Betsy Franco offers poetic contemplation of the number zero and the idea it represents. “Zero is… the leaves on the bare, brown arms of the oak tree… the kites in the sky once the wind has stopped blowing… the sound of stars filling the night.” Franco’s text, supported by Shino Arihara’s lovely illustrations, offers both concrete and abstract examples. It naturally lends itself to classroom activities, whether coming up with other ways to think about zero, exploring other numbers in the same way, or talking about the role and function of zero in mathematical terms. Who knew “nothing” could be so inspiring? (Ages 4–7)

It's easy to count three of something-- just add them up. But how do you count zero, a number that is best defined by what it's not?

Can you see it?
Can you hear it?
Can you feel it?

This important math concept is beautifully explored in a way that will inspire children to find zero everywhere--from the branches of a tree by day to the vast, starry sky by night.