ABC Math Riddles

A collection of twenty-six riddles, one for each letter of the alphabet, that describe mathematical operations, shapes, and other concepts and ask the reader "What am I?"

Grade 1-4--"Add," "borrow," "count," and "divide" are the first of the 26 math terms introduced through 6- to 10-line riddles that usually rhyme. ("B is my beginning and W is my end./Useful in subtracting,/I'm the opposite of lend.") Occasionally the selections are forced such as "hexagon" for X and "ruler" for U. ("There's a U in my name./Four more letters belong.") Each entry includes blanks indicating the number of letters in the answer, showing the initial letter and sometimes the last one. Simple, colorful illustrations on uncluttered backgrounds also provide clues to the answers, which are included at the end, along with some suggestions to help parents and teachers extend the riddles. Although repetitive and a bit contrived, this is still a colorful introduction to math vocabulary.--Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
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