Infinity: Figuring Out Forever - Hardcover

Campbell, Sarah C.

  • 3.85 out of 5 stars
    72 ratings by Goodreads
 
9781629798752: Infinity: Figuring Out Forever

Synopsis

What is infinity? Explore this fascinating and complex math concept and its purpose in our world in this picture book that both demystifies and explains. Perfect for kids who grew up on Baby University books like Quantum Physics for Babies.

Defining infinity is difficult. But there is one thing people do every day that leads to infinity—counting. No matter what large number you name, there is always a larger number. By reading this book, kids can begin to think about this and other powerful ideas involving infinity, including how infinity relates to rocket science. Featuring clear text and beautiful photographs, this is an excellent choice for kids who want to delve deeper into math and science and for those ready to look at the world in a new way.

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About the Author

Sarah C. Campbell is the author of the Geisel Honor Book, Wolfsnail, as well as Growing Patterns and Mysterious Patterns, co-created with her husband Richard P. Campbell. Visit sarahccampbell.com.

Richard P. Campbell is co-photographer with his wife Sarah C. Campbell of the acclaimed children's nonfiction books Wolfsnail, Growing Patterns, and Mysterious Patterns, as well as the photographer of some of the photos in Infinity.

Reviews

Gr 4-6-An attempt to teach a complex concept to elementary age children in lay terms with photographic assistance to aid understanding. While Campbell breaks down infinity as a measure of endlessness in relation to mathematics and science with numerous examples, a lot of jargon prevents it from becoming accessible. She explains that infinity is not a single moment, but an idea. This philosophical understanding of infinity may be unfamiliar to some. The example of counting may help children process the concept partially, but they may not be able to differentiate between the two capacities of "big" and "endless." Although there is a wealth of paratextual elements that provide more details on infinity, specifically the author's note and a word problem, rather than comprehending the concept of infinity, children may be left more confused. This also raises a loaded question for young developing minds: can infinity simply be "figured out"? VERDICT A picture book that may serve as an introduction to infinity for upper elementary children, but its simple structure will limit its usefulness for middle graders.-Paige Paganα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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