Copyright Date:
2019
Edition Date:
2019
Release Date:
08/13/19
Illustrator:
Liu, Jia,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
Publisher: 1-629-79807-X Perma-Bound: 0-7804-6906-2
ISBN 13:
Publisher: 978-1-629-79807-3 Perma-Bound: 978-0-7804-6906-8
Dewey:
513.2
LCCN:
2018962346
Dimensions:
24 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
Ten exuberant chicks head to the park for playtime and a self-guided math lesson.The chicks, who sport feathers in various shades of yellow, brown, and black, have brought a notepad and are "ready to add!" They observe and calculate different chick configurations within each game or on a piece of playground equipment. Throughout, "a lonely mouse watches," mimicking their play from afar. Ten stacked chicks are ultimately not tall enough to reach a basketball lodged in the hoop; but 10 chicks "plus 1 helpful mouse" are! The sums do not appear in order (4, 5 ,6, etc.), and this lack of pattern discourages guessing. They do appear on the same spreads as the setup: On the left, "2 chicks far plus / 2 chicks near equalsâ¦" appears within eyesight of "4 chicks playing tag" on the right. This design aspect suits the book to younger readers who are still being introduced to basic arithmetic functions and are not quite ready for independent work. On each calculation page, a chick uses the notepad to visualize one of many addition methods. Backmatter gives further explanations on these tools, describing a standard equation, tally marks, number lines, a number bond, and fingers "(or feathers)," among others. Hand-done textures on the digital illustrations appear delightfully scratched, as if by chicken feet, and playful, emphasizing the lighthearted tone of the lesson.Practical application mixes with play, adding up to enjoyable learning. (Picture book. 4-7)
This exuberant picture book demonstrates key math concepts to children as ten math-loving chicks make a new friend.
As the Arithmechicks slide down the slide, swing on the swings, and play hide-and-seek, they don't realize that a lonely mouse is copying them, longing to join in. However, when their basketball becomes stuck, the chicks discover that a two-inch-tall new friend is exactly what they need. In this heartwarming story, there are many ways to add up ten cheerful chicks--but a new friend is what makes them cheer. The book includes a helpful glossary that defines the eight arithmetic strategies the chicks use throughout the story, providing a playful introduction to essential math for young children and their caregivers.