Do Not Open This Math Book

May 1, 2018

Gr 1-3-Actor and mathematician McKellar, author of Kiss My Math, returns with a title aimed at early elementary students who are beginning to delve into the world of addition and subtraction. Hosted by a cartoon version of McKellar and Mr. Mouse (who is afraid of math), this book introduces computational math concepts, opening with ways to "make 10" and finishing with multiple-digit addition and subtraction. McKellar acknowledges Mr. Mouse's fear of math but encourages him to join her in exploring the ideas from a different perspective. Using concrete analogies to represent abstract concepts (e.g., tins of buns to represent tens and ones), McKellar shows Mr. Mouse (and readers) ways to make arithmetic less intimidating, and she offers some practice problems (framed as "Game Time") for each new concept. The chapters are constructed well to allow concepts to build on one another, and pleasantly simple cartoon interjections offer readers mental breaks and comic relief. The book is intended to assist both students and their caregivers, and it includes an introductory note for parents, answers to sample problems, and a glossary that translates newer math terms into language that is more familiar to grown-ups. VERDICT As useful to caregivers as it will be to students learning addition and subtraction, this volume deserves a spot in most nonfiction collections that serve elementary-aged children.-Sarah Reid, Four County Library System, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.