MRS. WIGGLES AND THE NUMBERS

Mrs. Wiggles may be a teacher without a class, but her work isn’t over. As she stands in front of her blackboard one day, the numbers written on it come alive and leap to the ground. The newly animated numerals need educating, so Mrs. Wiggles calls the roll, thus prompting the numbers to introduce themselves to the reader by their names. The reader meets the numbers, from One (“I am One, amazing me!”) to Nine (“I am Nine, a sleepy head”), each with its own distinct personality. Zero suddenly emerges and confesses that they don’t always know where they fit in. With the help of classmates, Zero can find a way to be more than nothing and help the others improve themselves. Konkol’s simple picture book (following Who’s Behind the Mask, 2020) is a helpful introduction to numerals and the concept of two-digit numbers. However, Konkol misses an opportunity to tie the numbers’ personalities to their numerical values and to include easily countable items in her accompanying illustrations. The details in some illustrations are so subtle as to be easily missed, such as the seven small rosettes on Mrs. Wiggles’ teacup when she meets polite Seven. The images themselves are often colorful and child-friendly, although Konkol’s choice to position Two on the toilet is somewhat questionable.

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