East Coast Counting by Dawn Baker

Extending to the easternmost reaches of the North American continent sits a small group of provinces kissed by the icy cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Known collectively as the East Coast, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, are as distinct as the regional dialects that can be found across each province.  As a region, however,  they share a common bond of rugged beauty and hard working, friendly people whom have historically made a living from the sea. East Coast Counting by Newfoundland author and illustrator Dawn Baker is an early educational counting book that celebrates all things maritime as depicted through a beautiful backdrop of realistic illustrations synonymous with the picturesque beauty of the four Atlantic provinces. Simply written to accommodate the audience for which the book is intended, it is truly a feast for the eyes!

Inspired by the common bonds shared by the provinces in the Atlantic Bubble, Baker's early counting book, which focuses on numbers 0 to 12, portrays natural attractions, iconic symbols, and wildlife common to the area. From the Peggy's Cove lighthouse to the kayaks in the Bay of Fundy, from the Newfoundland Dog puppies to the warm sands of Cavendish Beach, young children will delight in counting the beautifully rendered images that Baker has created.  Though the book has a mostly maritime flavour, the author has also captured other landforms, flowers and native species that can be found in the inland areas of the various regions. The final page of "Twelve beautiful faces" smiling and saying "Hello" portrays multicultural characters that reminds us of the diversity that exists within the region.  Young readers and their adult caregivers will appreciate seeing themselves represented in such an inclusive manner.  

East Coast Counting is Dawn Baker's twelfth book published by Flanker Press. Exquisitely presented and full of detailed endnotes and tidbits of information, young readers and their families will be counting down to the day when they can visit the east coast in person.