Use countif across multiple tabs for a column

[marconexcel]

I would like to use countif across multiple month tabs for an entire column. I can use the following format for sum and it works: =sum(jan:dec!b:b)
I can use countif for one tab and a whole column: =countif(Jan!b:b,"item")


When I use countif across multiple tabs I get a #value! error message: =countif(jan:dec!b:b,"item")
Is there a way to use countif the way I am trying to use it?