Counting through the Day

Counting through the Day written by Margaret Hamilton, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Little Hare Books/Hardie Grant Egmont)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9781760124526

Reviewed by Liz Ledden

The sweet opening line ‘One cuddly teddy on a brand new day’ sets the tone for this rhyming counting book for the very young. Told from a child’s perspective, it captures the heightened imagination and sense of wonder of early childhood. Snacks, backyard adventures, rest time and craft are all covered during a well-rounded day full of discovery.

An unusual aspect of this book is that the counting rapidly accelerates beyond twelve, leapfrogging from hundreds to thousands to millions, highlighting the enormity of the outside world (raindrops! stars!). The image of the protagonist (who is pleasingly gender-neutral looking) and their pets gazing out at the night sky hints at life’s endless possibilities. The story then culminates in one special thing, drawing the child back into their secure, inner world.

Pignataro’s gorgeous illustrations perfectly complement the text, alternating between energetic moments and contented scenes, and reflecting the loving bond between child and carer. The busy endpapers alone would keep a young reader mesmerised, spotting all the animals and objects from the child’s day.

B is for Bedtime

B is for Bedtime written by Margaret Hamilton, illustrated by Anna Pignataro (Little Hare)

ISBN 978 1 921894 34 3

HB RRP $24.95 

Reviewed by Nean McKenzie

B is for Bedtime gently works its way through the alphabet, describing the gradual process that is a child going to sleep. Using the 'A' for awake, the alphabet goes through things a child would notice, like 'F' for fingers, 'M' for moon and 'I' for insect until it reaches the last one: Zzzzzz! Each pair of letters has a rhyme, and this flows particularly well, for example,' L is for Lullaby … dum di-di dum' (rhyming with Mum).

The very cute illustrations show a rosy cheeked child which could be a girl or boy (this could widen the appeal to readers). Pictures have the appearance of home-made collage, with lots of different patterns such as polka dots and stripes in soft colours. The small brown and white spotted dog on almost every page is a great addition, providing humour.

The alphabet is a nice structure to hang a bedtime rhyme on, giving a sense of movement through to the end — that is sleep! Moving towards the letter 'x', never an easy one to rhyme with, I was pleased to read 'X for relaX now I'm facing the wall.' It's nice to be surprised by an unexpected bit of text.

This lovely book could become a favourite for little ones going to bed. Adults will also appreciate the way the rhymes read so well out loud.