Counting birds

Young readers will delight in recognising the subjects of this charming story, that leads us through a spring day deep in the countryside, from dawn to dusk.

The day begins with a solitary cockerel's crow and the sunlight falling on two lovebirds in a cage and three china ducks on a wall.

Swans, swallows, peacocks, geese and starlings, each lovingly portrayed in Melvin's signature style, are among the many familiar birds that populate the pages.

Intricately worked illustrations combine with a charming text, making this an ideal book to read aloud with children learning to count.