Counting with Wayne Thiebaud

Susan Goldman Rubin (2007), 26 pages

Audience: babies, toddlers

Format: board book

Foster art appreciation at an early age whilst teaching your baby or toddler how to count. The artwork of contemporary artist, Wayne Thiebaud (famous for delicious renditions of candies, pastries, and cakes) makes counting a delight! Rubin reproduces a sampling of Thiebaud’s works, including Pie Slice (1991), Jolly Cones (2002), Sugar Sticks (1964) and many more to create a decadent counting book from 1-10. With minimal text and a carefully crafted sequence, “One piece of pie, two ice-cream clowns, three sandwich slices, three pickle rounds,” … Rubin creates a clever and simple counting book featuring Thiebaud’s beautiful artwork. With each turn of the page, readers are treated to Thiebaud’s painterly pastels, oils, and watercolors – each one striking and luscious; a sweet treat for readers everywhere! In addition, the book includes a complete catalog of the works used along with collection locations. Published in a board book format with rounded edges and in a compact size makes this ideal for little hands. Rubin has used other artists such as Warhol and Matisse as inspiration for children’s books. Her books are a great introduction to modern art and before long you’ll be visiting some museums to these works in person!

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: Touch the Art: Make Van Gogh’s Bed by Julie Appel or My First ABC by The New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, or A is for Art: An Abstract Alphabet by Stephen T. Johnson

Other books by this author: Delicious: Wham! The Art and Life of Roy Lichtenstein, Matisse Dance with Joy, and Andy Warhol’s Colors