Counting with Barefoot Critters

The friendly animals introduced in 2014’s Adventures with Barefoot Critters—a fox, bat, triceratops, and more—return for a counting adventure that celebrates the pleasures of outdoor play. Sturdy, gentle rhymes guide readers through a day’s worth of fun. Initially, one raccoon reads alone: “But when the story is over you might start to feel blue/ And realize your day would be better with... Two!” New critters join on each subsequent spread, exploring the woods, enjoying a cake break, playing pirates, refurbishing tree houses, and more. White’s endearing watercolor and gouache illustrations create a cozy woodland world that readers will be eager to revisit. Ages 4–8. (Aug.)