What's a Pair? What's a Dozen?

April 1, 2000
PreS-Gr 1-In this well-designed picture book, lively, color photographs of children riding a bicycle, jumping over a ball, lining up, eating a triple-scoop ice-cream cone, or playing in a group illustrate and introduce number-related words. The first page explains that "Everything starts with one." Terms such as "single," "double," "triple," "couple," "several," "few," "many," and "a dozen," and prefixes such as "uni-," "bi-," and "tri-" are introduced. The first half of the book clarifies the concepts, one per page, while the second half is written in the form of a guessing game with questions that enable children to use some of the words. For example, the author writes, "Some games have an odd number of friends." Later, he asks, "Is this an odd or even number of friends?" Children must look at the picture to decide. The answer follows on the next page with another photograph. The clear, engaging photographs are set against plain white backgrounds with large-print, easy-to-read captions. While not a first purchase, this title will expand mathematics collections.-Kristina Aaronson, Bethel Elementary School Library, VT

Copyright 2000 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2000
Ages 3^-6. For children who have mastered beginning counting, this mathematical concept book introduces related words and phrases (first, second; uni-and bi-, "baker's dozen," etc.) through visual examples from daily life. Simple, direct sentences accompany lively, full-color photos of children, familiar objects, and scenarios that help explain the concept and add visual appeal. At book's end are a series of questions, inviting participation and review, with answers given both visually and in words. A few concepts ("even" and "odd," in particular) are less successfully treated and may require further explanation. Overall, however, the friendly approach and charming, eye-catching photos help clarify some initially confusing ideas in an entertaining, accessible way. ((Reviewed March 15, 2000))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2000, American Library Association.)