Counting Feathers

Elizabeth Levin is a professor of psychology at Laurentian University.

Despite its title, this is not a learn-to-count book, but rather a
delightful children’s story by children’s performer Al Simmons. The
story is based on one of Simmon’s most popular songs, “I Collect
Feathers, I Collect Rocks.”

Indeed, Collecting Feathers might have been a more apt title. The story
begins with the main character “[fetching] his feather collection for
an annual inspection.” The joys of collecting are demonstrated through
the activities of organizing, sorting, and counting the feathers. Each
has a story and the owner bird of each is identified. After the feathers
are scattered by a huge sneeze, our hero decides to collect rocks. But
rocks are heavy, and so before long he considers switching to stamps.

This read-aloud rhyming story for 3- to 6-year-olds is enhanced by
cartoonlike illustrations that are warm and colorful and sure to please.
You don’t have to know Simmons as an entertainer to enjoy this book,
but you may want to after reading it. Highly recommended.