%% This is a multi-book review: SEE also the title Henry the Fourth. %% Gr. 13, younger for reading aloud, somewhat older for remedial study. A neighborhood dog show and a set of field day events provide background for these new entries in the burgeoning MathStart series. Of the pair, Henry the Fourth a Level 1 book introducing ordinal numbers, has the more complex story line; while the first three dogs happily take center stage one by one to perform a trick, Henry is visible off to the side struggling to escape--until, his turn finally comes, and the emcee takes out a dog treat. In Jump, Kangaroo, Jump! (Level 3), Kangaroo, after finding himself on losing teams as his group of 12 campers divides into halves, thirds, and quarters for various competitions, cops a win (naturally) in the broad jump. Although Nash adds a subplot and O'Malley just goes for straightforward scenes of cheery, clothed Australian animals bounding about, both contribute bright, energetic art. The books feature short, easy narrative texts to introduce concepts, which are then reinforced both visually and verbally, and with suggestions for further activities in the back. It's a winning formula, despite the sometimes rudimentary plots. (Reviewed April 15, 1999)

During a field day, a group of twelve Australian animal campers splits into halves for a tug of war, thirds for a swim meet, and fourths for a canoe race. The simple story line presents a real-world application of fractions and division, neatly reinforced by O'Malley's expressive illustrations. Related activities are suggested.

Gr 2-4--In this picture book based on math principles, Kangaroo and his friends divide themselves into teams to compete in Field Day exercises. Readers will easily follow the concept of fractions when the 12 campers divide into 2 teams of 6 for tug-of-war, then 3 teams of 4 for a swimming relay race, and 4 teams of 3 for a canoe race. Finally, each camper is on his or her own for the long jump. O'Malley shows eagerness on the smiling faces of Kangaroo and his cheerful Australian animal buddies. Colorful scenes run across double-page spreads. Fractions are visualized both pictorially and in numerals to explain the concept. An appendix lists other books with the same focus as well as ideas for talking about fractions. An accessible and fun math story.--Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA