Math: A Book You Can Count On (Basher) by Simon Basher

Math: A Book You Can Count On (Basher) Reviews

• 
  N_kellie

  Math: A Book you Can Count On is the latest in reference books for kids. The book gives an identity to math terms and concepts, by giving the math word human like (or superhero like) characteristics. The book is broken down in to four chapters: Number Bunch, Special Sum-Things, Shape shifters and Data Gang. Each page is set up in a similar format with a colorful picture that personifies the math word helping the reader to remember its purpose. The page also includes three points to remember about the word, more information about the math word told in the first person, and other interesting facts, definitions of related terms, or a head puzzle (math problem).
  This book is a must see because it is packed with information. While the book defines basic math words like subtract, it’s not a primary text because higher level math application is included. The book would be a better fit in intermediate, middle school, or even high school math classes. I love the colorful pictures (with an Asian animation look) and the creative, first person paragraphs where the math term speaks for itself, sometimes insulting other math terms. For example, decimal says it would call the number “0.25”, but scruffy old fraction would call it ¼. Or circle defines itself as “a chubby-cheeked bundle of fun”. This book would be a useful tool to introduce and support math words in the classroom because it is not the traditional approach. The pictures may help students see the term to support their understanding of its meaning in a completely different way.
  If this book strikes you, but math isn’t your thing check out others like Punctuation: The Write Stuff, Rocks and Minerals: A Gem of a Read, or Physics: Why Matter Matters. You’re sure to learn something new, while having fun doing it. I think Basher Books has found a creative way to support students (and teachers) in learning content vocabulary.
  
• 
  Shelbi Bishop

  Just like "Punctuation-The Write Stuff", this book turns math concepts into characters who are easy to relate to.
  
  I would use this book when teaching certain parts of mathematics. This will make multiplication, division, and pi easier to understand.
• 
  Shawn

  Simon Basher has brought the basics of many subjects to an audience of grades 4-7 into a deceptively simple format of small, cartoon-like illustrated, kid-friendly books. Great curriculum supplements. Many subjects available including grammar, punctuation, music, math, oceans, chemistry.
• 
  Alison

  Stephen, age 9: I really liked it.