional spreads, each featuring the animals engaged in new activities alongside different counting experiences to further reinforce early numeracy skills.

This is the first book in a series which introduces children to numbers and counting, while entertaining them with delightfully illustrated Australian furry friends and playful rhyming narrative. It will especially delight 3-6-year-old audiences who will have so much fun that they won’t realise they are learning.