Review Detail

THE ANTS GO MARCHING is a count-and-sing book by Priscilla Burris in which the ants in the title rush to “save” a picnic before it is ruined by rain. The book opens with a few silvery raindrops and two ants, and the rain and number of ants steadily increases as the pages are turned. Those who are familiar with the song on which the story is based will have it stuck in their heads long after the book is closed—but with so much action (ants! food! rain! singing!) and bright illustrations, this book is one that will be started over again as soon as the last page is turned.

The counting lesson in the book is subtle, but it may be all the more effective because of that. Toddlers will love the “little one” ant, and they’ll want to pick him out on each page.

My thanks to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my unbiased review.