HOW HIGH CAN A DINOSAUR COUNT?

A collection of unrelated illustrated word problems, this has potential among teachers and the parents of star or struggling math students. Fifteen math problems challenge readers to add, subtract, multiply, tell time, add money and identify odd and even numbers. All the classic word-problem vocabulary is here: How many more, fewer, how many are left, how long. “More math mysteries to solve” at the back gives readers four additional, and progressively more challenging, problems for each illustration. These extend readers’ thinking to include logic, grouping, patterns, counting, division and geometry. Fisher’s illustrations are chock full of information, most giving clues for all five problems. There’s even enough detail for readers to make up their own problems. The old-fashioned style of illustration and inclusion of both real and drawn objects in the same picture may turn off some readers. This, in combination with the lack of a plot, will limit the audience, especially when said audience usually lets out a collective groan at the mention of word problems. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9)