PLB 0-06-027613-4 This entry in the MathStart series explores the hazards of measuring in nonstandard units. Eager to win prizes from Larry the lifeguard for the tallest tower, longest wall, and deepest moat, Juan, Sarah, and Laura compare their sand castles; they discover that Sarah’s castle is three shovels tall while Juan’s is but two, Laura’s moat is one spoon deep while Juan’s is two, and Laura’s wall is five steps long to Sarah’s seven. However, as observant viewers will note, Sarah’s spoon is longer than Juan’s, her shovel and feet shorter. Wielding a tape measure, Larry explains why inches are more reliable units than spoons, etc. People and objects in Gorton’s simple air brushed cartoons stand out distinctly against the green ocean and sun-drenched sand, and lines of measurement are laid out for viewers to compare. With the small type activity notes at the end, this makes a pleasant, painless way for children (and dare we say adults?) to pick up some basic math methodology. For those who resist Larry’s strict notions, bring out Loreen Leedy’s blithe Measuring Penny (p. 270) for a more generous examination of nonstandard measurements. (Picture book. 6-8)
Pub Date: Jan. 31, 1999
ISBN: 0-06-027612-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 1998
Though it’s too bad Daisylocks’ botanical name (Bellis perennis) is never used, it’s nevertheless an inventive introduction...
The story of a daisy seed looking for the best place to grow is here used as a tool to introduce different habitats.
Dissatisfied with where she’s first planted, Daisylocks—the reference to Goldilocks becomes clear as the pages turn—asks Wind to assist her, and across the pages she arcs, looking rather a lot like a dandelion seed with a contrail. First, Wind takes her to the desert, which is too hot. The tundra is too cold, and the wetlands are too wet. Daisylocks and Wind banter, till Wind gets rather exasperated, pointing out finally that where she was originally planted was the only place that was “just right!”—and that is where she ends up. A large, clear sans-serif type allows the text to stand out, in black or white, against hyper-realistic, close-up double-page spreads of rain forest, beach, mountain and so on, all full of plant and animal life. The bottom right-hand corner of each spread shows the growth of an actual daisy, from tiny seed to full flowering, and that’s lovely. Backmatter on plants and habitats is included (and can be reproduced for educational use); other such items can be found on the publisher’s website.
Though it’s too bad Daisylocks’ botanical name (Bellis perennis) is never used, it’s nevertheless an inventive introduction to habitats. (Picture book. 6-8)Pub Date: March 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-1-62855-206-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Arbordale Publishing
Review Posted Online: Jan. 28, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2014
This is a terrific story about place and connections across time. Ben and his grandmother have gone to open up the family beach house on the Oregon coast for the summer. Ben is initially put off, but not Grandma: “Oh, I do love this old place. It smells just like summer.” When Ben discovers a blown-glass float for a fishing net, Grandma says it drifted all the way from Japan and that Ben’s father found it on the beach years ago. After some more poking about and a swim in the bone-cracking cold water and, then, a night of wind and rain, it is Ben’s turn to find just such a marvel on the beach. That history repeats itself so neatly strains credulity, but who would deny so radiant a familial tapestry? Jessup has created an enticing world of storms, memories, and summer. Readers will want to stay, smell the salt air, and learn more from Grandma. (Picture book. 3-8)
Pub Date: June 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-670-88260-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1999
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