I Count by Margot Bevington transforms classic counting songs into a modern, inclusive learning experience. Inspired by her own journey growing up with a speech delay and a love for children’s media à la Sesame Street, Margot created number songs that teach counting, pattern recognition, and early math concepts while affirming that every child matters. Drawing on decades as a music educator and her research into the histories of traditional children’s songs, I Count replaces outdated or exclusionary lyrics with playful, affirming messages. Produced with Jason Olcese of Happy Valley Song Lab and GRAMMY-winning engineer Luke Rohwer, the album blends folk warmth and layered arrangements for a welcoming feel. Designed for both classroom and family listening, I Count draws from Margot’s own neurodiverse perspective, and her mission to amplify and celebrate historically marginalized voices. Suitable for all ages.
Evaluation comments:
“Early on her new album I Count, Ms. Margot (aka Margot Bevington) sings that there are many ways to talk, to move, to sing, to groove, to see, to feel, and to be. Besides delivering that always important message, the Pennsylvania-based children’s musician also demonstrates that there are many ways to create counting songs. I Count holds two handfuls of catchy, counting-based tunes that are particularly geared for preschoolers and younger. Ms. Margot nicely combines number repetition with a variety of simple melodies in tunes that also touch upon valuable topics, such as the importance of being helpful and the range of pronouns. She recalls ‘50s heartache songs on “Three Big Feelings,” while “The Baby’s Not a Baby Anymore” has a foot-stomping twang to it. I especially enjoy her using the rather “grown-up” word of “equity” to discuss fairness in the song “That’s How I Can Make Equity.” She also wisely includes the classic number song, “Three is a Magic Number.” To summarize, I Count adds up to be a very endearing album that lets little ones practice their counting in addition to helping youngsters learn about the world around them.”