Synopses & Reviews
Introduce little ones to numbers in this bold and graphic style board book by illustrator and textile designer Jane Foster.
In this 123 board book, children will be introduced to numbers by counting familiar images, such as one bus, five fish, and ten trees.
Review
"British artist and textile designer Foster takes readers from one to 10 in this showcase for her bold, playful illustrations. Polka-dots, checks, and stripes mingle with ’50s-era starbursts and a hint of ’70s psychedelia as Foster moves from “1 friendly fox” (an image Foster’s existing fans will recognize from her line of stuffed toys) to “4 happy dogs” stacked one atop the next and 10 skinny ichthus-shaped fish. The penultimate spread gathers all of the items into neat rows for comparison, while a rocket- themed kicker offers a fun countdown to “blast off!” It’s a book that style-minded parents and kids can appreciate equally. Simultaneously available: Jane Foster’s ABC. Up to age 3." --Publishers Weekly in a starred review
Review
"This unusually attractive counting board book from the British illustrator and textile designer Jane Foster shows off her style in a way that will catch – and hold – the eye of grown-ups and younger children alike. Her neatly symmetrical figures, outlined in clean, thick black lines, have a glossy sheen that makes them stand out subtly against matte pages. The items to count are traditional — birds, dogs, boats, kites — but she gives each one an original spin, showcasing her singular design aesthetic. It’s a pleasing mix of Scandinavian and midcentury modern, with bright colors in sometimes surprising combinations; firm but swervy lines; and small, resolute patterns."
Review
Illustrations featuring bold colors and thick black lines characterize these cheery concept books that depict familiar items and critters from monkeys and lions to kites and umbrellas. Large letters and numerals prominently placed offer reading readiness support.
Review
A simple and stylish counting book. The familiar preschool journey from 1 through 10 is reimagined here by textile designer Foster. Each double-page spread presents a large numeral and an adjective-noun phrase on the left ("1 friendly fox, / 2 sleeping birds," and so on) and an illustration on the right. Foster makes the most of this simple design, crafting large, 1950s- and '60s-influenced illustrations that tots and adults will appreciate in equal measure. Thick black lines and eye-catching patterns make for pleasingly clean, high-contrast images that will stimulate babies' developing vision. The board book is also handsomely produced, coming with a hardcover binding and sturdy, reinforced pages. Even the most destructive little readers will have trouble tearing this one up. Another title, Jane Foster's ABC, publishes simultaneously and illustrates the letters of the alphabet in similar fashion. Both titles are stunningly simple, but Foster is able to create some truly arresting images here, making both books pleasurable repeat reads. A fetching and effective introduction to the world of numbers.-Kirkus Reviews in a starred review
About the Author
Jane Foster is an illustrator and textile designer. Her products have been featured in major magazines including Vogue, and she her designs can be found on prints, quilts, and cushions, and more in stores like Ikea around the world. She lives in Totnes, Devon.