Pigs at Odds: Fun with Math and Games (Pigs Will Be Pigs)

While trying their luck at various games at the county fair, members of the Pig family find out what the odds are that they will go home as winners, in a math concepts book which includes an explanation of odds and probability.

Gr 2-4-The Pig family is back, starring in another mathematics adventure. This book tackles the concept of probability in the perfect environment-a carnival, complete with games galore. As they enter the fair, the piglets want to go on the rides, while their parents want to start with the booths. Since they can't be in two places at once, Mr. Pig decides to flip a coin, and thus probability enters the story line. After an invigorating ride on the roller coaster, the pigs try their luck at numerous games of chance, providing lots of opportunities for discussing concepts. Like the other offerings in the series, this title is designed around the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics's Thirteen Standards, making it a useful tool in the elementary classroom. Math questions related to the story are located at the end, which are especially handy since many of the new standardized math tests combine reading and listening skills along with problem solving. The colorful ink, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations are a bit busy, but work well with the carnival setting. The odds are high that this title will be another piggy hit.-Lisa Gangemi Krapp, Middle Country Public Library, Centereach, NY

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