Everybody Counts!
The New York State Council on Children and Families, alongside our partners About Love and Language and Too Small to Fail’s Talking is Teaching initiative, created Everybody Counts to celebrate all families and share the joy of early learning.
Designed for every child and every family.
Throughout the book, you’ll meet our friendly guide, Counting Cat! Counting Cat loves to count everything—from stars and bugs to bubbles and butterflies.
Designed to be accessible and welcoming for all children, this book features large print, interactive counting activities, and QR codes for American Sign Language (ASL) translation. Along the way, you’ll meet a wonderful cast of animal friends. Some live on quiet farms, while others live in bustling cities. Just like these animals, every family is unique and beautiful in its own way. Everyone has a story, everyone belongs, and everybody counts.
As our nation prepares for the 2030 Census, use this book as a fun and educational tool to spark meaningful conversations about why every person matters and why everyone deserves to be counted in your community! Find more information and resources at www.ccf.ny.gov/Census2030
Discover the Magic of ASL Rhymes!
American Sign Language (ASL) offers a wonderful, accessible pathway to communication, especially for young children who are developing language skills and struggle to articulate.
Doctors tell us that our brains process visual and spoken languages in the exact same way. Our brains love patterns! Just as spoken rhymes use repeating sounds to make learning playful and memorable, ASL rhymes use repeating handshapes. This rhythm helps families easily learn, remember, and practice signs together. Whether you are speaking or signing, you are building vital language skills and creating lasting connections with your child.
Explore delightful rhymes in ASL .
Wei-Lee howls at the moon.
She is so excited she was adopted by her new big family.
How many stars do you see?
Bella loves to fly through the night sky.
She uses her hearing aids to help listen for echoes to find her favorite snack.
How many bugs can you find?
Soledad loves riding the subway home.
There are so many places to go in her city.
How many zebras do you count?
Demi lives with grandparents.
She has a flower garden on their farm.
How many butterflies can you find?
Bernie has autism, which means his brain works in a unique and wonderful way!
Bernie loves to cook.
How many waffles does he have?
Sammy loves hiking with their friends.
They like to listen to the nature sounds and feel the wind on their face.
How many tents can you find?
Helga’s nest might be tiny, but it’s perfect for her small family.
How many melons are there?
Derek uses a wheelchair and loves to keep active.
His favorite sport is wheelchair racing. He’s fast!
How many bubbles can you find?
Finn the fox is deaf, he communicates using American Sign Language, he loves to roller-skate!
What do you like to do?
How many bees are there?
Franco lives in a small apartment with his mom.
They plan to visit their extended family in the ocean soon.
How many turtles are there?