Babar's Counting Book

Like so many concept books, Babar's Counting Book exploits a popular character's appeal to sell children (and their parents) on an educational tool. Any child who is already hooked on Babar will naturally be drawn to the book, but it doesn't represent de Brunhoff's best work. The textwhich inexplicably changes tenses twiceis uninspired. (Babar's children go for a walk and count one bird, two balloons, three race cars, etc.) Although the elephant and his extended family are always delightful to look at, de Brunhoff doesn't appear to have given these illustrations a great deal of thought, and the colors look washed out. (37)