Math in the Backyard

Children's Literature

A new title in the "Math in My World" series from the larger "Welcome Books" series, this handy little volume is perfect for preschoolers and beginning readers alike (as well as their parents and teachers). Each "Welcome Book" title tries to provide kids with a fun and exciting introduction to reading about the people, places, and things they find in their everyday lives. The "Math in My World" series goes that goal one better, by adding a math element to its simple, straightforward storylines. In this particular title, Kristy plays a game of lawn bowling with two friends in her own backyard. Kristy's story is illustrated with full page, full-color photographs of her and her friends playing the familiar game, in a familiar setting. The text is set in a large, easy-to-read typestyle. The book is sized perfectly for small hands and sturdily bound, enabling it to withstand repeated readings. Key words are highlighted by bold type and explained in a brief glossary at the rear of the book. There's also a helpful reference page, citing math-oriented books and Websites for those wanting to extend/expand the math learning. A short index to key math concepts featured within the text is found at the back of the book as well. This title, as are all the books in the series, was written by a teacher and reviewed by a team of well-respected reading consultants, so parents and teachers can use the book with confidence in its educational value. One last benefit of this book is its potential for multiple uses. It can be used as a read-aloud for a toddler at home in daycare; likewise, teachers or librarians could read this to a group of eager preschoolers; it could be included in an early elementary schoolmath curriculum, as a supplemental material; or best of all, it's a nice book for a beginning reader to read all by himself or herself—maybe even reading it aloud to a younger sibling. 2002, Children's Press/Scholastic,
— Dianne Ochiltree