Subtraction Action

Children's Literature

Miss Prime and her class learn how to use subtraction to solve problems as they get ready for the school fair. Each problem is first presented as a word problem such as, "If we have ten tickets to the fair, and our class uses six of them, how many tickets will be left over?" The problem is then written out as a subtraction equation and completed systematically. Some of the answers are given right away, and some are left for the reader to figure out. The answers to all of the problems are given in the back of the book. The illustrations are humorous and colorful, with cartoon bubbles for the text. The book can be read as a parent/child activity, and is a good way to relate math concepts to real life situations. 2000, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson

From The Critics

Here's math made useful! Miss Prime and her class are back again, and this time they use subtraction to solve problems at the school fair. Fay wants to subtract seconds off her time to beat Chester on the obstacle course; Otto and Tally begin a price war by subtracting from the cost of the treats they are selling. The introductory-level math concepts are presented with colorful animated characters. This would be a useful book at home or in school. 2000, Holiday House, Inc., $16.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: C. Leonard-Schmidling SOURCE: Parent Council Volume 8

School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-As in her previous concept books, Leedy creates an action-packed volume that is perfectly suited to its audience. The softly hued cartoon animals and dialogue balloons are skillfully combined on pages divided into framed sequences. There is plenty going on, but not so much as to be confusing. A scholarly hippo leads her class on a fun-filled adventure in numbers. Readers learn, along with Miss Prime's quirky students, about such important mathematical concepts as the definition of difference, writing a subtraction equation, regrouping, and three-digit equations. Most importantly, Leedy introduces practical application of mathematics when the class goes to the school fair. Tally and Otto use subtraction to sell snacks and Fay tries to break an obstacle-course record. Other brief episodes involve calculations as well. The text is interactive; a math problem is presented in every episode with the answers given on the back page. A zany book that is sure to make a difference at home and in the classroom.-Holly T. Sneeringer, St. Mark School, Baltimore, MD Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.|