How Many?: 9

This enticing counting book, with its trim design centered around bold, colorful photographs, proves a welcome addition to a crowded category. Beginning with an endearing image of one girl (``How many children are hiding behind Zoe's toy box?''), the queries continue through two candles, three kittens and so on, concluding with 10 decorated cookies ``at James and Phoebe's picnic.'' On the book's left-hand pages, the objects are depicted in use, with the question posed at the top; opposite, the articles are arranged by themselves for counting purposes. The game element--trying to decipher the correct number of things--is aptly balanced by being able to check one's guess. This user-friendly approach plus Sieveking's crystal-clear photos plus a captivating young cast adds up to considerable numerical fun. Ages 1-5. (Mar.)