Most counting books are fairly mundane - you count to ten. Sometimes people get freaky and you count DOWN to one, or you count by multiples, or you get the overachiever counting-book authors who go up to ten (or sometimes higher) and then all the way back down. Regardless, while a good educational lesson, they're not precisely emotionally stimulating.
This book jumps way past simple counting text (which, incidentally, itself winds down at about the half-way mark to make way for more lively situational rhymes) by virtue of the beautiful, hauntingly simplistic impressionistic page-spreads. The little girl is simply and classically drawn, and her environment is correct without being overly detailed. (Check the "skate egg cases" page for a perfect example, although we always called them 'devil's purses.')
The day of simple isolated enjoyment of nature and imagination (there's no one else around but mom and little girl) finishes off sweetly with a focus on sleepy memories and fond recollection of good times, both excellent lessons for young children (and sometimes their parents) about a time-tested way to find simple pleasures in life where you can find them.
As a former beach resident (I miss it so!) this story is a treasure, reminding me of many good times in the past, and hopefully in my future as well!
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