1, 2, 3 to the Zoo
A Counting Book
By: Eric Carle
This board book combines simple counting with Carle's unusual illustrations of animals. Early learners will find the whimsical pictures appealing as they learn the beginning rudiments of numbers and counting. - Midwest Book Review
AI Overview
Title: 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle
Plot Summary: The book "1, 2, 3 to the Zoo" by Eric Carle is a counting book designed for young children. The story begins with a train carrying animals to the zoo. Each page features a different number of animals, with the number of animals increasing by one on each subsequent page. For example, the first page shows one elephant, the second page shows two hippos, the third page shows three giraffes, and so on. The book continues this pattern until the final page, where all the animals are shown together at the zoo in a dramatic foldout finale.
Key Themes:
- Counting and Number Sets: The book introduces young children to basic counting concepts and number sets, making it an excellent tool for early math education.
- Addition and Subtraction: The increasing and decreasing number of animals on each page also subtly introduces addition and subtraction concepts.
- Visual Learning: The bright, stylized illustrations by Eric Carle are a significant part of the book's appeal, making it easy for children to engage with the story and learn through visual prompts.
Critical Reception:
- Reviews: The book has received positive reviews for its engaging visuals and educational content. For example, Publisher’s Weekly noted that each car of the zoo-bound train contains a different number of vibrant, stylized animals, with the destination depicted in a fold-out finale.
- Awards and Recognition: The book has been recognized as an "Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children" by the National Minority Review/ Minority Employment and Education, highlighting its educational value.
- Goodreads Reviews: On Goodreads, the book has an average rating of 3.93, with reviewers praising the book's ability to attract learners' attention through its visuals and its effectiveness in teaching counting and basic math concepts.
Additional Notes:
- Publication Details: The book was first published in 1968 by PaperStar/Penguin Putnam.
- Educational Use: The book can be used to create educational worksheets where children can practice adding and subtracting the animals shown in the book, making it a versatile teaching tool.
Overall, "1, 2, 3 to the Zoo" by Eric Carle is a delightful and educational counting book that combines fun illustrations with essential math concepts, making it a perfect choice for young children's early learning journey.