The alphabet and the numbers one to ten are explored with accompanying text about everyday life for Katie and Olly.
The narrative leading from each letter and number to the next, segways gently.
The alphabet begins with watching an aeroplane, moving onto bouncing a ball, greeting a cat, and helping dad to cook. Later on relatives visit, Katie paints a picture, and she and Olly make music with saucepans and a spoon.
The numbers help explain concepts like one meaning by yourself, two being a pair and that things like shoes and socks go together in pairs. Five fingers on each hand, a family of four being joined by two grandparents making six, and so on.
Each book also includes a double page spread summarising the alphabet or numbers, so you can go through them all again.
I've always loved Shirley Hughes' illustration style which is quite timeless, realistic and engaging, and so suited to these kinds of books.
She has a large body of work. If you've not seen her other books, do hunt some down. You won't regret it and your children will enjoy them all.
Entertaining and educational, My First ABC and My First 123 deserve to be on every family bookshelf.
Title: My First ABC and My First 123
Author: Shirley Hughes
Illustrator: Shirley Hughes
Publisher: Walker Books, $16.99
Publication Date: August 2017
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781406373813 and 9781406373608
For ages: 2-4 year olds
Type: Picture books
