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About The Book

1 told 2

and 2 told 3,

"I'll race you to the top

of the apple tree."

One hundred and one numbers climb the apple tree in this bright, rollicking, joyous book for young children. As the numerals pile up and bumblebees threaten, what's the number that saves the day? (Hint: It rhymes with "hero.") Read and count and play and laugh to learn the surprising answer.

About The Authors

Bill Martin, Jr. (1916–2004) has been called “America’s favorite children’s author.” He wrote more than 300 books for children, including the classic texts Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, illustrated by Eric Carle; and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, illustrated by Lois Ehlert.

Michael Sampson is a New York Times bestselling author of twenty-two books for young children, including Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 and The Bill Martin Jr Big Book of Poetry. He and Bill Martin Jr wrote many popular books together, including Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See? and Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? Michael Sampson lives in Flagstaff, Arizona.

About The Illustrator

Photograph © Lillian Schultz

Lois Ehlert (1934–2021) illustrated numerous inventive, celebrated, and bestselling picture books, including Chicka Chicka Boom BoomMiceTen Little Caterpillars, and her own Holey Moley, The Scraps Book, RRRalphLots of SpotsBoo to You!Leaf ManSnowballs, Waiting for WingsPlanting a RainbowGrowing Vegetable Soup, and Color Zoo, which received a Caldecott Honor. 

Product Details

  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (November 23, 2010)
  • Length: 40 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781442424159
  • Grades: P - 3
  • Ages: 3 - 7
  • Lexile ® AD480L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®

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Awards and Honors

  • Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Gold Award
  • Parenting Magazine's Best Books of the Year
  • Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee (KS)

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this illustrator: Lois Ehlert

More books in this series: Chicka Chicka Book, A