Underwater Counting: Even Numbers

The text is smart: it counts different fish by even numbers and describes them, making it educational in more than one way. The illustrations are not only beautiful but smart too. They look like photographs and you feel that you are right there underwater with them. You count the different fish all the way up to 50, and one page even has a special counting challenge for the keen-eyed. But every page has another challenge, not only do you count the fish but you need to find the cardinal number hidden somewhere on the appropriate page. Another of Jerry Pallotta's books that I would recommend is the Icky Bug Counting Book - also a smart and educational read.

I agree that this book's illustrations are breathtaking. They are just like looking at beautiful underwater pictures. However, my 4 year old had some confusion about which fish to actually count. Just like any true underwater picture, there are halves of fish and some that are barely noticeable shadows that are included in the total count. I will say that the text is wonderful and informative about each type of fish or organism. It was very entertaining as a parent to read, and kept my son engaged and attentive. The aspect of a book devoted to even number counting is also a great tool.(although it starts out with one, which surprised me). Overall I would say that it is worth the price, but is more for kindergarten to first grade kids than for preschoolers. As a Mom of four, our favorite preschool counting book has continued to be Richard Scarry's "Best Counting Book Ever."

My 3 year old and 5 year old children LOVE this book. We first checked it out from the Library and read it every single day for three weeks, then renewed it and read it for three more weeks. At that point, they were still asking for it almost daily, so we decided to buy our own copy. The illustrations are breathtakingly realistic, and each one has a "hidden surprise" as well. We've had so much fun discovering all the surprises. My kids have memorized the text -- which is fascinating and filled with unusual facts. Reading this book has not only expanded their understanding of counting, but has also given them a fun glimpse into the amazing diversity of life in our oceans. You will not be dissapointed with this book -- the illustrations alone are worth the price of the book!