More or Less (MathStart 2)
Gr. 1-3. The concept of comparing numbers gets Murphy's signature MathStart treatment--by turns amusing and teaching. In this story, Eddie works the "guess the age" booth at the fair. Blindfolded, he listens to a contestant's voice, and if he guesses a person's age "after three questions or less," he wins. The contestant gets a prize if Eddie has to ask four or more questions. If Eddie hasn't guessed after six tries, he gets dunked in a pool. The way Eddie progresses (he arrives at his answers by narrowing his guess to a number more than or less than another number) leads children into the world of logical, educated guesses. A subplot about a girl trying to win a prize cleverly ties into the main story. Youngsters who need to understand the math concept in more depth will find several activities at the conclusion of the book. These are meant to be done with help from adults, to whom the back matter is directed. Sprightly watercolor artwork makes math look like fun.Ilene CooperCopyright &#169; American Library Association. All rights reserved--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.