Part guessing game, part counting book, part an environmental warning - it all adds up to another great book by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.
Seeger's simple, yet powerful book starts with a number (ten, nine, eight, and so on) on one page of the spread. The opposite page has a fold up flap with a window cut out. Through the window, readers can see a slightly murky numeral (10, 9, 8 . . .) and can guess what animal it is that you are seeing through the window. Once you lift the flap, you see the animals and can count them. I have to admit, I didn't realize the numeral through the window at first, and I was so excited when I figured it out!
At the end, Seeger gives a little information about each of the animals, all of which are threatened or endangered. Seeger's artwork is beautiful and the counting and guessing of the animal are fun, with a powerful message about endangered species and our environment.
For ages 4-8, but animal lovers and budding ecologists of all ages will delight in this book.