Candy 1 to 20

August 1, 2011
This counting book contains mouth-watering, high-contrast photographs of numbers one through 12, constructed from corresponding quantities of candy pieces and presented against white backgrounds. The number four is constructed from as many lollipops, seven from red licorice pinwheels, and 19 from glossy M&M's. Wolf's photos capture the fine confectionary details, from the sugar coating on sour strips to the powdery hues of LEGO candy, making this an especially kid-friendly approach to counting. All ages.

December 15, 2011
Sometimes it's fun to play with your food. Colorful candy bites form numerals one to 20 against open white backgrounds. The visual presentation depends on a variety of tantalizing treats. Clearly defined numerals are the only text; each candy selection is strategically placed and recognizable. Five gummy worms make up the 5; 19 M&Ms comprise the 19. Even the cover uses several types of sugary delicacies to form the title. Crisp photos allow readers to see the shiny foil on chocolate kisses and each strand of licorice. Often multiple colors are found, either from candy to candy or within the candy itself, providing additional visual variety. There are a lot of options in the choices presented, though the lack of labels keeps the focus on the numerals, rather than acting as an advertising vehicle for the candy (even the "m"s of the M&Ms are faint and hard to see, abetting the transformation of the familiar into the sweetly surprising). Mouthwatering. (Board book. 1-4)

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September 1, 2011

PreS-K-Each page features a different kind of candy arranged in the shape of a number, from 1 candy stick to 20 candy corns. The clear, bright photos on white backgrounds are fun, and most of the treats are easily counted (the "8" in "18" and "0" in "20" are a little tricky). Labeling the sweets would have made this book even more fun; not all are readily identifiable. With the large selection of counting books available, this one is additional.-Laura Stanfield, Campbell County Public Library, Ft. Thomas, KY

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