In creating this counting book, the artist has used an unusual technique. She painted by layering a pulp made of cotton fibers pigmented in an array of flame-bright hues. The process seems more akin to papermaking than to painting, and the resulting illustrations have an air of spontaneity in form and color. On each double-page spread, a specified number of animals cavort, inviting children to join in the fun. While those just learning to count will find the beginning numbers a challenge, there's room to grow: following the sequence from 1 to 10, the numbers skip along by tens to 50. And even children who've mastered the counting game will enjoy acting up with the animals--jumping with the two zebras, stretching with the five giraffes, and finally waving their wings good-bye to the 50 bees. A visually striking concept book with story-hour potential. (Reviewed Feb. 1, 1992)

Numbers one to ten, then tens to 50, are teamed with animals portrayed in Fleming's exuberant, bright illustrations. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)