I Know Numbers!

Originally published in 1985 in Japan, this latest Taro Gomi picture book to be translated into English is a delightful exploration of the many ways numbers appear in daily life: "Numbers are everywhere!" Written in short, declarative sentences, the text points out that numbers have many uses, ranging from telling time to indicating temperature to identifying prices and calculating measurements of distance and speed to score-keeping in sports. Numbers also provide order and safety, as demonstrated by speed limits, seat assignments, and street addresses. Painted in Gomi's characteristic bold color palette, the illustrations balance plenty of white space with colorful, expressive vignettes featuring a variety of children and adults. These scenes invite viewers to speculate about what's going on (why is a boy frowning as he tries on a size twelve blue shoe?) and extend the math concepts (the illustration that goes with "prices are numbers" shows a produce stand that smartly mixes prices by both quantity and volume). The last, spare illustration provides a somewhat metafictive wink to picture-book viewers. julie hakim azzam