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FRACTIONS, DECIMALS, AND PERCENTS

Name: FRACTIONS, DECIMALS, AND PERCENTS
Author: David A. Adler
ISBN: 978-0-8234-2199-2

by David A. Adler and illustrated by Edward Miller ‧ RELEASE DATE: March 1, 2010

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Adler and Miller easefully tackle yet another aspect of mathematics with clear explanations and graphic interpretations that extend the topic of an earlier book of theirs, Working with Fractions (2007). Here the author draws the connection between fractions, decimals and percents using money as a convenient vehicle to express parts of a whole. The illustrator sets the action at a county fair with electric colors and sharp, two-dimensional edges. The price of goods at the fair serves to launch the discussion of how 89 cents becomes 89/100 becomes .89 becomes 89 percent. Gradually more complicated material is introduced—numerator, denominator, position relative to decimal point—and then how one finds decimals and percents when the denominator isn’t 100. Times when a particular use predominates is explained, and a few pop quizzes are administered to give readers a sense of grasp and accomplishment. The team’s sense of sheer fun gives the book significant propulsion, the county fair conveys an assuaging atmosphere for those with a touch of math anxiety and the quizzes offer an enjoyable challenge. Both straightforward and bouncy, a successful primer on parts. (Picture book. 6-10)

Pub Date: March 1, 2010

ISBN: 978-0-8234-2199-2

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Holiday House

Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 2010

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
THE UPS AND DOWNS OF GRAVITY
by David A. Adler ; illustrated by Anna Raff

- BOOK REVIEW
THE METRIC SYSTEM
by David A. Adler ; illustrated by Edward Miller

- BOOK REVIEW
A PARADE FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON
by David A. Adler ; illustrated by John O’Brien

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WILD, WILD WOLVES

by Joyce Milton & illustrated by Larry Schwinger ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1992

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At ``Step 2'' in the useful ``Step into Reading'' series: an admirably clear, well-balanced presentation that centers on wolves' habits and pack structure. Milton also addresses their endangered status, as well as their place in fantasy, folklore, and the popular imagination. Attractive realistic watercolors on almost every page. Top-notch: concise, but remarkably extensive in its coverage. A real bargain. (Nonfiction/Easy reader. 6-10)

Pub Date: April 1, 1992

ISBN: 0-679-91052-2

Page Count: 48

Publisher: Random House

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 1992

Categories:

CHILDREN'S GENERAL CHILDREN'S

- BOOK REVIEW
DINOSAUR DAYS
by Joyce Milton ; illustrated by Franco Tempesta

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RIVER STORY

by Meredith Hooper & illustrated by Bee Willey ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 2000

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Trickling, bubbling, swirling, rushing, a river flows down from its mountain beginnings, past peaceful country and bustling city on its way to the sea. Hooper (The Drop in My Drink, 1998, etc.) artfully evokes the water’s changing character as it transforms from “milky-cold / rattling-bold” to a wide, slow “sliding past mudflats / looping through marshes” to the end of its journey. Willey, best known for illustrating Geraldine McCaughrean’s spectacular folk-tale collections, contributes finely detailed scenes crafted in shimmering, intricate blues and greens, capturing mountain’s chill, the bucolic serenity of passing pastures, and a sense of mystery in the water’s shadowy depths. Though Hooper refers to “the cans and cartons / and bits of old wood” being swept along, there’s no direct conservation agenda here (for that, see Debby Atwell’s River, 1999), just appreciation for the river’s beauty and being. (Picture book/nonfiction. 7-9)