A Little Book about 123s

by Leo Lionni, Jan Gerardi (Illustrations)

A board book about numbers for the youngest fans of Leo Lionni--inspired by his bestselling classics!

Learn about the magic of numbers in this playful board book inspired by the works of legendary children's book author-illustrator Leo Lionni. With sturdy pages and engaging artwork, this colorful book is perfect for boys and girls ages 0 to 3. It makes a great baby shower gift!

Genres: Counting, Childrens, Picture Books, Number, Animals

28 pages, Board Book

Published January 7, 2020

About the author

Leo Lionni wrote and illustrated more than 40 highly acclaimed children's books. He received the 1984 American Institute of Graphic Arts Gold Medal and was a four-time Caldecott Honor Winner--for Inch by Inch, Frederick, Swimmy, and Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse. Leo Lionni died in October of 1999 at his home in Tuscany, Italy, at the age of 89.

Leo Lionni has gained international renown for his paintings, graphic designs, illustrations, and sculpture, as well as for his books for children. He was born in Holland in 1910 of Dutch parents, and although his education did not include formal art courses (in fact, he has a doctorate in economics from the University of Genoa), he spent much of his free time as a child in Amsterdam's museums, teaching himself to draw.

Lionni's business training gradually receded into the background as his interest in art and design grew. Having settled in Milan soon after his marriage in 1931, he started off by writing about European architecture for a local magazine. It was there that he met the contacts who were to give him a start as a professional graphic designer. When he moved to America in 1939, Lionni was hired by a Philadelphia advertising agency as art director. Later he became design director for the Olivetti Corporation of America, and then art director for Fortune magazine. At the same time, his reputation as an artist flourished as he began to exhibit his paintings and drawings in galleries from New York to Japan.

Lionni launched his career as an author/illustrator of books for children in 1959. Originally developed from a story he had improvised for his grandchildren during a dull train ride, Little Blue and Little Yellow was the first of what is now a long list of children's picture books, including four Caldecott Honor Books.

Reviews

[Tully North · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a tricky read, and if I’m honest it was a bit dark tragic and a traumatic experience.🫨

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This title does include all the elements needed or wanted for a party.
The only thing related to Lionni that I am seeing are his signature mice.

For further information/discussion of these new Lionni titles see my review of Little Book about Opposities.

[Taylor Armey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute easy to read beginner book. This book shows mice getting ready for a birthday party. It shows the mice getting ready for the party counting up to 10. There are many colors in the book as well.

[Lara Bate · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little book about 1, 2, 3 by Leo Lionni's friends' is a great book for newborns to up to 5 years. It helps teach counting.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Colorful and very cute board book starring counting mice in Lionni's recognizable style.

[The Transmuted Tree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red 2nd

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very simple counting book.

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this was in my list of options as an "it will do" book. It is shorter to read so will work for those shorter attention spans of younger readers. It is also colorful and yet simple.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. 3 year old picked this out at the library and we enjoyed it

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Have a counting party with cake, balloons, party hats, and more!

Highlights: Colorblock illustrations with cute mice. Asks the reader questions regarding the pictures.

Lowlights: There was an opportunity for the illustrator to use the corresponding number of items in the last scene (the party), but there are only three balloons not five, seven hats not nine, etc.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and easy board book for babies.

[Rebecca Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This very cute counting book would also make a great felt story.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

board book storytime ready little mice celebrate and count for a birthday