In rousing rhyme, this addition to the Math is CATegorical series explores weight measurement. Beginning with a definition of weight as “The heaviness of an object,” Cleary proceeds on to its applications. “Weighing things is how we find the heaviness of stuff,” he cheerfully (and colloquially) proclaims. All things, from backpacks to kites, have weight. A slice of bread, the reader learns, weighs about an ounce. So, since 16 ounces makes a pound then it logically follows that 16 slices of bread will weigh just about one pound. Moving from pounds to tons and then touching briefly on the metric system, the book concludes with a tidy summery page. Gable’s colorful illustrations seethe with motion, as zany cartoon animals (primarily cats) mischievously frolic to illuminate the text. The clear and humorous examples drawn from life enable kids to understand easily and then apply the information. For those just beginning the numbers adventure, this one tips the scale. (Informational picture book. 5-8)
