In Bigger, siblings fighting over the size of their rooms learn the concept of area. In Sassafras, cousins line up by age for a photo and learn about ordering cardinal numbers. In Car Wash, a baseball team raises cash for new uniforms and learns about counting money. Spirited images, Murphy's wit, and simple math problems played out in familiar settings make these series books painlessly educational. [Review covers these MathStart titles: Bigger, Better, Best!; One...Two...Three...Sassafras!; and Sluggers' Car Wash.]

This Math Start title entwines the basic geometry concept of area, with an engaging family story of sibling rivalry. Jenny and Jeff argue about everything. When the family moves to a new house, each child selects a bedroom, and then they argue about which room is best: " Ha! I told you my room is better,' Jenny said. Look how big my window is.' I've got a window too,' said Jeff. Bet mine is bigger.' " Since one window is long and narrow and the other is a square, it's not easy to tell which is bigger. Long-suffering mom encourages them to solve the problem mathematically, suggesting they cover each window with sheets of paper and count the sheets to determine which window is bigger. When they discover the windows are the same size, though one window is four rows of three and the other two rows of six, they next argue about the size of the rooms. Now dad helps, suggesting they measure the area of each room with newspaper. Once again they measure to a draw. Parents and teachers will be relieved these argumentative kids are fictional, but they are an excellent vehicle for practical math concepts. The author concludes with follow-up for parents and children, suggesting additional activities and a short booklist. Sprightly pen-and-wash illustrations show a tag and tumble family with enough spunk and sass to keep them from becoming saccharine. Nicely done. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-8)

K-Gr 3-Jeff and Jenny are always fighting about who has something bigger or better, while Jill just ignores them. When the family moves to a bigger house with a separate room for each child, the two start arguing about whose room and windows are bigger. Mom then has them measure the windows with sheets of paper and the floor with newspaper. Ignoring her older siblings, Jill declares her room is best since it is farthest from the other two and near the cat's nook. This realistic story involves sibling rivalry with a resourceful solution to a common problem. It carefully incorporates math without being overwhelming. The colorful and humorous illustrations add to the story, which comes to a satisfying ending with a slight twist. Follow-up activities and a reading list are included.-Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY Copyright 2003 Cahners Business Information.