Max's Math

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 5, 2015

Review

Entertaining and educational with a dash of pizzazz, Max is back. Three brothers set off in search of problems, the mathematical kind. While searching for Shapeville they retrieve a stay number before being confronted with a tangle of shapes appearing like rubble. Fast to see the pattern Max and his brothers offer concrete suggestions that help to restore the town square. Following a hysterical encounter involving matching socks the brothers follow a march to Count Town. Brain power and agility are employed by the brothers who save the liftoff.

Shapes and numbers have never been so fun, even in other concept books. Bank’s story is creative and silly but it is Kulikov's illustrations that make this such a winner. The creative addition of numbers to all areas of the environment and the playful use of combined shapes give this book staying power. Public libraries and schools should add this to their concept collections. Adults with math loving youngsters will want to add this to their holiday gift giving list.

Overall Book Score: excellent