I rarely request copies of children’s books. Not having a child ‘n’ all makes kids’ literature kinda redundant for me… but every so often I get a media release that appeals and I ponder on whether my fave little FIVE year old would perhaps favour me with his thoughts.

Counting on You jumped out at me because I loved the whimsical cover as well as the sentiment. It’s being marketed as a potential Father’s Day present but is really suitable for any child with loving family and friends. (Which I’d like to think… is all of them!)

Counting on You
by Corinne Fenton, Robin Cowcher
Published by The Five Mile Press
on August 1, 2016
Source: The Five Mile Press
Genres: Children's
ISBN: 9781760403898
Pages: 24

A celebration of the strength that love can provide through the highs and lows of everyday life.

On race-with-the-wind days
or sometimes-I-forget days ...
you’re always there.

Those who remember the two books Pickle and I reviewed in the past (here and here) will recall our delightful videos. I didn’t get around to the video this time around as both Pickle and I have had a lot on. In particular Pickle has just had a birthday AND scored a new puppy… who he and his mummy are busy toilet training and (ahem) introducing to their two cats.

This book is recommended for children aged 3+. Pickle’s a little older than that (having just turned FIVE) so it was a short read for us, but the concepts still appealed.

I talked to him about the book before I read it…. realising he only knows the word ‘count’ to mean the thing he does with numbers. So I attempted to explain it meant: rely or depend. Which of course meant I needed to explain those words. I’m not sure I did a very good job – given my lack of parenting experience – but gave examples… such as him being able to ‘count’ or ‘rely’ on his mummy to give him his breakfast each day; or have clothes for him to wear etc…

I found the book itself delightful. It ends on a bit of a high note, which I found really touching and even Pickle (being a boy ‘n’ all) kinda shrugged and screwed up his face in a (shy) way he does when something is a bit sentimental or sweet.

Here’s one of the early pages…

And it ends with the sentiment of… when things go bad,  you’re always there. See? Very sweet and a good opportunity to remind kids that there are people around who love and care about them. And who they can rely (or count) on.

Fenton and Cowcher also collaborated on You Have My Heart which I suspect to be equally touching.

Counting on You by Corinne Fenton and Robin Cowcher was published by The Five Mile Press and is now available.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.