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Synopsis
Perry the Penguin needs 9 clams to buy an ice scooter — but he's not very good at saving. As Perry earns, spends, finds, loses, and borrows clams, a simple line graph demonstrates the concept of negative numbers.
Sally Niezgoda - Children's Literature
Perry the Penguin learns the concept of negative numbers in this colorful book by keeping track of the number of clams he needs to buy a scooter. After earning four clams by trimming ice for his mother, he decides to go to the ice circus. But he needs five clams for a ticket. He borrows one clam from a friend. That leaves him with minus one clam. Perry graphs the number of clams he has (or does not have) on a line graph each day. His graph goes up and down as his stash of clams changes. He earns clams, he spends clams, he borrows clams, and he loses clams. He finally learns not to borrow clams if he wants to get enough to buy his scooter. This is an enjoyable way to help children learn about negative numbers and reinforcing graphing concepts. This could be used in the classroom. This is part of the "MathStart" series. 2003, Harper Collins Publishers, Ages 7 to 10.