Kazoetegoran Zembu de 100 by 瀨邊雅之 (Masayuki SEBE)

Kazoetegoran Zembu de 100 by 瀨邊雅之 (Masayuki Sebe) (總共是100/ Let's Count to 100)
First published in Japan in 2008 by Kaisei-Sha Publishing Co., Ltd. 
Complex Chinese translation copyright 2009 by Hsinex International Corporation
24 pages
ISBN 978-957-762-472-7
Ages 3 and up
www.kimy.com.tw/ No author website.


A visual introduction to the number 100 through panoramas that contain 100 different objects or animals. 


This book is a great way to put the number 100 into perspective. I remember learning numbers and thinking that 100 was a BIG number and almost indescriptive number. This book destigmatizes early ideas about the number 100. Through the illustrations, the number becomes more relatable, easier to visualize, and less overwhelming. It also makes learning to count fun with the delightful scenes. True to the title pictures show 100 individualized characters in each illustration (100 mice scurry around, 100 cats, moles, sheep, birds, fish, et cetera). Items are often grouped which tends to help with counting. 


The book also encourages seek and find activities. There are lots of hidden details, incidents, and funny things. (A farting mole which will bring a giggle from almost any young child.) In addition, parents can use didactic techniques very easily by asking questions such as "Where are the purple mice?" or "How many --- are in the picture?" "How many are sleeping?" etc. Children can also pick out things that interest them which will stimulate independent thought and creativity. Parents can also point out how each scene relates to the one before and the set of pictures after. This is important life lesson that applies to so many things. Things are related. Seeing it through actions in the environment at an early age might be a good way of communicating this idea.


The conclusion of the book brings all of the characters together, and then the last page shows objects that can be found among the pages. Readers will enjoy the animated uniqueness of characters, the quirky illustrations, and the the bright colors.


Masayuki Sebe is well known for his activity books and is known for his richly colored illustrations. 




English pages acquired online through google images, but I reviewed a Chinese version of this book.