Counting with Sebastian Pig and Friends On the Farm

April 1, 2009
K-Gr 2-These charming books approach their subjects with good humor. For example, in "Subtraction", Sebastian and his friends are on a camping trip where various items are being pilfered by some mischievous mice. While the bewildered campers use subtraction to figure out how many of their belongings are missing, the inventive rodents use the purloined hot dogs as water skis and the paddles from the friends boat as a diving board. These titles will have children laughing as they learn the concepts that are clearly demonstrated in the story line. Each one includes a practice section. With their sunny watercolors and engaging characters, these books will be welcome additions.

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July 1, 2009
A porcine protagonist and his animal pals enlist their math know-how in these books. The stories in Counting and Subtracting are the most engaging. Measuring is the weakest volume: some of the awkward illustrations don't match the text. In all the books, excerpts from Sebastian's notebook show the math concepts. All but Counting includes a glossary. Reading list, websites. Ind.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)