East Coast Counting
Dawn Baker
Pennywell Books
(Ages 0 & up)

Beginning with an invitation to “count some of the reasons why this part of the world is so special,” Dawn Baker’s newest picture book is a fun-filled counting book and a thoughtful tribute to the provinces of Atlantic Canada. Lighthouses and fishing buoys, puppies and chickadees, wiggling toes and smiling faces are among the objects that fill these pages, providing the youngest of readers the chance to hone their counting skills while also encountering a variety of places, plants and animals that are to be found in this unique region. 

As a counting book, East Coast Counting will be a welcome addition to the genre. On each page, the items being counted are readily identifiable and easy to count. The numbers are printed clearly on the page, both numerically and in written form, which is another helpful learning tool. 

The book is even more noteworthy as a celebration of the four Atlantic Provinces. Baker has included a delightful mix of well-known symbols of the region, along with images of flora and fauna that are less widely recognized.  

All four provinces are well represented herein and the lovely, softly luminous illustrations truly capture their rugged beauty. The “In case you were wondering…” section at the back provides explanations for each illustration as well as further information, and was a wise addition to the book.  

A visually captivating book that is perfect for Atlantic Canadian readers or as an introduction to the region.