We All Count: A Book of Cree Numbers

Written mainly in English, with n-dialect Cree translations and pronunciations for the numbers, this board book introduces children to numbers in a whole new way. The soft pastel verso pages of numbers offer a contrast to the vivid illustrations of “One prairie dog perching” and “Eight uncles ice fishing.” These illustrations show common sights and activities among the Cree people. The collage style of the artwork provides depth and texture to the images. Because it is a counting book, there is no plot for the images to build upon and no characters for them to develop. The “Three aunties laughing” page shows a small group of women in the middle of a happy moment. Their eyes are closed tight and their cheeks reddened from the strength of their laughter. Upon close inspection, a keen eye can see a bird sitting atop an elk on the final “Ten elk crossing” page.

Flett, J. (2014). We all count: A book of Cree numbers. Vancouver, BC: Native Northwest.