Pyramids

Children's Literature - Melissa J. Rickey

This is part of the "3-D Shapes" book series designed to support early readers' understanding of mathematical shapes such as pyramids. Simple and direct sentences are matched with brightly colored, full-page photographs to facilitate comprehension and provide clear examples of cubes in children's everyday worlds. An early sentence defines pyramids: "Pyramids are 3-D shapes that are biggest at the base and come to a point at the top." This is followed by "Pyramids around the World": "In India, people gather in Hindu temples shaped like pyramids"; "Making Pyramids": "Stacked chocolate candies make a sweet and melty pyramid"; and "Pyramid Fun": "Pyramids are cool for swimming around in the pool. Splash!" An "It's a Fact" section lists interesting information about pyramids, from ancient Egyptian burial pyramids to the Pyramid Research Center on Mount Everest. A "Hands On" feature provides directions for making a pyramid friend named Perry. Additional features include a table of contents, clear chapter headings, a glossary, a resource guide, and an index. This book can be used as a read aloud in primary math lessons and can also be read independently by early readers. Reviewer: Melissa J. Rickey