View source for Numbers by Paul Thurlby

{{infobox2
|title=Numbers
|author=Paul Thurlby
|reviewer=Lorraine McDonald
|genre=For Sharing
|rating=4
|buy=Yes
|borrow=Yes
|isbn=978-1444918755
|pages=48
|publisher=Hodder Children's Books
|date=October 2014
|aznuk=1444918753
|aznus=1444918753
|cover=1444918753
|website=http://www.paulthurlby.com/
|video=
|summary= Numbers is an original addition to the well known genre of counting books. Though some of the meaning of the striking ‘retro modern’ illustrations may go over the head of children, the artwork will continue to fascinate well after the task of counting to ten has been accomplished.   
}}
Is it art or is it pedagogy? That’s a weighty question to start a review of a children’s picture book. When the book in question is 'Numbers' by Paul Thurlby though, it’s central to whether you will love this volume or not. 

'Numbers' is an original addition to that well known genre of counting books. So, first the maths bit. Paul Thurlby brings us the numbers zero to ten in single digits before reverting to units of ten to complete the count up to one hundred. On the left of each double page spread the number is presented as a digit (1) with the word clearly placed beneath (One). Maths over and on to the art part, for this is where this book is really at. There are no dots, animals or objects to count. Instead, on the right of each double page spread, each digit is incorporated in to a character or scene suggested by the shape of, or association with, the number. So the Beatles are the choice for ‘fab four’ with Paul’s torso and extended arm forming the digit. In a similar vein a ginger tom cat illustrates ‘9 lives’ and a jaunty crocodile ‘snappy 7’.
 
Paul Thurlby’s style is both striking and remarkable. In a hand written preface he describes it as ‘retro modern’. It is evocative of British 1950’s travel posters, with a touch of art deco inspiration and a spot of Soviet avant-garde. The pictures beg to be released from their bindings to be framed on a wall.  But would that be a nursery wall? Are they all child friendly?  Well, perhaps a roulette table and happy gambler (Fifty with the legend 50:50) isn’t the most obvious choice for the under fives and nor is a glitter ball and platform shoe for (Disco) 70. How will I describe ‘Perfect 10’ with its illustration of a blonde Adonis and his girlfriend, to my toddler if he asks? Hmm – those conversations are going to be ‘interesting’… 

I’m not convinced that any child was ever taught to count or recite their ABC via any of the myriad books purporting to do so. What I am convinced of is that 'Numbers' will foster creativity and teach a love of art. Though some of the meaning of the striking illustrations may go over the head of tots, the artwork will continue to fascinate well after the task of counting to ten has been accomplished.   

For a counting book guaranteed to be toddler friendly try [[Elmer's First Counting Book by David McKee]].

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