Can You Count?

by Gyo Fujikawa

Book by Fujikawa, Gyo

Genres: Picture Books, Counting, Childrens, Animals

16 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Gyo Fujikawa was an American illustrator and children's book author. A prolific creator of more than 50 books for children, her work is regularly in reprint and has been translated into 17 languages and published in 22 countries. Her most popular books, Babies and Baby Animals, have sold over 1.7 million copies in the U.S. Fujikawa is recognized for being the earliest mainstream illustrator of picture books to include children of many races in her work, before it was politically correct to do so.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Jackie Ostrowicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Can You Count” by Gyo Fujikawa. This charming counting book features a host of irresistible creatures illustrating numbers up to 10. Each picture includes both the numeral and the written-out word for the number, along with adorable animals-a ballerina monkey, a sailor-suited goat, a golden chick, etc. Fujikawa (1908-1999) made a career in the advertising world and enjoyed a lengthy stint at the Walt Disney Studios, where she designed the large book version of Fantasia.

Fujikawa is recognized for being the earliest mainstream illustrator of picture books to include children of many races in her work, before it became common to do so. Her joyous illustrations remain sweet and nostalgic, without ever becoming saccharine. Discussing her respect for her audience, she said:

"In illustrating for children, what I relish most is trying to satisfy the constant question in the back of my mind--will this picture capture a child's imagination? What can I do to enhance it further? Does it help to tell a story?" I'd encourage you to find other books of hers--she is an amazing illustrator.

[Freddie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

What differentiates this from other 1-10 counting primers is the diversity of what is offered on each page. Rather than seven bears, eight pigs (and so on), there is plethora of animals in colourful clothes, making the counting experience a little more challenging and fun. Plus, you know I am just a sucker for Fujikawa's illustrations. An 80's pastel mood board of my dreams.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here’s a great board book for the baby just starting to learn. It’s very simple but vibrant with color.

Take a sneak peek inside the book and see which number books are our favs: watch my reel!

Ages: 2 - 5

Content Considerations: nothing to note.

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[Cws]

BB-Fuj

[Rochelle Sondae · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting more from this book. Each spread has the appropriate number of animals along with the numeral. There were some really cute pictures.

[Sarah Stumphf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated counting book.

[Peacegal · Rating 4 out of 5]

First printed in the 1970s but the style looks even older. If the animals had a more pastel look this book could have been printed during my mom's childhood in the 50s.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the simplest counting books out there -- but the illustrations are vintage wonderfulness!!

[Sylvester (Taking a break in 2023) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* art
4* concept