Sums of Sheep? Lots of Lambs by Laura Numeroff

LAMBS IN A COAT...
LAMBS ON A BOAT.

Author Laura Numeroff and artist Lynn Munsinger are up to their old tricks, producing succinct but inviting text and tres charmant illustrations of appealing little animals inviting us in for a jolly time.

In this prolific pair's latest Lots of Lambs (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012), youngsters are enticed to enter for a “touchy-feely, flap and fun” experience as they search for little lambs everywhere. Numeroff and Munsinger also offer wheels to turn to alter the landscape, as when the seagoing lambs get to see a changing variety of fish–flying fish in the air and long, finny fish in the water--or assorted fold-outs as when the “coat” in question opens down the line of buttons in front to reveal four lambs, arranged pyramid-style giggling with glee under that overcoat.

There are lambs behind big beach umbrellas at the seashore, and a single lamb all alone behind a bush. There are lots of lamb thespians ready to perform when the stage curtains open, and as a timely nighty-night treat on the last page, three sleepy lambs concealed underneath their quilted coverlet, ready for a snooze. Numeroff and Munsinger, co-creators of the ever-popular If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (If You Give...) and companion books, are quality collaborators and this little board book looks to be one of their best joint ventures for the very young.