Reviews

Gr 2-4-Whodathunkit? A Fibonacci counting book! Ever since a 13th-century Italian mathematician described this intriguing numeric sequence, people have been discovering this pattern everywhere. Hulme runs through a Fibonacci count from 1 to 89, introducing each number in a colorful spread that shows the numeral as the sum of the two that came before it ("1," "1," "1+1=2," "1+2=3," etc.). The amounts are represented visually by groups of species (e.g., "3+5=8" is illustrated with three leopards and five tigers). The simple rhyming text also points out physical characteristics (talons, teeth, seahorse tails, etc.) that reflect Fibonacci sequencing. Schwartz's handsome, realistic acrylics add impact to the text (though the shells come up one short). An author's note offers a brief history of the subject and gives suggestions for finding these sequences in nature. A diagram provides some visualization of the curve that can be plotted from the numbers, but does not clarify the concept. While some youngsters may be intrigued by this simplistic look at a "new" method of counting, it is difficult to determine for whom this book is intended. Fibonacci sequences may be beyond the grasp of the audience this pictorial work might attract and older children who might be fascinated by the topic could be put off by the format.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.