A Number of Numbers

Jean Free, a library consultant, is a retired public-school teacher and
librarian in Whitby, Ontario.

A Number of Numbers is a large-format picture book from a poem written
by the late bp Nichol, amusingly illustrated by Michele Nidenoff, a
Toronto artist. The humorous rhymes lead the preschool child through the
numbers from 1 to 10, using alliteration, rhymes, and familiar objects
to assist the learning of number concepts. Nidenoff’s work perfectly
complements and extends the short text, making a delightful picture book
that should make learning to count fun for three- and four-year-olds.

Nichol, who died in 1988, would be pleased with this gentle book
offered by his faithful publisher, Black Moss Press. Young children who
loved Once: A Lullaby and other bp Nichol poems have a further one to
enjoy.