Ten, Nine, Eight

Ten, Nine, Eight

by Molly Bang

This picture book, with a palette of eye-filling colors, appears to arise from the love binding a father and his little big girl who turn bedtime into playtime with a rhyming game.

What first appears to be a simple counting book is also the story of a loving relationship between a father and daughter. Kids will want to cuddle up with their parents to read this soothing bedtime story. Counting backwards from ten, the girl finishes her bedtime routine before snuggling with her teddy bear and falling asleep. Young children will appreciate the bright colors and comforting story as they prepare for bed. The text is short and filled with rhymes reminiscent of a soothing lullaby - perfect for helping your little one nod off for the night.

A great introduction to numbers for younger children, the book also provides preschoolers practice in counting backwards. Kids can help you count the objects such as "nine soft friends," or can guess which number comes after six as you count in reverse.

I read the story to Emily the three-year-old girl I nanny for right before naptime and it helped ease the transition from playtime to bedtime. We practiced counting and drew connections between her and the girl in the book. She thought it was great that the girl in the book had shiny dress shoes just like hers! This is truly a great book to settle down with, and by the time the little girl is curled up in bed with her teddy bear, your child may be ready to do the same.

--Abby