Instead of simply counting, this is written like a flowing story, which is awesome, though it does seem that in parts the story hasn’t flowed as much as it could. The story does take away from the counting more than it should, but as long as the kids are learning, that’s all that matters.
Polly Curren, The Fire Fighters' Counting Book (Golden Press, 1983)
Six new-to-the-household Golden Books arrived all at once the other day, and for the first time, the Bean had me read all the new ones to him at once during storytime. Of the six, The Fire Fighters' Counting Book was the clear winner from Bean's perspective (come the second night we had them, it was the first book he asked for), and I thought it was pretty good, too. The first time through can be a bit jarring, since the counting portion gives way to something that has a passing resemblance to a plot, but by the second or third time you've read it the rhythm will make itself clear and it should be smooth sailing. ***