The Best of Times

September 1, 2002
The team behind The Grapes of Math and Math for All Seasons follows up with a third title for aspiring mathematicians: The Best of Times: Math Strategies That Multiply by Greg Tang, illus. by Harry Briggs. Tang eschews multiplication tables in favor of emphasizing a better understanding of numbers and quantities. Bouncy, rhyming ditties remind kids, among other things, that 0 times anything is zero ("For every problem it's the same,/ zilch or zero is its name!") Briggs's cheery signature artwork, featuring an active menagerie, keeps the concepts clear and the mood light.

September 1, 2002
Gr 3-4-A multiplication book that really adds up. Snappy rhymes and problems to solve, going from 0 to 10, with one number per spread, offer valuable strategies that will help develop number sense. However, some terms, such as thrice and precise, might require a bit of clarification. "Prime" is mentioned in relation to the number seven but not defined and not necessary for the strategy given. Briggs's humorous cartoon illustrations in bold, flat colors add to the book's appeal. Overall, this title would enhance math units and would be a fun read-aloud.-Barbara L. McMullin, Casita Center for Technology, Science & Math, Vista, CA

Copyright 2002 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2002
Gr. 2-3. This upbeat picture book, presenting multiplication using numbers from zero through ten, is illustrated with often humorous pictures of animals engaged in activities such as fishing, painting, dancing. For every factor in the times table, Tang supplies a mnemonic rhyme, such as "Six is pretty quick to do, / just multiply by 3 then 2. / If this sounds like too much trouble, / triple first before you double!" and "Seven doesn't take much time, / even though it is a prime. / Here is all you have to do, / first times 5 then add times 2!" For the many people wondering if it isn't easier to memorize the times tables, Tang notes, "Instead, wouldn't it be great if by understanding math better you could learn to multiply numbers of any size, not just the ones you memorize?" Along the way, his playful juggling of numbers and the clearly laid out equations and visual explanations may help children learn to calculate more easily in their heads, see the patterns implied, and understand what they are doing when they multiply numbers. Encouraging rhymes and colorful, jaunty illustrations bolster the multiplication lesson.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2002, American Library Association.)