Patterns Outside: (Math Every Day)

This simple and entertaining book introduces readers to different patterns that can be found at the park.

About the Author :
Daniel Nunn is the author of dozens of nonfiction books for young readers. He is a huge soccer fan and enjoys going to both men's and women's soccer games with his children. His favorite team is Manchester City. Rebecca Rissman is an award-winning children's author. She has written more than 200 books about science, history, art, and culture. Her writing has been praised by School Library Journal, Booklist, Creative Child Magazine, and Learning Magazine. She lives in Chicago, Illinois, with her husband and two daughters.

Review :
In Patterns Outside, in simple rhyming language, several different patterns are demonstrated. "These patterned leaves are a plant called clover. This spider's web has dew all over." The pictures are large and connected to the text on the page. Animals and plants are shown with a variety of different patterns. Other patterns are created by people on furniture and clothing. The final pages include two patterns that students can identify the next to come. This book is part of a series called Math Every Day. -Angela Ralph, Harrison Elementary School Omaha Public Schools 12/2/2012-- "Omaha Public Schools" These oversize books contain photos and design elements that are appropriately bright and colorful for young audiences. The rhyming texts are simple: "Eight coloring pencils./Drawing can be fun!/Eight fluffy sheep, /standing in the sun." However, they might be confusing for developing readers-e.g., in Animals there is a picture of a horse and a foal with the question, "Is Holly bigger than Heather? Let's see if you know!" But the answer isn't provided. Shapes asks readers to count circles on a page where girls are blowing bubbles, but some bubbles are mostly off the page-are these meant to be counted? When asked to count triangles, the text reads, "If you found at least three...," implying that there are more when there are not. Counting is the strongest of the series, with straightforward counting of objects, although even here the "Counting Challenge" at the end confuses. Marginal purchases. - Stephanie Farnlacher, Trace Crossings Elementary School, Hoover, ALSchool Library Journal April 2012 Issue-- "School Library Journal" (3) PS Math Every Day series. Stock animal photos illustrate basic concepts-big/small, short/tall, wide/narrow. Patterns in nature (e.g., tree rings, a snail's shell) and patterns in architecture, clothing, and more encourage visual discrimination and create interest in the variety of patterns in our surroundings. The books' rhyming texts, large size, short index, and easy puzzles are appropriate for early pre-schoolers. - Paula M. Cairo The Horn Book Guide Fall 2012 issue-- "The Horn Book Guide" Rhyming text is great for vocabulary building and to help young learners retain what they hear/read. Mix in age-appropriate math concepts and add illustrations that are full color photographs combined in fun designs (the cover for example), and you have a recipe for books that are sure to appeal to preschoolers. Each book has an activity at the end to reinforce learning. The questions help the young reader think about what they have seen, as well as help the educator evaluate for understanding.-- "Wrapped in Foil blog"