Marthe Jocelyn’s ability to present important-to-learn concepts to the very young has garnered accolades from around the world. Ones and Twos is her first book collaboration with her nineteen-year-old art student daughter, Nell, and, together, they explore numeracy, sorting, and pairing. Each brightly illustrated page invites children to identify familiar objects ranging from kites to socks, from one nest to the two birds sitting in it. Ones and Twos gives little toddlers and their caregivers much to discuss and to enjoy together, and it introduces an exciting new creative team.

Marthe Jocelyn is the award-winning author and illustrator of over thirty-five books for babies, kids and teens. Her illustrated books have been shortlisted for both the Governor General’s Literary Award and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award. In 2009 she was the recipient of the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award for her body of work. One Red Button and One Piece of String are the result of her lifelong obsession with scraps, and her delight in surprising the reader with unexpected details. Originally from Toronto, Marthe settled in Stratford, Ontario, after a thirtyyear stretch in New York. For more information, visit www.marthejocelyn.com.

Marthe Jocelyn's profile page

Nell Jocelyn's profile page

PRAISE FOR ONES AND TWOS:
“This delightful concept book brings visual literacy to the forefront, supported by a minimal text…. The simple descriptive verses … are spot-on to reinforce images of numeracy, sorting, paring, common-object recognition, and the daily lives of young children. Each page or spread is illustrated with creative, engaging collages on paper, textured fabrics, and items … extending the opportunity for learning and discussion…. The charming collages are the stars of the show and will inspire curiosity”
—Starred Review, School Library Journal

“… Jocelyn’s imaginative collages help create a book rich in playful details, with a storyline told through pictures that provide depth to the concepts explored in the text…. Although the text is very spare, words like ‘lone,’ ‘swoop,’ and ‘chums’ provide verbal interest. The variety of colours and textures add dept and fascination to the collage images…. Sophisticated and yet endearingly simple, Ones and Twos can be enjoyed by both very young children and the adults who read it with them.”
—Starred Review, Quill & Quire

PRAISE FOR A DAY WITH NELLIE:
“Jocelyn’s charming, intricate collages magically turn cloth, buttons, and other materials into lively, colorful, multidimensional scenes. Children will enjoy the pictures and relate to this day in the life of a typical pre-schooler.”
– School Library Journal
“…delightfully child-friendly…There are so many things to see and so many different objects…used to make the pictures that numerous readings will be welcomed.”
– Booklist
PRAISE FOR WHICH WAY?:
“…As a teaching tool this book is a standout, but it also holds it own as a charming and well-illustrated storybook. Highly recommended.”
– Resource Links
PRAISE FOR SAME SAME:
“… a book like this is an essential part of the very young child’s library.”
– Starred Review, Publishers Weekly
“An appealing and eye-catching addition.”
– School Library Journal

Ones and Twos

One bird, two eggs, / One girl, two legs. One bench, two bags, / One pole, two flags. Thus begins Ones and Twos, a most creative book that explores the relationship between singles and doubles in a delightful and engaging manner. The story centres around a day in the lives of two young girls and a nesting robin as they share a special time in a neighbourhood park. Each page extends an invitation for readers to sort and pair objects, not only those arranged within the main illustrations but also items placed inside the thematic borders running along the bottom of each page. Subjects explored include food, clothing, sports equipment, plants, insects and more.

Marthe Jocelyn and her daughter, Nell Jocelyn, have collaborated to create a spirited and stimulating book for young children. Their brief rhyming text leads readers to examine the bright, busy illustrations made up of collages consisting of newspaper, string, paper, fabric and other materials. Who knew that sorting could be so much fun?

Children will return to this book not once, not twice, but on many occasions to fully appreciate its offerings. One book, two eyes... and infinite enjoyment!

Ones and Twos

The simple text in this book paired with the brightly coloured collages in each spread will fascinate young readers. Children will be enthralled with identifying singles and doubles on each page as they follow the two friends through their day and watch as two eggs become two baby birds.