Twenty-one rhyming bird-centric word problems challenge children to add, subtract, multiply and divide: “Twenty blue jays / by the bay. / Twelve fly off. / How many stay?” A simple opening page gives youngsters clues as to when to use each operation, but lacks the explicit vocabulary hints that math teachers would give. The chosen operation, equation (equations in the case of multiplication) and answer can be found upside down or sideways on the same page as the problem, making it easy to check work, or peek, for that matter. The endpapers are resources, featuring addition, subtraction, multiplication and division tables up through ten. Miller’s illustrations keep the details simple so that children can use the pictures to help them solve the problems. Great practice for those who need it, especially with some teacher or parent guidance. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-10)
