Step right into a world where counting feels like playtime with your favorite furry friend! Beloved author Melly Jesmer spins a tale bursting with joy, starring Finnegan, a pup whose big heart and hilarious antics make numbers leap off the page. Forget boring drills; this is an invitation to giggle, wiggle, and explore alongside Finnegan as he chases kitties up trees (1, 2, 3!), tackles dinner with one chopstick (4, 5, 6!), helps his pals stand straight (7, 8, 9!), and proudly reaches NUMBER 10!
But the adventure doesn’t end there! Finnegan then leads everyone on a delightful backwards skip (10, 9, 8… all the way down to 1!), turning number recognition into a cozy, confidence-boosting game.
Melly’s magic shines in how she wraps learning snugly inside Finnegan’s playful escapades. Her words bounce with a gentle rhythm and easy, memorable rhymes that feel like a happy song, making counting feel as natural as a wagging tail. She fills every page with a warmth that whispers, “We can do this together!”—transforming moments like helping tie a shoe (4, 3, 2!) into little triumphs.
It’s this blend of charming storytelling, soothing repetition, and Finnegan’s utterly lovable mischief that creates a safe, encouraging space where numbers sparkle with pure fun. Inspired by her own silly dog and years spent nurturing young minds, Melly shows us that first encounters with math aren’t about pressure, but about shared giggles, playful discovery, and that proud little voice saying, “I did it! Let’s go again!
