“Ten timid turtles are lounging in a line. Started by a bullfrog . . . now there are nine.” A rhythmic, rhyming countdown book descends from ten to one as various other creatures startle or lure each turtle into the water. By the story’s end, the ten turtles are together again, burrowing in the mud under the water for the night. The full-color, mixed-media collages are a graceful, textured backdrop for the text. The author/illustrator also provides brief information about each of the creatures and instructions for making leaf prints, one of the techniques used in creating the artwork. (Ages 3–6)

It's a peaceful day at
the pond as ten timid
turtles bask in the sun.
But wait!
A bullfrog leaps, a
rabbit rustles, deer
appear, a chickadee
chirps, and
ten
nine
eight
seven
six
five
four
three
two
one
by one
the turtles dive
into the water.
Splash!