Magic Counting (Nabeel Khan, illus Tete Garcia, Scribble)

Magic Counting is a beautifully illustrated book that goes beyond the basics of counting, exploring the magic that can be found in the world of numbers. While counting from one to 10, it explains various facts about each number, from cultural significances to how to find related geometric patterns in the natural world or human-made creations. Nabeel Khan’s concept is clear, simple, and yet magical, complemented by Tete Garcia’s illustrations, which are bright, colourful and welcoming. An excellent choice for any child, this book may appeal to more artistically inclined children, introducing them to the beauty and creativity found in numbers, geometry and the patterns we can create with them. Magic Counting brings wonder to a subject that is sometimes considered boring, and the ideas it inspires will stay with readers aged 3+ long after they’ve closed the book. This book is a fantastic tool for parents, educators and librarians to utilise to interest children in the world of mathematics by showing them there’s more than just numbers behind the discipline. Perfect for fans of Jennifer Cossins (101 Collective Nouns, Amazing Animal Journeys), Magic Counting will take readers on a fascinating journey of learning about numbers and their importance in all aspects of the world.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Anneliese Gates is a writer and works in a primary school library. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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