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Mathematickles!: fun poems to tickle your funny bone    by Betsy Franco & Steven Salerno Amazon.com order for
Mathematickles!
by Betsy Franco
Order:  USA  Can
Margaret K. McElderry, 2003 (2003)
Hardcover
* *   Reviewed by Hilary Williamson

The concept behind Mathematickles! reminds me of Rebus rhymes for mathematics. Very simple poems include mathematical symbols and operations to present the seasons, as in 'apples + worms = sweet tunnels'.

It's a bit of a stretch for a mathematical purist (especially the multiplications and divisions), but kids are likely to enjoy playing with the ideas, and might even learn very basic math concepts in the process. I like '1/2 w = v = flying geese' mostly because their V flight lifts my spirits whenever I'm lucky enough to spot migrating geese. Being a catlover, I appreciate 'kitten + leaves + branches - meow = pussy willow', and puddles divided by raindrops do indeed result in circles.

It's all very silly and exuberant, but it's also a fresh way of looking at the natural world around us. Speaking of which, I am really looking forward to 'hammock shade + lemonade = perfectly lazy summer day'.

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