The M&M's Brand Counting Book

This insignificant addition to the crowded shelves of counting books encourages children to use M&M candies--in specific color configurations--to practice counting from one to 12, and then to form the various sets of 12 (six groups of two; three groups of four, etc.) as well as the shapes of a square, circle and triangle. From its opening lines (``Pour out the candies. Get ready, get set. / This counting book is the tastiest yet!''), the rhymed text is rather banal, and the art--which consists entirely of depictions of these small round candies--is limited and monotonous. Finally, the book ends with a lesson in subtraction, in which youngsters are encouraged to eat the pieces, color by color, until none remains. Perhaps the sugar will give them a kick; unfortunately, this slim book doesn't offer much food for thought. Ages 3-8. (July)