Ten Little Rabbits

There is a great deal of information and entertainment packed into this unusual counting book, which opens with ``One lonely traveler riding on the plain.'' The strikingly detailed accompanying illustration authentically portrays a Native American riding on a dog-pulled travois. The fact that the Native American is a rabbit is the only note of fantasy, which creates an unusual--and effective--balance between the real and the imaginary. In each subsequent spread, an additional rabbit appears, and the expanding group is seen engaged in such activities as rain-dancing, sending smoke signals, hunting, storytelling, running from a storm, fishing and pounding on a drum. Although Long provides vibrant, earth-toned captivating artwork, some of these concepts and activities may be a bit beyond the book's intended audience. As a bonus for older readers, the book's closing pages provide notes on how specific tribes executed the traditions mentioned in the text. Ages 3-8. (Feb.)