Zero Zebras: A Counting Book about What’s Not There

by Bruce Goldstone, Julien Chung (Illustrator)

Discover the importance of counting what's there and what's not there in this brilliant picture book that combines math, imagination, and creativity, perfect for fans of Greg Tang! Zero Zebras asks a bold can you count what isn’t there? Can you count… to zero? Bruce Goldstone takes us on a wild animal safari counting one wallaby, two tuna, three thrushes, four frogs… but absolutely ZERO zebras. Readers will realize the infinite possibilities of counting what is and isn’t on the page. Goldstone's imaginative and creative text is brought to life by Chung's vibrant illustrations which include hidden numbers beautifully integrated into each stunning scene for fun some hide-and-seek. This is the perfect introduction to the concept of zero and infinity, showcasing the profound wonder of numbers in a playful, dazzling picture book that will wow readers of every age!

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Mathematics, Counting, Storytime, Childrens, Nonfiction

40 pages, Hardcover

Published August 2, 2022

About the author

Bruce Goldstone is the author of several books, including 100 Ways to Celebrate 100 Days, Great Estimations, Greater Estimations and The Beastly Feast. He has worked in educational publishing for nearly twenty years. Growing up in Ohio, Bruce fell in love with reading and the magic of words, and even back then he knew he wanted to be a writer. Books have always been an important part of his life, from buying used paperbacks to his first job, shelving books as a library page. He now lives in New York City with a plethora of pets including one dog, three parakeets, and an aquarium.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/bruceg...

Reviews

[Dylan Teut · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I taught first grade, we had to go through the most unexciting lesson every year about adding zero to a number (and then later subtracting). I wish I had this on hand to enhance the lesson and further explore the notion of zero/nothing at an elementary level.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun story introducing the concept of zero to young kids. Lots of animals and lots of bright, vivid pictures and easy to read text, this is a nice group read aloud.

[Amanda Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Explore the infinite possibilities of zero.

[Ferris Bueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

He giggled while I read this

[George Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zero Zebras: A Counting Book about What's Not There by Bruce Goldstone, illustrated by Julien Chung is a fun picture book that uses different animals and insects to teach children about the importance of the number 0 and the numbers 1-12. The numbers indicate the groups of animals/insects in realistic and nonrealistic ways, for example 2 tuna fish in the ocean and 8 elephants in suits playing a trumpet song. The animals and insects are also illustrated in their living environments. Throughout the book, along with each number of animals mentioned and illustrated, “zero zebras” is also mentioned but not illustrated. It is until the end where children learn the importance of the number zero in relation to the “zero zebras.” One thing that ties the message of the number zero across the book’s concept of numbers is the code of unframed. William Mobius in “Introduction to Picturebook Codes” goes over the several codes that attribute meanings to the different images in picture books. The code of unframed provides a glimpse of the world within the picture book (pg. 257). As each of the animals and insects move from page to page their world expands. At the end it is revealed that they were moving toward the sunset where at night they would end up being together. The image expands to all the animals together except for the zero zebras that is mentioned throughout. This adds meaning to the concept of numbers in picture books because it allows children to learn about numbers while gaining an understanding of the things they can count that are not present. It opens up children’s mind to imagination and possibilities by pointing out the fun in counting things that are not present, such as the zero zebras.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

The concept at first was off and I expected something to happen that eventually, never did.  The idea of 5 foxes or 10 tigers is not new, and even zero zebras are not new. One assumes by the end you will have a menagerie of animals and then say, oh one zebra or 100 zebras. Something in the "number category." Yet, this is a book that is about zero. It is a concept math book to help you try and understand the concept of nothing. It is a book about nothing. It is about infinity. It is about the number that is forgotten. The number that is seemingly unimportant, yet without it how would we explain what is not there?  A high concept idea for the slightly older crowd. Probably best in a classroom setting, it is not your parents math book. But it is something you need to check out.

[Mya Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Introduces children to zero with fun illustrations and writing. Each page counts different animals, but always points out in a silly way that there are no zebras present, helping kids think about what "nothing" means. This connects to what Van de Walle addresses in "Elementary and Middle School Mathematics," especially the concept of building number sense. It encourages creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving by turning counting into an engaging activity. Teachers can build on this by using activities like sorting toy animals into baskets numbered 0-12, making learning more hands-on and engaging.

[Amy Oberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do you help children understand the concept of "zero?" This lively picture book is the perfect tool for capturing what isn't there, as well as what is! Young listeners/readers are sure to engage in this interactive counting book, while also developing number sense.

Publication Date: 2022
Format: Picture book (unusual size: 7.25" x 11.25")
Elements: Muted (almost retro-looking) illustrations; matte pages
Connection/Topics: Counting, animals; concept of "zero"

[Binxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Although a math concept book, the illustrations and text will engage younger audiences. A very interactive book allowing kids to look closely at each page in a seek and find activity. May need some modifications at the end for the preschool storytime set.

[Marisa Duarte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A math-based counting book that teaches the concept of zero through a funny rhyme. Bright detailed illustrations that include a seek-and-find opportunity. At the end, the author include a page for adults explaining the inspiring theory of zero.

[Sarah S · Rating 3 out of 5]

The repetition in Goldstone's rhyming, whimsical words will engage very young readers, as will the simple (with subtle silliness) illustrations by designer Chung. I don't know if the target audience will get the full vastness of the concepts of zero and infinity, but it's a fun start.

[Kim Redington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a fabulous book to explore the number, ZERO, as it often gets overlooked when counting! Bruce Goldstone explores counting what isn't there with beautiful illustrations interwoven throughout the book!

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A romping good book about zero zerbras. Also included are zero gophers. See that I mean for yourself.

[Cherith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I homeschool my son and loved this book. He’s 11 years old and still appreciated it. I definitely recommend it especially to children like mine who say they “hate math.” It got him smiling about it.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you see zero of right now?

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great idea - a counting book to 12 that also introduces 0 and touches on infinity. There's also a fun seek and find element with an animal shown on the previous page hiding on the next

[LibrErin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really fun book about math, counting and mostly about ZERO. Vivid illustrations, perfect length.
We had lots of fun talking about it afterwards - "Look! I see zero dinosaurs in the field"

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this but I wish the spiders had been 8 and that the numbers were more visible on each page.

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this fun twist on a counting book!

[LS Johnson]

Mathical award

[kim · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Counts from 1 to 12 with exactly zero zebras showing up anywhere. Great concept book with an author's note about the importance of zero and its connection to infinity.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun counting book for young children that not only practices counting up to 12 but introduces the concept of "zero" which can be difficult to grasp.

[The Library Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zero zebras=1 running joke. It's a good concept and I like the bright, bold art, full of fedora and beret wearing elephants trumpeting with their trunks, tigers tiptoeing like ballerinas and llamas spitting with no zebras nearby to be affected. Fun stuff.

[Miss Janis the Storytime Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

long. Fun for a bit, but then you have to speed through.