 From Publishers Weekly: A playful plentitude of environmental lessons can be painlessly learned in Halsey's upbeat, reverse counting book. In a charmingly detailed cross-section of a house, 11 tigers are seen conserving water; subsequent spreads feature recycling bruins, beach-going turtles who "take our cans home" and, of course, the eponymous pandas, busily planting and nourishing saplings. The animal cast demonstrates considerable personality (check out the condors, who manage to live up to their tough-guy image while "collecting litter"), and Halsey has concocted some unexpected settings (seven fetchingly costumed chimps change lightbulbs at a dressing-room mirror as they primp and preen). Colors are joyful, drawings are sharply outlined--and a vital message is vibrantly conveyed. Ages 4-7. (- Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.) From School Library Journal: This cheerful introduction to protecting the environment combines a reverse counting book with illustrations showing conservation in action. Each double-page scene includes a group of animals from 12 to 1 engaging in activities that their human counterparts can emulate. For example, eight condors collect litter. Four rhinos use rechargeable batteries. The illustrations in colored pencil and pastels radiate good humor, concern, and a positive approach to problem solving. Youngest listeners can concentrate on counting the animals in each scene. A simple, positive look at a complex contemporary issue. PreSchool-Grade 2 (- Kathy Piehl, Mankato State University, MN) From Booklist: In this reverse counting book, which is printed on recycled paper, 12 different endangered animals explain their efforts to help save the earth. Colorful double-page spreads for each anthropomorphically dressed species allow children to observe crocodiles car pooling, tigers turning off faucets, otters sorting trash, turtles searching for cans, condors collecting litter, chimps changing lightbulbs, bears bundling newspapers, leopards learning about recycling, rhinos using rechargeable batteries, pandas planting trees, and whales watching for polluters--and, also, one elephant enjoying the earth. Additional information about each topic is appended for teachers or interested readers. Attractive and timely, this will be popular as a counting book as well as an ideal choice for spring story hours or Earth Day celebrations. Ages 3-7. (- Kay Weisman) From Kirkus Reviews: The title says it all: from "12 crocodiles...carpooling'' (unequally divided among three cars for extra arithmetic practice) to "2 whales...watching for polluters'' and "1 elephant...enjoying the earth,'' sensible suggestions for protecting the environment are dramatized in humorous spreads featuring animal characters--tigers turning off faucets, turtles taking cans home from the beach, rhinos using rechargeable batteries. All are practices young people can adopt or urge on adults The author's simply rendered art is as open and cheery as a sunny day; she appends several fact-filled pages amplifying the basics offered earlier with how and why. The serious message is delivered with an admirably light touch; and it's a good counting book, too. Picture book. 4-8 (- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.) |