One, Two, Three O'Leary

The ten O'Leary children share one very, very wide bed, and getting out of it is lots of fun! Each sibling, one at a time, tumbles, rolls, dives, slides, or somehow booted out of bed by another sibling in this gleefully fun book of nonsense and some sense rhymes. Author Doyle explains that children counted, bounced balls, and played skipping games to these rhymes, many of them Irish, and many of which "bring back fond memories of my childhood in Whitehead, County Antrim." The book begins with a simple counting scheme ("One, two, three O'Learys, four, five, six..."), although the vivid colors and textures begin on page one. The text, however, becomes as wild and unpredictable as the frolicking kids (who unfailingly smile as their siblings de-bed them). Doyle's silly verse accompanies illustrations bursting with action and an amazing variety of unusual yet pleasing colors. On one of the 2-page spreads, three sisters dance in unison on the bed, while a smiling boy with a rainbow wig slides (is kicked?) off. Echoing the three sisters, the parents and even the pets perform a little jig as well. Hickety pickety, eye silickity, Pompalorum jig. I wish I hadn't any hair, One, two, three, OUT goes he! In a show of unity, the ten kids then shake daddy out of bed, chase him down a fire pole connecting the top and bottom floors (!), and grab his and each others' coattails as he runs outside through the snow. Later, they climb a knotted rope up the fire pole! Catch him by the waistcoat, The jacket, and the overcoat. Tell him he's a billygoat And CHASE HIM DOWN THE STAIRS! This is an enormously fun, silly book to read and hear, and the good-natured siblings and inventive rhymes engage and warm the heart. For kids who love wordplay and/or counting, and parents who like to read out loud (and perhaps want an example of some silly family fun), this book is a fresh delight. For more information on author and illustrator, visit www.malachydoyle.co.uk and www.willhilldenbrand.com.