Looking beyond the unfortunate title, here's a good presentation of probability for children. A slight plot line runs through the book, following two boys as they illustrate facets of the subject--possibility, probability, certainty, predictability, sampling, and statistics. The book then moves on to coin tossing, guessing games, breaking codes, and so forth. The boys' adventures and banter are balanced by the author's explanation of each subject and her challenges to the reader to predict what will happen in various situations. Playful pencil drawings lighten the pages and illustrate points made in the text. A good resource for math units on the subject. (Reviewed Jan 1, 1992)

A simple, entertaining approach to the often daunting subject of probability. Through true-to-life events in young Danny's and Brian's lives, the author presents a variety of probability exercises, further explained by the adequate, though humorous, pencil drawings. Because of the subject, the book may not appeal to a large audience. Bib., ind.

Brian and Danny are introduced to the laws of chance through coin tossing, spinner and card games, and the weather; they even discover that whenever 23 or more people get together, chances are better than even that at least two will have the same birthday. Although the fictional component strains credibility (the two boys spend most of their waking time at home, school, and even at birthday parties talking about the laws of chance), setting a probability primer in everyday life does reduce its pedantry. A minor cavil: none of the cheery, informal drawings actually illustrates the ideas presented, missing a good opportunity to introduce charts and graphs as a help to visualization. Nonetheless, a lively introduction that may hook a budding physicist (or gambler) on the endless fascination of the vagaries of numbers. (Nonfiction. 9+)"

Gr 4-6-- An informative, easy-to-read explanation of a complex concept. Each chapter is introduced with a brief story about friends Brian and Danny and their encounters with probability. It is then followed by an explanation of the concept introduced and suggested related activities. Humorous pencil illustrations enhance and lighten the presentation. This is not a book students will pick up on their own, but it will be great for teacher-directed activities as it reduces the subject of probability to a level that most upper-elementary students can understand. --Kenneth E. Kowen, Atascocita Middle School Library, Humble, TX