Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Illustrations by Helen Oxenbury

This is an adorable book. What a cute little story with such a deep purpose. The method Mem Fox uses to send her message is priceless. What a better way to let little children know that no matter what race we are all the same than through fingers and toes. This is one of the first things children begin to do is to count their fingers and toes.

This book would be great to read to children age 7 and down although most would still enjoy it for a couple more years depending on the child. This target for this book specifically would most likely be the very early ages of 4 or 5. This would be a great book to read to a group of preschoolers. The story uses rhyming but they are more subtle when read aloud that makes the story almost seem smoother on the ears as if a lullaby. The ending of course seals the deal as it allow the parent reading the book to kiss their little child confirming they are special not only because of their toes but because they are their parent’s child. What a sweet way to end this book.

The book would not be anything without Helen Oxenbury’s illustrations. They really enhance the book. The story mentions in the text the different locations of the babies. For a child the illustrations help them understand what that means. The text of “and another in a tent, who was just as nice,” may leave the child wondering but the image confirms what the text means. And having the smiling babies from all nationalities together helps the child understand Fox’s purpose. Oxenbury does a great job with the personalities of the characters. Each baby displays a different emotion on their face. I get a kick out of the baby from Asia sitting on the steps with six others. She is leaning against the steps a little smug smile on her face as she looks off into the distance. How adorable and what great details. This adds just one more layer of depth to Fox’s craft. Each illustration of a baby from another country expands the child’s cultural world view.

Published: 2008

Note: Was on New York Times bestseller lists for 18 wks in 2008-2009

In Sep. 2009 it was on the top of Oprah’s list of best books for children age 0-2