TOO MANY PIGS IN THE POOL

When a pig comes over for a pool party, trouble, hilarity, and math problems ensue.

Mr. Jenkins has a pretty nice setup. He has an aboveground pool all to himself, but after a while, his solo routine grows lonely. On Sunday he invites over his neighbor Ms. Peal, and she brings her pig, Percy. On Monday, Percy comes over with his friend Wanda (“1+1=2”). On Tuesday, Percy and Wanda bring two more pigs (“2+2=4”). With each day of the week, the number of pigs doubles until by Saturday, the 64 oinkers split the seams of the pool and go careening down the hill. Ever patient, Mr. Jenkins rebuilds, now with the knowledge that allowing more than two pigs in at a time is a ham-brained notion. With every doubling, a math equation is written clearly in the margins. Backmatter provides ideas for addition games and some math problems for fun. Like a low-stakes version of Demi’s classic math tale One Grain of Rice, this amusing story will suit younger readers learning key mathematical concepts. Comical, cartoonish art sneaks in clever little details (like the pig conducting a workout routine wearing a headset). Buttoned-up Mr. Jenkins presents as Black and Ms. Peal as White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Math plus swine equals a pretty delightful combo in this cautionary counting tale.