Nature by the Numbers With Pop-Up Surprises
Numerals and evolution merge becomingly in this instructive pop-up. On each of the first five spreads, a sizable flap depicts a naturescape dominated by an orange numeral, around which are placed creatures or objects in their earliest developmental stages--acorn, buds, cubs, tadpoles. The single line of copy ("FIVE eggs become") sets the stage; the flap is lifted to reveal "five crocodiles" which seem to slither right off the pages, thanks to Vicki Teague-Cooper's vivid paper engineering. Some pop-ups prove more successful (and surprising, per the book's subtitle) than others: the two daffodils are particularly fetching, while one of the tadpoles-turned-frogs leaps high to catch an elusive fly. On the book's final spread, 100 fireflies crawl across the numerals, which then open on both left and right to reveal the insects glowing across a nocturnal woodland. The realistically drawn artwork provides additional counting opportunities, as each flap features the appropriate number of objects: three palm trees and three giraffes oversee the three newborn chicks, etc. Unusual and effective. Ages 3-6.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.