Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five

by Valorie Fisher

Do you know your letters? Can you count to twenty? Learn all that and more in this all-in-one concept picture book. Perfect for kids heading to kindergarten, this book covers the alphabet, counting, opposites, shapes, colors, and seasons. Award winning author-illustrator Valorie Fisher uses bright, gorgeous photos of retro toys to illustrate these topics in a completely fresh way. Parents will love this stylish and funny approach to basic concepts, while kids will learn, well, everything.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Counting, Nonfiction, Juvenile, Storytime, Number

40 pages, Hardcover

First published July 26, 2011

Reviews

[Alyssa Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five by Valorie Fisher is an excellent book for early childhood learners. The book provides colorful images that will capture the attention of young children. Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five provides images of real objects in order to convey early learning concepts – numbers, opposites, shapes, colors/mixing colors, seasons/weather, and of course the alphabet. This book is great for either parents of a young child or even for a child care facility. I personally would use it in my classroom, if I had younger children present. The book is put together well and Fisher did a great job at conveying important educational concepts in a way that children would enjoy!

[Tia O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five
Author/Illustrator: Valorie Fisher
Genre: Counting Book
Theme(s): Numbers, directions, shapes, colors, weather, letters
Opening line/sentence: 1 One, 2 Two, 3 Three, 4 Four
(The book comes with pictures of things to demonstrate the number, but the words aren’t written out)
Brief Book Summary: From the beginning, this book seems like it would just be a counting book that goes through the numbers you “should” know by the time you reach the age of five, but it’s actually so much more. After the children get through the numbers, Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five gives you just what the title says it will. The book described directions, shapes, colors, weather, emotions, and the alphabet.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1:
Reviewer: This review was posted by Kirkus, but the name of the reviewer was not given.
Source: Kirkus
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Review: “Fisher packs a lot—if not exactly everything, or perhaps not even some of the most important things—into this compendium of basic concepts for young children: letters, numbers up to 20, colors, shapes, opposites, seasons.
The title indulges in a bit of hyperbole, perhaps as a lure to a certain kind of nervous but ambitious parent. Small toys, objects and plastic dolls are lined up, combined or used to create clever tableaus to photographically illustrate each concept. Mixing colors, for instance, employs plastic ducks in various shades to demonstrate the result of color combinations. The superb clarity and rich, saturated colors of these photos create page openings that are nearly startling in their brightness. While the people figures are nicely retro with their bland, naive faces, there’s little diversity demonstrated or implied. And the collection of concepts misses a bet in another important way: For all the charming silliness going on in many of these miniature scenes, others seem static. It’s funny to see tiny figures in aprons and hair buns cleaning up an enormous ladybug, but literal-minded young readers will search the image in vain to find any of those abstract essential concepts (being a friend, taking care of the earth, asking for help) one ought to know before age five.
Cheerful, if not exactly essential, fun.”
Professional Recommendation/Review #2:
Reviewer: Randall Enos
Name of Source: Booklist
http://www.clcd.com.ezaccess.librarie...
Review: “One look at the enticing cover tells you all you need to know about this delightful concept book. With the tongue-in-cheek title and the life-size photo of a bright-yellow toy dump truck driven by a pint-size doll and overflowing with richly colored plastic letters, numbers, and appealing toys, this oozes fun with a little learning on the side. Inside, eight concepts (numbers, opposites, shapes, colors, mixing colors, seasons, weather, and the alphabet) are creatively displayed by crisp photos featuring appealing miniature toys that practically pop off the page. For example, each numeral is represented by a large, vivid likeness of the number crawling with exactly that many toy animals (dinosaurs, grasshoppers, rubber ducks). Further concepts are presented in slightly different ways to avoid repetition. Reminiscent of the easiest I Spy books, this beautifully designed title will be enjoyed by children on their own as well as alongside adults.”
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I would definitely agree with Kirkus’s review of the book. I noticed the bright colors before anything else, and I think children could definitely have fun with them, but I didn’t notice the lack of diversity as much as the reviewer did. Now that I see it, I do see it as a bit of a problem. I also agree that it was a nice mix of knowledge for children to know.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: The pictures in this book stood out in a way that would grab children’s attention, and the illustrations were fun, which would capture interests. As the reviews said, the illustrations are different enough throughout the book that they really don’t become predictable, and the illustrator changes them up for each teaching section as a way to divide them, which is interesting.
Consideration of Instructional Application: Because this book has a lot more than just counting in it, there are a lot of different mini-lessons you could do with it. After reading, you could go over the numbers (or weather or emotions), and then have the students create their own small little book with 1 of an object, 2 of an object, and so on. You could also have the students go throughout the room and find one of something, two of something and so on. Both of these activities could help students adapt counting to the real world. Depending on what other things you’re learning about, you could connect it to any subject. For instance, the preschool I was in last semester was working with volcanoes and where they are in the world.. After reading this, I could have them count the volcanoes we’ve found on a certain continent and make a chart.That way, the reading would be connected to our science lesson.

[Ella Ghoneim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book geared toward teaching children basic facts to know. It begins by counting the numbers 1-20 with animals and marbles corresponding to each number. It then transitions to opposites, teaching kids the difference between what is “full” or “empty” or “open” and “closed”. The book continues on with pictures of shapes, colors, and the alphabet, one letter at a time. This book was a wonderful read filled with vibrant colors and engaging pictures for children to enjoy. I think it was very educational, and did a great job at demonstrating everything a child should know before the age of 5.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a librarian I often get asked for a book just like Everything I Nee to Know Before I'm Five by Valorie Fisher. While this book certainly doesn't contain everything, it does give parents a place to start. The concepts of numbers, alphabet and shapes are included as well as opposites. Kids are sure to love the brightly colored illustrations that will help spark conversation and curiosity. For ages 1 - 5.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It had 'everything', truly.
Numbers? Yes. 1 to 10, and then 11 to 20, with items to count.
Opposites? Yes, and illustrated well.
Primary colours, and what they can make? Yes.
Shapes? 2d and 3d.
Letters? Those, too. Upper and lowercase, with things surrounding them that start with their letter.
Great!

[Adeline Arpin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely earned its title. From counting to 20, learning the alphabet, and learning about different types of weather, this book uses pictures to help children learn what they need to know before kindergarten.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Counting: 1-20
Opposites: big & little, easy & hard...
Shapes: don't forget the sphere, cylinder, cone...
Colors: color combinations too
Seasons & Weather
Alphabet

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the concept more than the execution.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read. Age appropriate. Well illustrated. Good vocabulary embedded. Recommend

[Lucca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a prek/k book. The colors and illustrations are engaging. The material is great for age 3-4-5. We enjoyed the small details within each page also.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great recap of early concepts. With no underlying story, it is not a book you want to read over and over again, unfortunately.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple concepts of learning that every child entering into kindergarten, and beyond should have an idea about.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is called "Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five" but I found it be a booked geared more toward a two or three year old.

Photos of toys and figurines form the images for the book.

[Angie Quantrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun overview of concepts preschoolers are learning. Bright and colorful.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This concept book is a fun pre-school, and pre-age-five, book. Numbers from 1 to 20; opposites; shapes; colours; mixing colours; seasons; weather; the alphabet are all displayed in vivid illustrations.

[Kim Hunt]

Fisher, V. (2011). Everything I need to know before I'm five. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books.

Professional Review: SMITH, R. L. (2011). Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five. Horn Book Magazine, 87(4), 127-128.

Reference Type: Encyclopedia

Call Number: E Fish

Content Scope: This one volume encyclopedia for preschool through kindergarten covers the alphabet, counting, opposites, shapes, colors, and seasons and uses bright photos of retro toys to illustrate these topics.

Accuracy Authority Biased: The author/illustrator has a BFA from Tufts University and the Museum School. She has authored/illustrated 6 other children's books. Her titles My Big Brother and My Big Sister, are both Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award winners

Arrangement and Presentation: Plastic toys populate each page, often in funny poses and situations that will help little learners remember them for a long time.

Relation to Similar Works: The only children's encyclopedia's in the library's collection is a three volume set located in the juvenile section titled The Encyclopedia of Science.

Timelessness and Permanence: This reference introduces basic concepts that will not become out-of-date and makes this book an addition to the collection that endures.

Accessibility/ Diversity: Most encyclopedia’s are geared toward older students that are readers. This reference introduces young students to the idea of an encyclopedia.

Cost: $17.99 each

[Jrowe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fisher, V. (2011). Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five. New York: Schwarts & Wade Books.

Choice Book
Counting and Alphabet

Illustrations of large, bold numbers and the quantity of images on the pages correspond. Beyond 10, the use of marbles allow for counting comparison and quantity examples from 11 up to 20. Colorful and bold toy-like illustrations provide reinforcement for the opposites presented in the text. A comprehensive variety of shapes, including geometric solids, include pictures and shape names. Colors are illustrated with full backgrounds of the colors being displayed with each containing pictures of familiar, same colored toys and the color is spelled out in word form for the reader. Images of rubber ducks create simple addition problems that also address the concept of color blending. Seasons and weather are illustrated using familiar calendar/circle time imagery. Each letter of the alphabet is written in capital and lower case form. There are multiple objects in each surrounding frame which provide examples of objects beginning with the focus letter's sound.

This book is a very all inclusive way to introduce a young reader to most everything they need to know before he/she is five as stated in the title. It is a little too much all at once, but is very visually stimulating.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything I Need To Know Before I'm Five by Valorie Fisher presents concepts children need to know by the age of five.

Numbers, opposites, shapes and the alphabet have featured sections. Both upper and lower case alphabet letters are pictured.

Photographs of vintage toys are used to illustrate the concepts, using bright colors and graphic design. Clever touches include giraffes in bow ties, sheep wearing glasses, penguins with purses, marbles showing numbers 11 - 20, up and down portrayed with mustaches, and color mixing using duckies.

This should be a very popular, useful concept book. Many will enjoy the use of the vintage toy people, while some may find then a bit creepy, including the fact that they all depict white persons. Some may feel certain pages are a bit overcrowded with images. The bright colors used should attract children's attention. Recommended for school and public library collections.

For ages 2 to 5, concepts, alphabet, counting, opposites, shapes, colors, weather, and fans of Valorie Fisher.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My almost-five-year-old son picked this book out from our local library this week. The title seemed just about perfect.

I let my son "read" this book himself before I started reading it to him. He did surprisingly well. He didn't get the "big, little" on the opposites page, but that one was a bit confusing.

If this book is accurate, my son is pretty much on track. He has no trouble counting to 20 unless he goes too fast. Then he leaves out 14. He has no trouble reciting the alphabet unless he goes too. Then he leaves out N, which coincidentally, is the 14th letter of the alphabet. Fourteen was a rough age for me, so I understand this aversion.

He got all the shapes, except two. Cylinder? Really? Sphere? Really?

He understood the concept of mixing colors except for the brown. That's OK. I remember when I was in high school some of the "art students" couldn't mix a decent brown.

[Addie Lauver · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot: In Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five we actually get a representation of things children need to know before they turn five. Not only does it counts to 20 but it gives examples of opposites, the different shapes, a few different colors and what happens when you mix them. They discuss the seasons and the weather, and even the letters in the alphabet.
Genre: This is a number/concept book. Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five is a good book for young children. The illustrations/pictures are engaging and colorful and are easily relatable to children’s learning.
Connections: Before reading it pre-assesses the children to see if they can count. Ask could anyone raise their hand and count to 10 for me? Also ask who can name me a color? Do you know what happens if I mix this color with it? Do you want to read and find out?! They after we read the story you could give them a number chart to color the different numbers in.

[Brittany Martz · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title of this book describes exactly what the whole book is about. This book would be developmentally appropriate for ages 2-5 years old. This book most closely relates to students that are five years old because the book is talking directly about topics that are discussed all throughout Kindergarten. Throughout the whole book, it allows practice for numbers, letters, colors, and seasons to the students. This is a very kid-friendly book that the students could directly relate to. Since students in Kindergarten learn this content, it would be a perfect book to read while introducing these topics and working on them. I think the students would really enjoy reading this book and making the connection that what they are learning is something that is included in books and they can read about.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty nifty concept book for young readers who have the chance to explore visually numbers, opposites, shapes, colors, seasons, weather, and the alphabet. My favorite page contained four opposite pairings: up/down, long/short, happy/sad, and off/on as the illustrator cleverly shows a moustache curling up and curling down, and then on the same man, long pants and short pants. For each element, the illustrator gathered together toys, paper, wood cutouts, and other found objects and then photographed them. There's much to see and do in this book, possibly too much, but it would certainly be a great way to have young readers learn some of the important concepts they'll need before going to school.

[Allison Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

With cleverly arranged still-life photography of objects depicting colors, opposites, numbers and letters, this charming concept book will amuse the whole family. Young readers first learning their ABCs and other sets of knowledge are sure to delight in the bold, bright, busy (but not overwhelming) photos that give every opportunity to find silly surprises alongside well known basics. Meanwhile, adult readers are likely to be struck with joyous nostalgia in seeing small vintage toys here and there, dolled up in a modern aesthetic and accompanied by modern doodads, too, all to be appreciated by the collector - of toys, trinkets, or trivia - in all of us.

[John Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I love the illustrations, which make me feel as though I can lift whatever is on the page and hold it in my hands. I am not completely sure a child would know they are learning anything. This book is not drilling children on their colors, seasons, shapes, alphabet, counting, weather, and opposites. There is something to be said for Fisher's effectiveness in conveying what she wanted to say in one book. These concepts are usually found in separate books. Fisher creatively made basic concepts seem fun and exciting. I think this book would be perfect for a parent to buy their child who is starting kindergarten soon. Or even for a child who is starting pre school.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because this is just a concept book (there's no narrative), this would be an easy book to hand to preschooler to keep them busy; there's a lot to look at. This book has limited appeal though, since there's not a narrative. Once a child can name or count everything, I can see them losing interest pretty fast. A good tool to use with ELL families though, to help them understand the sorts of things they can teach their child (in the language they are the most comfortable) to help them be ready to start kindergarten.

[Jess Farabaugh]

Everything I Need to Know Before I’m Five by Valorie Fisher is an educational concept picture book for children ages 2 to 5 years old. Children can use this book to help learn their letters, count to twenty and more! This book is perfect for children who are going into kindergarten! It covers the alphabet, counting, opposites, shapes, colors, and seasons. The book is filled with award winning author-illustrator Valorie Fisher photos, which are bright, stunning photos of retro toys. Teachers and students will enjoy this trendy and comical approach to learning basic concepts!

[LaToya Hixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this book did not not tell a story, it was still a great book. It is a great book for teacher that is teaching young children about their ABC's, counting,colors, and etc. The title of the book really fits everything in the book. the information in this book is everything you should teach a child before they are five. I recommend this book for future teachers and parents with children that are on their way to reaching the age five. I read this book to my niece and I think it was a great way to show her what the numbers, colors, and letters look like.

[Donalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valorie Fisher, the photographer/stylist for the Moxy Maxwell series, digs into her toy box for this photo primer of everything kids should know before entering kindergarten. From numbers to letters to colors to shapes, the fundamentals appear in delightful photos starring plastic animals and dolls. My only complaint is that some of the examples lack originality. I'm sure I've seen that x-ray, yo yo, zebra grouping.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun concept book illustrated with tons of tiny toys! The toys are whimsical and old-fashioned and looked like the ones you find in Walter Wick's I Spy books. Covers concepts like numbers 1-10, opposites, and the alphabet. Some ideas work beautifully, like shapes. Others, like combining colors (red duck + yellow duck = orange duck?) or the alphabet (a doll in sunglasses and a skirt for S) were not always spot on. Still, lots of fun stuff to look at, and good practice for kindergarten concepts.

[Kifflie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is several concept books in one. It covers numbers, shapes, the alphabet, seasons, weather, opposites, and colors. The illustrations are interesting -- though there are a few that aren't immediately obvious -- "s" for "sunglasses" took a little more thought than it probably should have, as did "t" for "teacup."

It's a colorful piece of work, just probably a little more sophisticated than it needs to be.