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"Polar Bear Math: Learning
about Fractions from Klondike and Snow," by
Ann Whitehead Nagda and Cindy Bickel, Henry Holt Company, 2004, 29 pages,
ages 7-10 "Polar Bear Math"
will be sheer delight to animal lovers! In a way, it is two books in one. By
reading only the right-hand pages, a reader can learn about the struggle of
two polar bear cubs born at the Denver Zoo and abandoned by their mother.
The cubs, named Klondike and Snow, were fed and cared for by zoo doctors and
technicians, growing slowly toward adulthood while overcoming many problems
encountered by wild animals raised in confinement by humans.
On the left-hand pages of the book, Nagda and Bickel use Klondike and
Snow to teach a concept often dry and difficult to comprehend: fractions.
Although not all fraction concepts are covered -- and practice using
fractions in other ways would be needed for a mastery of the subject --
middle school children who are having trouble understanding the connection
of math to everyday life will certainly benefit from the book.
Twin births are used to describe the concepts of numerator and
denominator; milk formulas are used to show addition of fractions; feeding
schedules and weight gain are used to show division. Halves, fourths, fifths
and eighths are recognized and explained in an interesting way, using the
growth and feeding needs of the two young bears.
The color photographs of the bears are sure to warm the hearts of many.
So, whether a reader is just interested in a new animal story or a way to
understand fractions, the story "Polar Bear Math"
is sure to be a hit!
"Nature in the Neighborhood,"
by Gordon Morrison, Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004, 32 pages, ages 6-10
In "Nature in the Neighborhood,"
Morrison takes us for an in-depth look at a small-town neighborhood. This
time we look at small happenings as the seasons change, from early spring to
summer to autumn and finally to winter. We see little grasses begin to peek
from cracks of the sidewalk covered by the last of winter's snow. Robins
return to the elementary school and build their nest in an open alarm box.
Animals, insects and plants are viewed in a realistic habitat in backyards,
by the railroad and in the sky above the city. We watch the environment
change from drab winter colors to the greens of summer and the variety of
fall.
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Although the book gives details in small inserts about the larger
picture spread on each page, this is not so much a scientific study
as an exploration of the senses, especially sight. From a bird's-eye
view, soaring above the rooftops, to anthills next to the ball
field, we have the opportunity to explore this neighborhood at a
leisurely pace. We are allowed to "see" slowly and thoroughly,
without the rush to complete errands or arrive at our destination on
time.
As I read through Morrison's book, I was transported back to my
childhood, when time was a non-issue, children played outside in the
neighborhood more than inside with computers and television, and I
delighted in watching each season unfold into the next.
Perhaps this quiet book will inspire a parent and child to put
away the cares that seem to press so heavily on our lives today.
Perhaps they will also go outdoors, not to run to a soccer game, but
to look, watch and experience the small wonders in their
neighborhood.
To explore either of these books or others like them, browse
through our nonfiction section at the Lincoln Public Library, 725
Pekin St. You might be pleasantly surprised at how entertaining
learning can be!
[Louella Moreland, youth services librarian,
Lincoln Public
Library District]
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