Hoban's crisp photo-essay presents images of upper- and lower-case letters beside objects beginning with that letter; reverse the book, and numerals are shown alongside coins that total that amount. Ages 3-up. (Aug.)

PreS-Gr 3 Hoban's clever design, providing two books in one, is highlighted with clear, bright photographs. In the alphabet half of the book, each upper- and lower-case soft touch'' letter in primary colors (two per page), is matched to a photo of an object. Interesting and challenging choices are presented to enhance vocabulary development of preschoolers. AtZ,'' readers need to turn the book around for the counting half. Here ``soft touch'' numbers are used. The count proceeds in sequential order to 30, by 5's to 50, and by 10's to 90. An exciting feature of 99 Cents is the concept of monetary equivalency grouping which is introduced at number 5 and continues with increasing complexity. Teachers and parents can extend counting and grouping activities by creating additional coin combinations. Children will enjoy manipulating money, numbers, and letters to correspond to the photographs in this book. The combination of unique design, distinguished photographs, and superb layout adds up to a winner! Gale W. Sherman, Pocatello Pub . Lib . , Idaho