The Amazing Pop-up Multiplication Book

Teaches the multiplication tables through flaps, pop-ups, tabs, hidden answers, magic tricks, and mysteries

Grade 2-4-A disorganized look at multiplication. With no introduction, readers open the book to "Meet the Stars"-Tim Times, Eddie Equals, etc.-in an outer-space setting on the front endpapers. Multiplication by zero is written as 0x, which makes it look more like a word than a math operation. Still in space, the one times table is quickly explained on the next page. Two is on a double-page spread featuring Noah's Ark. The rest of the numerals and their multiples get one page each with different color and picture schemes, except 9 and 10, which share a large pair of hands across two pages. There are shortcuts, comments, and other hints for each multiplication table with lots of tabs and flaps that move, pull, pop, and lift up. Some of them are hard to find and hard to operate. Moving parts do not always line up clearly, making it difficult to relate problems to answers. The full-color drawings and text leave no blank spaces adding to the confusing and cluttered look. Children using this title must be focused and skilled readers to tell whether instructions or humorous asides are being presented on the crowded pages filled with type, illustrations, and pop-ups. This book is sure to frustrate novice math students.
Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.