Circus 123

Flea circuses are so 19th century%E2%80%94Dutch author/illustrator van Genechten has something flashier in mind in this counting book set at a ladybug circus (the performers bear a strong resemblance to the star of his recent Super Ladybug to the Rescue!). As the book works its way up to 10, the wide-eyed, black-and-red beetles pop against pale taupe backgrounds and lightly sketched props. One of two bicycle-riding ladybugs does a handstand on the handlebars of its bike, while "four aerialists soar from the trapeze and astonish everyone." Each number appears as both a word and a numeral, and while the text is fairly straightforward, it still creates a light sense of excitement around the ladybugs' performances. The book ends on an off note%E2%80%94somewhat literally%E2%80%94as ladybug #10 leaps into a circle of nine beetles and begins "playing a tune by a famous French wind artist" (music notes emanate from the beetle's backside). A quirky counting book that's mostly distinguished by van Genechten's entertaining crew of strong men, acrobats, and jugglers. Ages 3%E2%80%935. (Oct.)