Ten

I find this book really charming. It's one of those rare books that has a story which is interesting to both kids and adults. It kind of reminds me of a modern, quirky fairy tale: the love story between Mr. Armadillo and Mrs. Armadillo is quite sweet. The book is also visually interesting, with a lot of colors, imagination, and unexpected exaggerations. My girls are 3 and 4, and they really like it. They are interested in babies and also in the idea that babies start out inside the mother's stomach. This book obviously contained those things. Among the gifts given to the family are ten potties for the ten babies, and potties are always fun. (There's also ten baseball hats, ten tutus, and ten pets.) It's a fun book. I see it's out of print now, and that means you can get a copy for super cheap. I doubt you'll regret it.

"Here is the town where Mr. and Mrs. Armadillo live. They just got married, and they are crazy about each other..." They play in the park and rest on a bench when they're tired. They greet other armadillos passing by, and they dream of a family and what to name their future babies. And then one morning Mrs Armadillo notices her tummy is getting bigger, and bigger, and even bigger, and she announces that she's going to have a baby. Mr Armadillo rushes her to the hospital where she delivers not just one, but ten new green and pink little ones. Overwhelmed with the prospect of naming ten babies, they decide to call them One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven, Eight, Nine, and Ten. "Perfect names. I am so happy." Ecstatic relatives arrive with gifts. Grandma brings ten potties...just in case everyone has to go at the same time. Grandpa brings ten baseball caps...he really likes baseball. Uncle Elmer brings ten tutus, because he's so happy he feels like dancing, and Uncle Elmer's wife brings ten pets. One great big, very, very happy family..... Vladimir Radunsky's entertaining, wacky story is engaging, and filled with joy, humor, and the author's witty asides. But it's his bold, bright, and busy illustrations that really steal the show. Each expressive, playful spread is rich in dazzling color, intricate patterns, vibrant, eye-catching details, and lots of opportunities to practice your counting skills. Perfect for youngsters 3-7, Ten is a captivating, fun-filled, manic romp that is sure to charm and delight young and old alike.