Noni the pony counts to a million by Alison Lester

This quirky Australian import is a favorite of my storytime and picture book readers and I am thrilled to present a new adventure of Noni to them. Noni, a plump white and orange pony, and her friends count and dance across the landscape by the sea in brisk rhyme, going from two friends (a speckled dog who looks like a mini Noni and a striped grey cat) to butterflies, fish, and finally an explosion of spots on other horse and pony friends, ending with the lights of cars and the sparkling twinkle of stars.

If you've been wading through the lengthy, complex picture books that currently dominate the market, this may seem like a startlingly brief, toss-away story, but if, like me, you are constantly searching for books that are aimed at toddlers, not elementary school audiences, this hits all the right notes. The cute illustrations, with big cartoon eyes, familiar characters (dogs, cats, ponies) and the exuberant rhymes in the brief text are perfect for toddlers. Make sure you have Noni's previous adventures on hand and be prepared for ceaseless chants of "Noni the pony!" with little kids who love rhymes.

Verdict: Whether or not your audience is familiar with Noni the Pony, this hits the sweet spot for toddler listeners and is a definite purchase for most libraries, especially where there are existing fans. Recommended.

ISBN: 9781665922289; Published January 2023 by Beach Lane Books; Review copy provided by publisher