A Counting Book and Shadow Play

I found this beautiful board book by Agnese Baruzzi a couple of weeks ago in the gift shop of the new San Diego Public Library, and couldn't resist buying it. With all the dark silhouettes, it seemed like a perfect book for fall (and Halloween)...

It will be a little while before my grandson can hold it by himself.  Though the pages themselves are sturdy, the die-cut illustrations are very intricate - making this book appropriate for ages 3 and up.

  

The "2 SQUIRRELS" page is one of my favorites...

source - you can view all the die-cut illustrations at
Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

This unique book reminded me of a shadow box puppet theatre.  Your kids can make their own!  Go here or here for easy tutorials.

source: minieco.co.uk

All you need is a cereal box and some vellum (or wax) paper!

For some fun inspiration, watch this brilliant 1955 Jack and the Beanstalk shadow theatre that I found on Youtube...