Patterns (Math Links)

Explores the mathematical concept of patterns as with sequence and repetition, and including patterns found in nature, color, and line, as well as number patterns, symmetrical patterns, and tessellating patterns.

Kindergarten-Grade 2-These two books attempt so much that they succeed at nothing. For example, Patterns includes tessellating and symmetrical patterns with simple spirals or line patterns. Sorting is equally ambitious; it covers subsets, tables, charts, and diagrams, as well as sorting by color, shape, use, etc. In both titles, each double-page spread presents a slightly different concept, which is illustrated with a mix of color photographs and drawings. The right side offers a brief explanation and the left poses a question. Answers are appended. It's hard to assign a grade level to these books. Although they feature young children, the material presented includes so much superficial information that it would be over the heads of most youngsters. For better treatment of math concepts, stick with Stuart Murphy's "MathStart" series (HarperCollins).
Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, NY
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