cover image The One and Only 1, 2, 3 Book

The One and Only 1, 2, 3 Book

R.O. Blechman. Creative Editions, $15.99 (24p) ISBN 978-1-56846-245-5

Using the jittery linework that has been the hallmark of his artwork and animation, Blechman follows 2007’s Franklin the Fly with a gently disruptive counting book. A red numeral one with stick arms and legs greets readers on the first page, smiling as it gestures to a trophy: “I’m the one and only one, and here’s my number 1 cup.” It makes sense that this top dog doesn’t like to share the spotlight, and the one’s smile vanishes when a purple two shows up (“I’m two, with two shoes”), followed by a green three being trailed by three cows, a four with (why not?) “four cups of fresh coffee,” and so on up to 10. “This is getting too crowded!” complains the one, marching off. “I have to find an empty page!” But solitude proves fleeting as a handful of black letters show up, with the “a” asking, “Is this the Alphabet Book?” The story’s light humor doesn’t exactly stand out in a crowded field of rowdy and ambitious counting books, but its entertaining characterizations and offbeat charms have appeal nonetheless. Ages 4–up. (Oct.)