What do you think?
Rate this book
The Noisy Counting Book
Three birds said TWEET TWEET TWEET.
Two ducks said WAK WAK.
And one big frog said GA-DUNK!
In this beloved classic title from husband-and-wife team Susan Schade and Jon Buller, a boy goes to the pond to fish but is interrupted by noisy animals that count their way from one to six with silly sounds. Toddlers love to count along and imitate the animals as they count. The big frog's trademark GA-DUNK becomes more fun to say with every page.
Thanks to this new board book edition, parents, teachers, and librarians who have searched in vain for an affordable used copy will finally be able to share this gem with a whole new generation of GA-DUNKing toddlers at story time.
Two ducks said WAK WAK.
And one big frog said GA-DUNK!
In this beloved classic title from husband-and-wife team Susan Schade and Jon Buller, a boy goes to the pond to fish but is interrupted by noisy animals that count their way from one to six with silly sounds. Toddlers love to count along and imitate the animals as they count. The big frog's trademark GA-DUNK becomes more fun to say with every page.
Thanks to this new board book edition, parents, teachers, and librarians who have searched in vain for an affordable used copy will finally be able to share this gem with a whole new generation of GA-DUNKing toddlers at story time.
24 pages, Board Book
First published April 12, 1987
5 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Susan Schade
58 books16 followersSusan Schade is the author of over forty children's books, including the Fog Mound series, written in collaboration with her husband, Jon Buller. She lives in Lyme, Connecticut.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
January 6, 2022
This one makes us laugh out loud every time. Simple enough that 2 year old can say the sounds by the end of the book. Giggles for Ga-dunk frog every time and loves to say Qwuiet!!!
April 10, 2012
This is quite possibly THE BEST READ-ALOUD book EVER!!!
For those of you new to this parenting thing, I'll let you in on a little secret. Your kids LOVE to see you make a fool out of yourself.
And reading this book out loud should find you looking suitably foolish. The story demands that you repeat "bzzz" six times, then say "blub, blub, blub, blub", and "Ga-dunk!" There is also some "chirping" involved. Youngsters will fall all over themselves, squealing with laughter.
It's good to get used to the sound of your children laughing at you now.
Later on in life, your kids will laugh at you for everything - from the clothes you wear, to the advice you give, and even the way you use your fork. The earlier you get them laughing at you, the more likely you are to become immune to the sound before it becomes painful.
Click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR4Kgo... - to watch a cheery, rather unfoolish-looking librarian read this book aloud.
For those of you new to this parenting thing, I'll let you in on a little secret. Your kids LOVE to see you make a fool out of yourself.
And reading this book out loud should find you looking suitably foolish. The story demands that you repeat "bzzz" six times, then say "blub, blub, blub, blub", and "Ga-dunk!" There is also some "chirping" involved. Youngsters will fall all over themselves, squealing with laughter.
It's good to get used to the sound of your children laughing at you now.
Later on in life, your kids will laugh at you for everything - from the clothes you wear, to the advice you give, and even the way you use your fork. The earlier you get them laughing at you, the more likely you are to become immune to the sound before it becomes painful.
Click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aR4Kgo... - to watch a cheery, rather unfoolish-looking librarian read this book aloud.
June 17, 2012
the book that taught me to read and count, or at least it is the first one I remember reading. I still remember one big frog saying 'Gadunk!'
June 11, 2025
A boy decides to go fishing and the creatures around the pond make his peaceful fishing day a noisy adventure. The illustrations in this book are adorable. The story is very simple and there isn't much to it but your kids will love making the creature noises and counting along.
My 4 year old loved this story. She was adorable saying "Ga-dunk" like the frog, that was her favorite part. We read and reread this book before returning it to our library. We highly recommend this silly counting book.
My 4 year old loved this story. She was adorable saying "Ga-dunk" like the frog, that was her favorite part. We read and reread this book before returning it to our library. We highly recommend this silly counting book.
March 11, 2021
A boy’s fishing trip quickly becomes noisy as different pond creatures join in making noise. Simple as a counting book goes, but with great interactive opportunities. Little ones will enjoy making the noises along with you as you read!
December 1, 2017
A great counting book with noise. Each animal makes a differnt sound as the book counts the grouping of animals. very cute. any age group
August 18, 2018
The book is encouraging as it introduces sounds to counting. It is interactive and gets children moving, thinking, chanting, and most importantly counting.
October 13, 2015
Title: The Noisy Counting Book
Author: Susan Schade and John Buller
Genre: Counting
Theme(s): Numbers, animals, noises
Opening line/sentence: Early one morning, a boy went to a pond to fish.
Brief Book Summary: This book starts off with a boy trying to go fishing at a quiet pond. As the story progresses, all the animals at the pond make noises (one frog, two ducks, three birds, four fish, five crickets, six mosquitos), until the boy yells for them to quiet down.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: The Horn Book Guide Online
Schade, Susan and Buller, Jon The Noisy Counting Book
12 pp. Random (Random House Children's Books) ISBN 0-394-8895
(5) PS Just Right series. A boy's attempts to fish are frustrated by a variety of animals from six buzzing mosquitos to a frog who says 'ga-dunk.' Predictable and filled with noises toddlers will enjoy imitating. The illustrations are colorful but cartoonlike.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
CLCD Review: Elizabeth Bird (School Library Journal)
Today marks the official re-release of one of the greatest storytime picture books of all time. Ladies and gentlemen, I have been a one-woman-band for the power, glory, and overall wonderfulness that is The Noisy Counting Book. It is my storytime staple. I might forget the Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. I might eschew the Old MacDonald lift-the-flap book by Jessica Souhami. But never will I ever give up my Noisy Counting Book.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews indicate the pleasure in reading The Noisy Counting Book. In the CLCD review, it is mentioned how the reader will never give up on The Noisy Counting Book as it is "one of the greatest storytime picture books of all time." The Horn Book Guide Online addressed the illustrations, how they were colorful and cartoonlike. The Horn Book review also addressed how this story could be used in a classroom, as it is predictable and fun to imitate. I agree with these reviews, as I really enjoyed reading The Noisy Counting Book, and would plan on using it in the classroom as well, as it utilizes repetition in a fun and effective way.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The book has words all over the pages, however the sentences are always conveniently placed by the animals they are describing so the children can see what animal they are referring to. The colors are soft pastel shades, and contrast the disturbing noises that the animals make. The sky is a mixture of yellow and pink all throughout the noisy part of the book, until everything is quiet and the boy is at peace- which is when the sky turns blue.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This can be used in the classroom to teach students effectively. The book is predictable as it is very repetitive. The text always starts off with a number, the animal, and then the sound the animal makes. This can be used as an interactive book with children during a read-a-loud.
Author: Susan Schade and John Buller
Genre: Counting
Theme(s): Numbers, animals, noises
Opening line/sentence: Early one morning, a boy went to a pond to fish.
Brief Book Summary: This book starts off with a boy trying to go fishing at a quiet pond. As the story progresses, all the animals at the pond make noises (one frog, two ducks, three birds, four fish, five crickets, six mosquitos), until the boy yells for them to quiet down.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: The Horn Book Guide Online
Schade, Susan and Buller, Jon The Noisy Counting Book
12 pp. Random (Random House Children's Books) ISBN 0-394-8895
(5) PS Just Right series. A boy's attempts to fish are frustrated by a variety of animals from six buzzing mosquitos to a frog who says 'ga-dunk.' Predictable and filled with noises toddlers will enjoy imitating. The illustrations are colorful but cartoonlike.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
CLCD Review: Elizabeth Bird (School Library Journal)
Today marks the official re-release of one of the greatest storytime picture books of all time. Ladies and gentlemen, I have been a one-woman-band for the power, glory, and overall wonderfulness that is The Noisy Counting Book. It is my storytime staple. I might forget the Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. I might eschew the Old MacDonald lift-the-flap book by Jessica Souhami. But never will I ever give up my Noisy Counting Book.
Response to Two Professional Reviews: Both reviews indicate the pleasure in reading The Noisy Counting Book. In the CLCD review, it is mentioned how the reader will never give up on The Noisy Counting Book as it is "one of the greatest storytime picture books of all time." The Horn Book Guide Online addressed the illustrations, how they were colorful and cartoonlike. The Horn Book review also addressed how this story could be used in a classroom, as it is predictable and fun to imitate. I agree with these reviews, as I really enjoyed reading The Noisy Counting Book, and would plan on using it in the classroom as well, as it utilizes repetition in a fun and effective way.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The book has words all over the pages, however the sentences are always conveniently placed by the animals they are describing so the children can see what animal they are referring to. The colors are soft pastel shades, and contrast the disturbing noises that the animals make. The sky is a mixture of yellow and pink all throughout the noisy part of the book, until everything is quiet and the boy is at peace- which is when the sky turns blue.
Consideration of Instructional Application: This can be used in the classroom to teach students effectively. The book is predictable as it is very repetitive. The text always starts off with a number, the animal, and then the sound the animal makes. This can be used as an interactive book with children during a read-a-loud.
February 13, 2016
Title: The Noisy Counting Book
Author: Susan Schade
Illustrator:
Genre: Non-fiction
Theme(s): Counting,
Opening line/sentence: "Early one morning, a boy went to a pond to fish."
Brief Book Summary: This reader friendly board book is about a boy who went to the pond to fish. As he is sitting there, he begins to to hear different noises (a frog, ducks, fish...). Each noise is associated with a number and the animal making the noise. For example 2 ducks, wak, wak. This kind of correspondence helps children to practice their numbers and presents an element of fun with the interactive animal sounds. After the book reaches 6 mosquitos, the boy has had enough and yells "QUIET!" Until he hears...
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: 12 pp. Random (Random House Children's Books) ISBN 0-394-8895 (5) PS Just Right series. A boy's attempts to fish are frustrated by a variety of animals from six buzzing mosquitos to a frog who says 'ga-dunk.' Predictable and filled with noises toddlers will enjoy imitating. The illustrations are colorful but cartoonlike.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Nicole Williams (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 2)) The main character in this book is down at the pond trying to catch a fish when, one by one, the pond s inhabitants create a symphony of fun and silly sounds. My students loved creating the sounds as they counted the pond animals in this delightful board book. (1st. board book ed.). )
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews both noted the silly language and sound the book had. I like how review number two said "a symphony of fun and silly sounds." This captures the intent of the book nicely while alluding to the many possible activities that could come out of reading this book. Only one review touched on the illustrations, which were cute and cartoonish.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The plot of the book was very minimal- a boy was fishing and became frustrated when the sounds of the pond animals filled his ears. The style of this counting book was to include the one-to-one correspondence of numbers, and sounds. This book contains repetition and has a unique rhythm that could be musical!
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book as a read-aloud in a preschool setting because it is the kind of book that encourages participation. The repeated language would be easy for children to memorize and follow along with. Another application of this book would be to cut out numbers and the animals and have children practice one-to-one correspondence using the pond animals. (ex: the number 2 and two ducks)
Author: Susan Schade
Illustrator:
Genre: Non-fiction
Theme(s): Counting,
Opening line/sentence: "Early one morning, a boy went to a pond to fish."
Brief Book Summary: This reader friendly board book is about a boy who went to the pond to fish. As he is sitting there, he begins to to hear different noises (a frog, ducks, fish...). Each noise is associated with a number and the animal making the noise. For example 2 ducks, wak, wak. This kind of correspondence helps children to practice their numbers and presents an element of fun with the interactive animal sounds. After the book reaches 6 mosquitos, the boy has had enough and yells "QUIET!" Until he hears...
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: 12 pp. Random (Random House Children's Books) ISBN 0-394-8895 (5) PS Just Right series. A boy's attempts to fish are frustrated by a variety of animals from six buzzing mosquitos to a frog who says 'ga-dunk.' Predictable and filled with noises toddlers will enjoy imitating. The illustrations are colorful but cartoonlike.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: Nicole Williams (The Lorgnette - Heart of Texas Reviews (Vol. 23, No. 2)) The main character in this book is down at the pond trying to catch a fish when, one by one, the pond s inhabitants create a symphony of fun and silly sounds. My students loved creating the sounds as they counted the pond animals in this delightful board book. (1st. board book ed.). )
Response to Two Professional Reviews: These reviews both noted the silly language and sound the book had. I like how review number two said "a symphony of fun and silly sounds." This captures the intent of the book nicely while alluding to the many possible activities that could come out of reading this book. Only one review touched on the illustrations, which were cute and cartoonish.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The plot of the book was very minimal- a boy was fishing and became frustrated when the sounds of the pond animals filled his ears. The style of this counting book was to include the one-to-one correspondence of numbers, and sounds. This book contains repetition and has a unique rhythm that could be musical!
Consideration of Instructional Application: I would use this book as a read-aloud in a preschool setting because it is the kind of book that encourages participation. The repeated language would be easy for children to memorize and follow along with. Another application of this book would be to cut out numbers and the animals and have children practice one-to-one correspondence using the pond animals. (ex: the number 2 and two ducks)
September 13, 2012
"The Noisy Counting Book," by Susan Schade and Jon Buller is a cute and interactive counting book for young children who are just learning to count. The book only counts to 6, which I thought was kind of random, but it did not take away from the book. The book is very fun for toddlers learning to count. I think it would be best if a parent or teacher read this book to a child so they would have guidance. In the book, a little boy goes fishing and is constantly disrupted by noises from different animals. The first animal is "one big frog" who makes the noise "GA-DUNK" into the water. each page adds a new animal and ups the count by one (1 frog, 2 ducks, 3 birds and so on). Each animal makes a different noise and the noise is made the same amount of times as the number of that particular animal. Each time a new animal is introduced the page still goes through all the animals and their noises. This not only helps with counting but also with animals/insects as well as the sound they each make. This would be a fun book to read with a child because children would most likely really enjoy making the same noises over again with each page. The repeating of the counting on each page would really help a child remember those first 6 numbers. The illustrations in this book are great for young children as well. They are mostly soft pastel paintings that are not too overwhelming nor dull. I think this an excellent book and I would really like to buy a copy for my daycare!
September 6, 2012
This book is very good for young readers. Possibly kindergarten to second grade. It talks about a young boy going to a lake to go fishing and he comes across some animals. First he sees a frog that makes a noise to him. From there the counting continues with a new animal and the noise it makes. With every page it recalls all the animals and counting that goes along with it. Then as all the animals are making noise, the boy gets frustrated and tells them to be quiet so all the animals stop making noise, until the frog makes the noise again and then the story begins again. The pictures in this book are very entertaining and I am sure even a small infant would find the pictures to be cute. Possibly making different noises for the different animals would grab the readers attention more. But all in all this book is very good for counting and any child learning how to count will love this.
September 17, 2015
After reading this book I found it to be great for children who are less than enthused about reading and learning in general. I enjoyed thinking about the lighting up of the child's face when they read, "the two ducks said wak wak." and make the noises they are reading. I think this book is a great tool to show children that learning can be fun and to not get discouraged over having to read in order to gain knowledge. I also think something should be said about the illustrations. Sure the written content of this book is perfect, but the illustrations really give it an amazing quality. The illustrations contain just the right colors and just the right amount of positive and negative space that add a sense of unity to the book that children might not know they appreciate. I purchased this book to add to my collection of great books for children.
February 28, 2015
GA-DUNK! WAK! TWEET! BLURB! CHIRP! BZZZ! What fascinating sounds can we hear from the pond surrounding the little boy in this book? The counting book counts the number of times each creatures sound as our main protagonist sits on a deck fishing. Which sounds can you make? Let the fun being!
Our counting book does a great job of reinforcing counting by repeating of the counts, which makes it easy for a young child to learn numbers and counting. Simple illustrations and easy to read onomatopoeia makes it a fun to sound out the words as you are reading.
Only downside to this counting book is it only goes up to six. But for the most part, this is a fun book to read out loud for young children ages from infant up to day care age of about 3 or 4.
Our counting book does a great job of reinforcing counting by repeating of the counts, which makes it easy for a young child to learn numbers and counting. Simple illustrations and easy to read onomatopoeia makes it a fun to sound out the words as you are reading.
Only downside to this counting book is it only goes up to six. But for the most part, this is a fun book to read out loud for young children ages from infant up to day care age of about 3 or 4.
Read
October 8, 2012This book was funny to read! I liked how different animals came out every page with different sounds counting to six. Children will have fun with this because the animals are different and they are all making funny sounds and not the same one so it keeps them interested. The noise "GA-DUNK" continues to come up which is funny and kids will get a good laugh out of this book. It teaches them to count also while everything else is happening so it has a lesson as well.
January 19, 2012
The boy only wants to go fishing. But when all the nearby animals begin making noises - Ga-dunk!, Wak-Wak, Buzz, the only solution is to ask everyone to be QUIET! This book worked well in my Tiny Tots Class-this board book is slightly larger than the average size.
August 11, 2016
A hit with Lu (at 11 months), although oddly one of the rare ones at this age where the plot (as it were) is more of a driver than the illustrations. Boy goes fishing at a pond, different animals make different noises. It only goes to six, though. I was expecting 10.
June 6, 2009
another fun one for audience participation
July 19, 2010
May be my favorite read-aloud ever.
October 27, 2011
For some reason, preschoolers find the noise that the frog makes hysterical. "Gadunk"...kept them laughing all month at all my storytimes.
June 11, 2012
Just got this from the library and we love it!
December 11, 2012
Circular story. Great for the Pre-K crowd.
August 21, 2013
Cute short book counting noisy animals. Would make a great flannel/felt.
September 22, 2015
This book is always a hit, no doubt because of the sound effects and the boy finally shouting for all the animals to BE QUIET!!! The frog sound -- ga-dunk -- gets giggles, too.
August 4, 2014
This would have been 4 stars, but the kids were really confused as to why the frog said "Ga-dunk"
March 24, 2015
I plan on turning this book into a felt board for my toddler time. I love the noises and that it is a counting book. Right now the toddlers at my story time are really into counting.
November 9, 2016
This book needs to be published again. It is $100 and $3,000+ worth of awesomeness on Amazon.
May 2, 2012
Just read this in a storytime...got a great response especially the frog that goes ga-DUNK!
May 8, 2012
Cute counting book that kept my son's attention - he loved all the sounds.
March 1, 2013
If you can get your child to make the sounds, this book is really fun for children as young as 2.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews