Is Here

tion of friendship. Young readers can count one child on a slide, two children on a seesaw, three children skipping and finally 10 children running in the park. This book shows how kids can have fun with one, two or a whole crew of friends.

Bird Watch by Christie Matheson (Harper Collins 2019). Search and count for hidden birds in this interactive picture book. Whether they’re hunting for warblers or robins, readers will be using their counting and I-Spy skills. With beautiful watercolour illustrations, young children will count different species of birds and forest animals hiding in the trees and foliage. Readers learn to count backwards say “hello” to Frog, Squirrel, Rabbit and Mouse. As the waddling procession proceeds, Mama and Papa duck finally notice that their little ducklings have all disappeared. “Oh, no,” they quack. “Our little ducks are gone.” Their dilemma resolves though and all the ducks end up back swimming in the pond. Young children will delight in counting ducks one through ten as well as identifying other animals.

Ducks on the Road by Anita Lobel (Simon &Shuster 2021). When a family of ducks go out on a stroll through the park, Mama and Papa duck fail to notice that the ducklings have minds of their own. Each duckling stops one-by-one to greet different animals. They

Spotlight

How to Two by David Soman (Penguin Random House, 2019). With simple text and whimsical illustrations, this book introduces counting and reverse-counting as well as celebration of play and friendship. Count the children at the park playing springtime games such as jumping in puddles, turtle hunting in ponds, skipping and playing in the rain. The book features diverse families and celebra-

Play based learning in a warm and nurturing environment. surrey.ca/preschool | 604-501-5100 abcmontessoripreschool.com 604-879-5437 from 10 chickadees hiding in a pine tree to one owl soaring in the night sky. This book encourages children to get outside and take in the beauty of springtime and find our feathered friends.

We provide programs that enable children to grow mentally, emotionally and socially. Most programs are presented through play, music and movement.

Ducks Away by Mem Fox (Scholastic Press 2016). This is a playful counting book that is perfect for springtime. Count along with Mother Duck as she guides her ducklings over a bridge. As the little ducklings each fall over the edge into the river, Mother Duck must decide how to save her ducklings. “Oh no,” quacked Mother Duck. “What should I do?” The repeated text encourages interactive reading and introduces counting up to five and counting up and down. It is delightfully illustrated with bold lines and basic colours.

Entertaining and exploring with the family in an unfamiliar city is never easy. Whether your next family trip is to Vancouver, or you are exploring your own hometown, we have made it easy on you by putting together this collection of things to do! There are activities and attractions for every kind of visitor. There are more than enough things to do with Families in the Lower Mainland to keep everyone engaged. Come explore!

Jerri Carson is a retired music teacher. She now spends her time playing the piano and cello.

K Comprehensive 12-level chess program

R Online and in-person programs

B Weekly tournaments

N Top coaches Test