Finding Joy in Numbers with Cleo the Cat
As a mom, I often find myself in the thick of bedtime reading rituals—the moment when the day’s chaos quiets down and offers a sliver of connection with my little ones. Just last week, after a particularly hectic day filled with toddler tantrums and spilled juice, my youngest curled up in my lap, signaling that it was time for our nightly adventure together. This is when I pulled out Cleo’s Numbers by X. G. Knight, a delightful tale about a curious ginger cat making sense of the world around her through numbers.
Cleo’s Numbers beautifully captures the escapades of Cleo as she encounters trees, fish, dogs, frogs, and chicks while counting from one to ten. The simple premise resonated with my kids—who are currently in a counting phase—and they eagerly chimed in whenever a new number appeared on the page. I found it magical how a story could transform counting into an adventure, and I relished their giggles as they tried to mimic Cleo’s counting sounds.
The illustrations are nothing short of enchanting; bright colors and bold lines jump off the page, catching the eye of even the youngest. My four-year-old was especially captivated by the vibrant depiction of Cleo perched on a tree branch, inquisitively scanning the scene below. There’s something about the art style that invites children to get lost in the vibrant world of numbers and colors, sparking discussions about what they saw and how many things could fit into our own garden.
The pacing of the story is well thought out, making it perfect for reading aloud. Each page turn brought a new little sound effect that I eagerly embraced, turning our reading time into a playful performance. My kids grabbed onto each sound, repeating them back to me with laughter, which made me feel like a true maestro conducting a symphony of joy. Their unplanned “woofs” and “ribbits” filled our little corner with life, making the experience unforgettable.
One of the moments that had us all in stitches was on the page with the dogs. My five-year-old, an animal lover to the core, suddenly insisted on doing a dog bark that rattled the windows! It was one of those sweet, genuine moments that you wish you could bottle up forever. Each page gave us opportunities to practice counting together, connecting numbers to real-life objects—something I believe is crucial at this age. This particular blend of playful storytelling and learning made the book an instant hit at our house.
So, who would I recommend Cleo’s Numbers to? Well, it’s perfect for little ones aged 1-6, especially those who are beginning to explore counting and colors. It’s also a great pick for families looking to add some excitement to their reading time. Whether you have a quiet bedtime routine or a more lively one filled with giggles and wiggles, this book is a wonderful addition to your collection.
In our cozy reading corner now, Cleo’s Numbers has found its permanent spot on the bookshelf, alongside other beloved bedtime reads. It’s more than just a story; it’s a shared experience, a bridge between the world of numbers and the magical bond between parent and child. I can’t help but smile every time I see it; it’s a reminder of those sweet moments of connection that every parent cherishes.
Happy reading, fellow mamas! 🐱❤️
