Synopsis: One night on the farm everything is topsy-turvy and the moon will only smile when things are put right. It's time for him to light the stars, one by one.

Review: This interactive counting story combines graphic pictures with simple novelty devices. This deeply satisfying counting story twinkles with warmth and ingenuity. Interactive and great fun, this book combines die-cut pages and peek-through holes. Children will count much more than sheep in this sweet, satisfying bedtime book. A plastic window on the cover reveals a golden half-moon that wears a puzzled expression as it gazes at the farm below:

 "The animals who were supposed to sleep at night were still awake. The animals who were supposed to wake up at night were still asleep"

The farm creatures are all turned around because there's no starlight, so on each subsequent spread, the moon "lights" a new star, settling the animals into their normal routine: the dog sleeps, the cats wakes and prowl, and so on.

The spare text provides a simple, rhythmic accompaniment to the bright, colour-saturated art. Vividly colourful illustrations and multiplying die-cut stars make for a bedtime counting book that twinkles with charm. In places, the reproductions appear a bit blurry, but Horacek's childlike crayon and watercolour illustrations, printed on glossy, sturdy paper, will captivate preschoolers. The children will enjoy reading this book with brilliant colours, uncluttered compositions, and cutaway stars that peek through in increasing numbers up to 10.

The book offers a cosy, appealing counting exercise from a talented artist.

2008-05-24