When “one famished fox” with “two sly eyes” encounters “three plump hens,” the outcome seems inevitable as the counting continues all the way up to “ten sharp teeth.” But in a dramatic page turn, the story arc pivots when “one hundred angry hens” prove they rule the roost. Only 40 words from start to finish convey setting, characters, and a plot with satisfying moments of tension and comedy. Vivid collage and paint illustrations on generously sized pages encourage reader interaction, from counting to cheering on the plucky poultry. Highly Commended, 2020 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–6)

“1 One famished fox” begins this book that counts from 1 to 10. The items to be counted proceed from the fox, to the fox's eyes, to hens, the henhouse, and other tension-building objects as the story builds to an anticipated climax. But wait! After 10, the story suddenly skips to 100, and then immediately back to 1 for a surprise ending. Text follows a consistent pattern: cardinal numeral, word for numeral, adjective, noun (except for inclusion of one prepositional phrase). Illustrations clearly depict what is to be counted and construct the narrative to the enticing conclusion.

Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor, de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, 2020 Mathical Book Prize (PreK), Parents' Choice Gold, ALSC Notable Children's Books, Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens, Cybils (Fiction Picture Books), Charlotte Zolotow Award (Highly Commended), USBBY Outstanding International Books, – Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year, New York Public LibraryBest Books for Kids, CCBC Choices (Concept Books).

Author/illustrator lives in England.

U.K.. Originally published in U.K. by Two Hoots, an imprint of Pan Macmillan in 2019. Published in the United States by Peachtree in 2019.

Counting from one to ten has never been so thrilling in this Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book and recipient of the Mathical Book Prize from Kate Read!

One hungry fox with two sly eyes is on the prowl . . . three plump hens had better watch out! Rich and colorful illustrations plunge the reader into a dramatic and exciting story set in a moonlit farmyard.

With something different to count on each page, this gripping tale introduces page-turning tension to young readers in an age-appropriate way. Great for early education and read alouds, this fun numbers introduction has a hugely satisfying ending that’s sure to delight! Pluck up this one up for your little math enthusiast today and check out the available activity kit online.

Also by Kate Read: Hey! A Colorful Mystery, a perfect selection on color vocabulary for budding artists.

"Stunning... Count on requests for many readings." —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Honor Book
Recipient of the Mathical Book Prize Charlotte Zolotow Award (Highly Commended)
Parents’ Choice Gold Award Recipient
An ALSC Notable Children’s Book
A Capitol Choices Noteworthy Book for Children and Teens
Cybils (Fiction Picture Books)
A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
A NYPL Best Book for Kids
A CCBC Choice