Horn Book (Wed Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

By pointing out patterns in many disparate things, from honeycombs through beads, tires, and tiles of the Alhambra, Goldstone encourages readers to contemplate the world through an interesting lens. "MathSpeak" sidebars explain geometric terms, such as reflection for flipping a design. Photos and sharp graphics in bright colors illustrate dozens of patterns that nicely expand the minimal but effective text. Pattern-making ideas are appended.

School Library Journal (Mon Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2014)

Gr 2-4 This attractive picture book is a colorful addition for general collections but can be used to expand a math or social studies library. Relying on a conversational tone and using relatable examples from a wide variety of cultures, the author draws in readers easily as he discusses concepts related to patterns while also tying in social studies, nature, and math vocabulary. Strategically placed questions ("What flips can you find in these patterns?") will engage kids further (an answer key is included at the end). Children are introduced to a wide variety of concepts: math-related ones, such as symmetry and reflection, as well as those that are tied to specific culturesAfrican mud cloths or the Pantheon's dome in Rome. Bold, striking photographs of everyday objects, such as tiles, mosaics, bee hives, animals, cars, cathedrals, and seashells are used to support the text. Informational text boxes titled "MathSpeak" provide greater detail throughout on topics such as symmetry and scaling. An excellent overview. Tracey Wong, P.S. 54/Fordham Bedford Academy, Bronx, NY

ALA Booklist (Sun Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2015)

This colorful book challenges readers to recognize patterns and to notice how they differ from one another. Using examples that include everyday objects, animals, and architectural elements, the text points out and briefly explains elements of patternmaking, such as translation, rotation, reflection, symmetry, scaling, and tessellation. Helpful photos illustrate patterns seen in the natural world and a variety of world cultures, from the hexagonal cells in a bee's hive to a mud cloth made in Mali to an ancient Greek tile mosaic. As in his previous math-themed books, including Great Estimations (2006), 100 Ways to Celebrate 100 Days (2010), and That's a Possibility! (2013), Goldstone shot many of the clearly reproduced color photographs that illustrate the concepts. Simplicity, order, and variety in layout give the book an inviting look. The final pages challenge readers to create their own patterns using plastic, interlocking blocks, hand-printed stamps on paper, or paper cutouts. A useful, attractive introduction to patterns.