Art and food, two of my favorite things! I have seen a couple of Wayne Thiebaud's pieces before, but never realized the extent of the food paintings. His vibrant colors and clean shapes portray very real depictions of common foods in this bright, and tasty, counting book. A great way to for early readers to learn about foods, colors, counting, numbers and art! After reading this book I had to research more of his art and it's phenomenal and perfect for young children! What a fun lesson to let kids pick their favorite painting of his and recreate it! I need this little book in my life. ( )

uses an artists paintings to introduce counting
1 book

Susan Goldman Rubin’s Counting with Wayne Thiebaud has paired cropped details of the artist’s paintings of multiples of food items—including delectable pastel-colored pastries—with the corresponding numeral 1-10, and a brief description of the image(s). For example, a painting of four cupcakes is accompanied by the text “4 frosted cupcakes.” This counting book for preschoolers elevates the genre by bringing examples of child-friendly fine art into a child’s world. Each painting clearly represents the number, except the nine decorated cakes illustrating “9”. The painting of nine cakes is too tightly cropped and only one whole cake is visible. This is a visually inviting book, perfect for preschoolers. No awards found.

Rubin, S. G., & Thiebaud, W. (2007). Counting with Wayne Thiebaud. San Francisco, Calif: Chronicle Books. ( )

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations. But I can't get over the fact that almost every spread features an unhealthy food--cupcakes, pie, ice cream, sugar sticks, candied apples, hot dogs, cake, gumballs. Given that children like to hear books over and over again, I'd rather not be drilling my daughter with the finer points of refined sugar concoctions! ( )