Real World Math Blue Level: Zookeeper for the Day

Poses mathematical problems involving zoos and zoo animals, as well as providing information about these subjects.

Gr 2-4-By focusing on high-interest jobs, large photos, and an attractive layout, this set uses a series of questions to encourage students to practice math skills. The tables of content contain a list of skills covered. Some of them are as simple as number order and skip counting by fives and tens, but also include reading bar and picture graphs, performing mental math calculations, telling time, and estimating. The texts are clearly written and the questions are worded in a way that readers will have no trouble understanding what is being asked; each spread has three to nine questions. The layout flows well and the graphics assist students in solving the problems. Each volume contains a "Tips and Help" section that provides an explanation for some of the questions, followed by the answers. Good choice for differentiation in the classroom. α(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journal. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Books from the Real World Math series use high-interest topics as the backdrop for math problems. This volume, from the Blue Level (beginner) subset, introduces a number of zoo animals, explains the keepers’ jobs, and asks readers to solve many related math problems along the way. For instance, to mix the formula for Kimba, a baby kangaroo whose mother is ill, “you must add 1 spoonful of milk powder for every 2 ounces of water.” How many spoonfuls should you add to 6 ounces of water? Besides arithmetic, the questions involve comparison, logic, basic math terminology, telling time, and reading simple charts and maps. Though browsers drawn by the subject and color photos may be disappointed by the scattershot approach and the constant arithmetic challenges, teachers and parents may find this inexpensive paperback a useful source of word problems. Grades 1-3. --Carolyn Phelan