How Many Peas in a Pod?

by Margaret Allum, Judy Watson (Illustrator)

How many bears in a bed?Flip the flap!Three bears in a bed...bouncing up and down!How many peas in a pod?Flip the flap to find out!A fun-filled, lift-the-flap counting book.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

16 pages, Hardcover

First published July 31, 2005

Reviews

[Charlotte Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

The primary purpose of this book is to introduce numbers in sequence and counting to twelve. It does this by asking a question on each page, say, “How many pigs in a pen?” and then having a “flip the flap” to reveal a number of items queried in the environment presented in the question. So, “Two pigs in a pen...writing poetry!” As you work your way though the book the number increases by one on each new page, thereby allowing the reader to familiarise themselves with the pattern in which numbers occur.
Each page also gives the reader the opportunity to physically count the items therefore achieving a sense of satisfaction when their answer matches to what is written or is being read to them. Having the number on the page written numerically as well as the items also allows the reader to associate a number with meaning, say 2 pigs, rather than just 2 as a stand alone noun.
The “flip the flap” element of the book increases anticipation while reading, and helps younger children especially to feel part of the process, as they can flip the flap and reveal the hidden picture themselves.
In addition to numbers and counting the book also teaches where things live and belong, pigs in a pen, pumpkins in a patch, peas in a pod etc. Although the reader may think the book is helping them count it is also developing knowledge of their world and environment.
Children will enjoy this book as it is interactive and encourages participation not just story telling.