Synopsis
Four friends want to adopt a dog named Penny. But they need fifty dollars to pay for the things she'll need-like vet care, a leash, a bowl, and dog food. How will they be able to raise that much money?
Marilyn Courtot - Children's Literature
The four friends in this "All Aboard Math Reader," Reading Stop 3, are pooling their resources to buy a treat at the local deli. Once there, they see a sign posted by Dino, the owner. He has a puppy that needs a home. His allergies won't let him keep the dog. Tim takes the dog home, and the kids all hope that they can convince his mom to let the puppy, now named Penny, stay. She reminds them that it costs money to feed and care for a pet. Once again, the kids pool their resources to run a bake sale. Not your conventional one but a sale that sells dog treats shaped like bones. The kids prepare a budget, run the sale, and make enough money to get their pet off to a healthy start. The story is filled with everyday math issues, like getting change from their purchases at Dino's, figuring out how to count their pooled funds, preparing a budget for Penny's food and care, making change for customers, and so forth. The story moves at a good pace. It stresses cooperation, has humor, a caring and supportive parent, and more. All of this is ably conveyed through the watercolors by Demarest. He has created a multicultural cast and engaging illustrations for each page. The opening page introduces the series and talks about the characteristics of each level. 2002, Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers,