Zero Zebras by Bruce Goldstone illustrated by Julien Chung

Subtitle: A counting book about what's not there

Zero is such an abstract concept for all of us but especially for very young children. This book is such fun. On each page there are things to count in a sequence of one to twelve but you are also invited to notice there are zero zebras on every page. 

Think about the choices of things to count: One wallaby; two tuna; three thrushes; four frogs; five foxes and so on with spiders, seals, elephants, newts, tigers; llamas and turtles BUT of course there are zero zebras. Simple alliteration gives this book a lighthearted-feel and your youngest students are sure to keep hunting for those elusive zebras. 

The back of this book has a wonderful explanation by the author written for adult readers:

"Zero is a big nothing. Do you skip past zero when you start to count? Almost everybody does: 1, 2, 3, and more but zero is always there first. ... Think about an empty box. What isn't inside? There are no shoes and no shirts. No books and no pencils."

A counting book cleverly designed to raise awareness about nothing. Kirkus Star review

Montreal artist Julien Chung’s brightly coloured digital illustrations have a bold, eye-catching graphic design. Eagle-eyed counters will spot the numerals 1 through 12 blending into the background scenes. For example, the numeral 3 floats like a cloud in the sky; the numeral 7 is caught in a spider’s web; and the tricky-to-find numeral 8 appears in a spotlight’s glow. There are many subtle connections between the scenes. Animals featured on one page can be found making a cameo appearance in the following spread. There are no zebras to be found in the scenes, but there are lots of stripes, from the angular blades of grass, to the black and white design swim trunks on a jumping frog. Candian Review of Materials

Montreal artist Julien Chung’s brightly coloured digital illustrations have a bold, eye-catching graphic design. Eagle-eyed counters will spot the numerals 1 through 12 blending into the background scenes. For example, the numeral 3 floats like a cloud in the sky; the numeral 7 is caught in a spider’s web; and the tricky-to-find numeral 8 appears in a spotlight’s glow. There are many subtle connections between the scenes. Animals featured on one page can be found making a cameo appearance in the following spread. There are no zebras to be found in the scenes, but there are lots of stripes, from the angular blades of grass, to the black and white design swim trunks on a jumping frog.

Publisher blurb: Discover the importance of counting what’s there and what’s not there in this brilliant picture book that combines math, imagination, and creativity! Zero Zebras asks a bold question: can you count what isn’t there? Can you count — to zero? Bruce Goldstone takes us on a wild animal safari counting one wallaby, two tuna, three thrushes, four frogs — but absolutely ZERO zebras. Readers will realize the infinite possibilities of counting what is and isn’t on the page. Goldstone’s imaginative and creative text is brought to life by Chung’s vibrant illustrations which include hidden numbers beautifully integrated into each stunning scene for fun some hide-and-seek. This is the perfect introduction to the concept of zero and infinity, showcasing the profound wonder of numbers in a playful, dazzling picture book that will wow readers of every age!

The library where I volunteer and borrow books carefully record the price of each book they purchase on one side of the imprint page. They record date of purchase, supplier and cost. I always like to look at this to see how long a book has been in their collection and also to see what they paid. The Teacher-Librarian must have really wanted this book because she paid an eye-watering AUS$50. I have found this book with some Australian online booksellers for less than AUS$35.

Zero Zebras won the Mathical Book Award in 2023.  If you are looking to add some exemplary picture books and other books that explore maths concepts these lists should be your first source.

Mathical selects, promotes, and distributes math-inspiring fiction and nonfiction for children ages 2-18. Proposed titles are submitted annually by publishers and the public. Many hands help select the books, including language arts and math teachers, librarians, early childhood experts, and more.

If you share this book with a group of older students they could use the format as a writing model and write their own picture book to share with children in Kindergarten or at a local preschool. 

You can see other books by Bruce Goldstone here. I previously talked about this book illustrated by Canadian illustrator Julien Chung. He lives in Montreal:

365 How to Count a Year