Animals (Lets Count to Ten!) A lift-the-flap counting book by Priddy Books

If you're searching for a vibrant, engaging, and educational book to introduce your little one to numbers, Animals (Let's Count to Ten!) by Priddy Books is a fantastic choice. This lift-the-flap counting book is more than just a simple number primer—it’s an interactive journey through the animal kingdom that makes learning feel like play.

Designed for toddlers and preschoolers, this book combines bright illustrations, tactile engagement, and a playful approach to counting that keeps young readers entertained while reinforcing early math skills. But does it stand out among other counting books? Let’s dive into a detailed review to find out!

---

Unlike traditional storybooks, Animals (Let's Count to Ten!) doesn’t follow a narrative plot. Instead, it presents a series of counting exercises where children lift flaps to discover animals hidden beneath. Each page focuses on a number from one to ten, pairing it with a corresponding group of animals.

For example:

• "1 pink flamingo standing on one leg!"
• "5 stripy zebras galloping in the grass!"

The flaps reveal additional surprises—sometimes extra animals or playful actions—encouraging kids to interact with the book beyond just counting. The final spread often recaps all the numbers, reinforcing learning through repetition.

---

Since this is an educational board book, "characters" are replaced by adorable, stylized animals. Each creature is carefully illustrated to be both visually appealing and easily recognizable for young children.

• Flamingos, zebras, lions, and more – The selection includes familiar favorites, making it easy for kids to connect with the content.
• Expressive and engaging – The animals are drawn with playful expressions and dynamic poses (e.g., a monkey swinging or a penguin sliding), adding personality.
• Diverse representation – The book includes animals from different habitats (jungle, ocean, savanna), subtly introducing early science concepts.

While there’s no character arc, the animals serve as friendly guides through the counting journey, making numbers feel less abstract and more fun.

---

Priddy Books excels at crafting books that balance simplicity with engagement, and this one is no exception.

• Rhyming text – The short, rhythmic phrases ("3 spotty leopards prowling in the trees!") make reading aloud enjoyable and help with memorization.
• Interactive prompts – Questions like "How many buzzing bees can you see?" encourage participation.
• Clear, bold fonts – Numbers and words are large and easy to read, supporting early literacy.

The writing avoids overwhelming young readers, keeping sentences short and energetic.

---

While the primary focus is numbers, the book subtly introduces other learning layers:

• Animal recognition – Kids learn names and traits (e.g., "spotty leopards," "buzzing bees").
• Fine motor skills – Lifting flaps strengthens hand-eye coordination.
• Observation & memory – Hidden surprises under flaps encourage curiosity.
• Colors & patterns – Bright illustrations reinforce color recognition.

This multi-sensory approach makes it a versatile teaching tool beyond basic counting.

---

As a parent, I’ve read many counting books, and this one quickly became a favorite. Here’s why:

✅ Durable flaps – Unlike some lift-the-flap books, these are sturdy enough to withstand toddler enthusiasm.
✅ Re-readability – My child loves discovering the hidden animals again and again.
✅ Engaging visuals – The bold, high-contrast colors captivate even the youngest readers.
✅ Encourages participation – My little one loves shouting out numbers and animal names.

The only minor drawback? A few flaps are a bit tricky for tiny fingers to lift independently, but this improves with practice.

---

How does it stack up against similar books?

• Vs. Dear Zoo (Rod Campbell) – Both use flaps, but Animals (Let's Count to Ten!) focuses more on numbers than storytelling.
• Vs. Counting Kisses (Karen Katz) – Katz’s book is cozier, while Priddy’s is more energetic and animal-focused.
• Vs. Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 (Bill Martin Jr.) – Martin’s book has a stronger narrative, but Priddy’s offers more tactile interaction.

This book stands out for its combination of counting, animal facts, and hands-on fun.

---

• Bright, engaging illustrations

• Sturdy construction (thick board pages)

• Multi-sensory learning (flaps, rhymes, counting)

• Encourages repeat readings

• Some flaps are stiff for very young toddlers.

• Limited to 1-10 (could have extended to 20 for older kids).

Still, the pros far outweigh the cons!

---

Perfect for:

• Ages 1-4 (toddlers & preschoolers)
• Parents seeking interactive learning
• Teachers introducing early math concepts
• Animal-loving kids

Not ideal for:

• Older kids who’ve mastered counting to ten.

---

While not a quote-heavy book, the rhythmic lines stand out:

"6 colorful parrots squawking in the leaves!"
"8 waddling penguins sliding on the ice!"

These phrases make counting feel like a playful chant.

---

While not deeply cultural, the book aligns with modern early education trends:

• Montessori-inspired (hands-on learning)
• STEM-friendly (early math & science exposure)
• Inclusive design (animals from various habitats)

---

Animals (Let's Count to Ten!) is a winning combination of fun and education, making it a staple in any toddler’s library. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or teacher, this book delivers an engaging, interactive way to introduce numbers.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Question: What’s your favorite interactive children’s book? Share in the comments! 🐘📖

Get this book on Amazon

For more great reviews and book recommendations, visit Books By Order.

For more great reviews, visit Book Book Owl.