1. Ten Apples up on Top by Dr. Seuss. Illustrated by Roy Mckie

This fun book introduces a lion, a tiger and a dog as they begin to challenge each other to a game of balancing and counting apples.  “You can do three but I can do more.”  Kids love the animals, the silliness of the prose and the competitive fun.  Which animal can balance the most apples, whilst engaging in the most outrageous stunt?

2. Ten Little Ladybugs by Melanie Gerth. Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

This sturdy board-book is an instant visual attraction with its bright plastic lady bugs and beautiful illustrations.  The tactile nature of the ladybugs was always a hit with my daughters, when they were pre-schoolers.  The story commences with ten ladybugs and its melodic prose invites readers to keep turning the pages.   The countdown begins!

3.  Miss Spider’s Tea Party by David Kirk

Our family loved this beautiful rhyming story of the sociable Miss Spider’s desire to have fellow insects over for tea and cakes.  A simple counting theme (1-12) introduces the wary bugs.   Aware of the spider’s predatory nature, they shun her, until her amiable florivore personality is revealed.  Gorgeous illustrations and a sweet ending make this a very enjoyable book.

4. Chicka, Chika, 123 by Bill Martin and Michael Sampson. Illustrated by Lois Ehlert

This is another rhyming book in the same style as, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom; the winning ABC book.  The rainbow colors and bright illustrations are also present here.  But this time it is numbers, instead of letters in a race to the top of an apple tree. A swarm of bumblebees threaten the newly arrived numbers.  There is also an additional subplot with the sad zero, who becomes a hero when he leads the letters back up the tree.  Counting is by 1-20, then in 10’s, until 100 is finally reached.  The maths is a little confusing at times for this age group.  But this book, like its alphabet companion, is still great fun!

5. Richard Scarry’s Best Counting Book Ever by Richard Scarry

Willy Bunny is encouraged to practice counting by his father.  So begins this long book, full with the fun and detailed illustrations that we have come to associate with Richard Scarry.  On every page there is something different to count.  Mr.  Scarry also introduces basic adding concepts, in addition to the basic counting menu.  I find that children are drawn to his comforting pictures and enjoy discovering the different objects to count on each page.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,’ and ‘Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage.’ These are the first two books in, ‘Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures,’ an exciting series of ten books set in outer space, (for children ages 5-9).

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

New – Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

Click below for a preview:

Amazon.com

or

Amazon.co.uk

For a limited period read the book for FREE on KINDLE. Click here for more information

 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00L2G13LQ

“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

You can read the first few chapters, FOR FREE, of, ‘Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace.’  Simply click on the link below:

https://ameliasamazingspaceadventures.com/the-stories/