My son started loving books at the early age of three months. He clearly has books that he prefers over others, evident by (even more) frantic arm flapping and feet tapping. Canada 123 (written by Kim Bellefontaine and illustrated by Per-Henrik Gürth) is clearly one of these favourites. This is a colourful counting board book for little ones with a very patriotic feel!
Each page contains an illustration of a typically Canadian thing; the book is complete with polar bears, totem poles, hockey players, mounties, and even Parliament Hill, just to name a few. The colours are very vibrant and though I was initially afraid that the drawings were too complicated or overwhelming, they easily caught my son’s eye. There are ten pages (each page with one more object), and the last page has “More things to count”, including toques and Canadian flags. My son’s favourite page seems to be the eight wolves howling at the moon (perhaps because I punctuate the page with my own version of a wolf howl…).
The book is listed as appropriate for ages one to four, but it can clearly entertain younger babies. The author has related books, ABC of Canada and ABC of America; I am dying to try out the former – and at 26 letters instead of ten numbers, I can certainly entertain my son for a few more minutes!
Canada 123 is available as a board book, retailing for $8.95CAD, or hardcover at $11.96CAD, at Chapters (or other book retailers). It makes the perfect Canada Day gift for your (or someone else’s) little one!
