• Age: 6 to 11
• Grade: 1 to 6
• Reading age: 6 to 11

After wandering down a hall and discovering a scattered assortment of clothes, ten birds were shocked to spot a scary monster! What were they to do? Grabbing a piece of clothing as a disguise, “the first bird, always inventive, became a Vicious Polka-dactyl. But the monster didn't budge.” So the second bird, then the third bird, and so on, followed in turn, each adding some clothing to the mix to devise a new, frightening creature. But no matter that the birds were “resourceful,” “attentive,” “creative” and “eager to participate,” or that they created fantastically scary beings such as a Gnashing Grapplesaurus, a Bristling Fang-Mangler and a Slimy Long-toed Zapper --- the monster would not be chased away. Until the tenth bird stepped forward, the one who was “always easily distracted.” Could this be the bird who finally, and surprisingly, saved the day? This gorgeous picture book by award-winning author-illustrator Cybèle Young is perfect for counting and early numeracy lessons. Each of the numbers from one to ten gets its own spread, featuring two pieces of intricately detailed pen-and-ink illustrations. The smaller illustration incorporates the numeral into the drawing itself, while the larger one offers the opportunity to search for and count all the birds within the growing clothes monster. Filled with silliness, suspense and a terrific reveal at the end, this clever, funny story is also a wonderful read-aloud. It highlights how individual resourcefulness and creativity are magnified by the power of cooperation and teamwork.

Cybèle Young is an award-winning artist who exhibits her exquisite paper sculpture (Japanese paper printed with etched copperplates) internationally. She has illustrated several books for children, including Pa’s Harvest by Jan Andrews, which was nominated for the Governor General’s Award (Illustration) and Jack Pine by Christopher Patton. She has recently written and illustrated A Few Blocks, a Kirkus Best Children’s Book and winner of the Alcuin Award; Ten Birds, winner of the Governor General’s Award (Illustration); and A Few Bites, which received starred reviews in Kirkus and Publishers Weekly and was named an OLA Best Bet. Cybèle lives with her family in Toronto./p

Cybèle Young's profile page