Little 1

Author: Ann Rand

Publisher: Chronicle Books (2006)

Binding: Hardcover, 40 pages

I can't be the only adgrunt who's procreated, so humor me here for a sec while I review a childrens book for wee little adgrunts-to-be. Did you know that Ann Rand wrote children's books, four of which were illustrated by her husband Paul? Start your little artist off right with some well designed classics I say.

In Little 1 we learn basic addition by following the number one around, in rhyming rhythmic verse no less. Don't worry, it might be lonely being the Little 1 but it has a happy ending - and great artwork.

Little 1 looked like a stick
From the front he was medium thick
but from the side he was so thin,
he could have been
a line

"I'd like to be 2 like you, Little 1 said,
smiling at 2 yellow pears that lay in a dish.
"Go away," said the pears.
"2 is company
but 2 plus 1 is 3
and that would be
a crowd."

So Little 1 sadly set off
and right away met
3 stuffed bears lazing in the sun.
If 3 is a crowd, thought Little 1,
3 plus 1 is 4,
and that is even more.
So he didn't bother to ask
if he'd be allowed to bask beside them.