Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox

Title: Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

Author: Mem Fox

Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury

Reading Level: Baby - Preschool

Hardcover: 40 pages

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books

This is a wonderful picture book that celebrates babies from everywhere with beautiful pictures and simple, but elegant words. No matter where you are born and what your ethnicity is, you have ten little fingers and ten little toes. And, Who wouldn't love those chubby, squishy fingers and toes that babies are born with?

There was one little baby who was born far away

And another who was born on the very next day

And both of these babies, as everyone knows,

had ten little fingers and ten little toes.

I don't know if my daughter truly comprehends the meaning of it, but she is completely mesmerized looking at all the beautiful babies from around the world. There are sick babies, tall, short and plump babies, asian babies, city and village babies, black and white babies. My daughter is particularly drawn to the pictures of a sick baby holding a hot water bottle and hanky. [No big surprise there. Whatever book we choose to read, one thing that almost always draws her attention is either a sad goose or a cry baby or an injured puppy or someone in need of help] She pretends wiping off the sick baby's nose with a piece of cloth and her kind-heartedness just amazes me. 

In addition to the beautiful babies, there are animals like penguin (her favorite), chickens, sheep, dog and ducks to look at as well. If your little one is old enough to count, you can also teach them how to count their fingers and toes. We always finish off the book with three little kisses on her nose just like the mommy & baby in the book. 

One last thing I wanted to mention is how captivating the illustrations are. The watercolor shades are soft, subtle and pleasing to the eye. And the babies are sweet, chubby and so cute they hold her attention all the way to the end. 

And, Oh don't forget to play "This little piggy" for additional fun :)

My Rating: 4.5/5