Ten Little Fingers, Two Small Hands - Rilegato

This ode to delightfully dimpled hands is the stuff laptime snuggles are made of. A simple rhyming text describes toddlers' hands as little ones play, wait for treats, eat, and clean up. The fresh, child-friendly illustrations are spot-on. Adults will appreciate the easy to read verses like "One last bite, then arms up high!/Wash two hands and pat them dry." Little listeners will be comforted by the familiar scenarios and are sure to recognize themselves in the group of diverse faces. The simple finger-counting framework facilitates learning numbers without detracting from the appeal. VERDICT: A solid choice. Purchase this hardcover edition, or wait for the board book so it can be zealously enjoyed by two small hands. (School Library Journal)

A diverse cast of toddlers use their hands in all different ways to eat a snack. "Ten little fingers, one hand... two. / Two small hands belong to you!" The toddlers spy a cake and want to gobble it all up. One little white tot with a mop of curly blonde hair eagerly points one finger to the treat. An East-Asian youngster (judging by haircut) taps two fingers on an empty plate, clearly indicating where this cake should go. "Three little fingers pinch a bite. / Four little fingers squish it tight." Counting from one to 10, the toddlers finish their snack (spilling some milk in the process, of course), but after 10 fingers clap in celebration...it's time for more! With one tiny finger in the air and an impish grin, a brown-skinned mite with two fuzzy black pigtails pleads one more piece. There's plenty of opportunity for interaction and cuddles as Dempsey encourages readers to "Count each finger one by one" and then kiss them when they're done. Multiethnic, round-headed, chubby-handed babies want more, more, more. Lends itself nicely to follow a certain action rhyme about baking! (Picture book. 1-3) (Kirkus Reviews)

If there's one thing that toddlers love to do, it's watching other kids. They will have plenty of opportunities in this cheerful picture book, where a typical page features a single child doing something with his hands: playing with food, shaking a maraca, or giving a hug. The child-care setting offers many opportunities to show everyday activities, which Dempsey lays out in simple, rhyming verses with a counting theme and a lightly narrative thread: "One little finger points to cake. / Two little fingers tap a plate. / Three little fingers pinch a bit. / Four little fingers squish it tight." Brightened with colorful washes, Massey's simple, large-scale pencil drawings depict a diverse cast of amiable young kids who explore what's around them in playful ways: tipping a cup of water, smooshing a bit of cake, and asking for more . . . "Please!" For children who are ready, this can be a counting book. For younger ones, it's an upbeat picture book that showcases kids doing interesting things. Fun for reading aloud. (Booklist)

Kristy Dempsey is a children's book author and a Preschool-12th grade librarian at The American School of Belo Horizonte in Brazil. Her books include ME WITH YOU (Philomel), SURFER CHICK (Abrams), the Golden Kite Award-winning A DANCE LIKE STARLIGHT (Philomel)—all of which have received starred reviews—and two upcoming picture books with Bloomsbury and Knopf. Visit her online at kristydempsey.com.

Jane Massey is a children's book illustrator who lives on the south coast of England. She has created adorable baby characters for publishers all over the world. Visit her online at janemassey.co.uk.