Less Than Zero (Mathstart Series), Vol. 49

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.

While trying to save enough money to buy a new ice scooter, Perry the Penguin learns about managing his money and about negative numbers.

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.

Stuart J. Murphy is a visual learning specialist. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has a strong background in design and art direction. He also has extensive experience in the world of educational publishing. Drawing on all these talents, Stuart J. Murphy brings a unique perspective to the MathStart series. In MathStart books, pictures do more than tell stories; they teach math.

Stuart J. Murphy and his wife, Nancy, live in Boston.