Tightwad Tod (Math Matters (Kane Press Paperback))
Gr 1-3-Tod likes counting his money so much that he is too busy to play with his friend. After he turns down three invitations, his older brother begins to worry about him. He bets Tod that he won't be able to spend the $20 bill he gives him and, if he fails, he has to give it back plus an additional $5. They make a deal and Tod calls Jake to go to the mall. On each spread, the boys visit different stores and decide how to spend the windfall. The bottom of each page has a running tally of the remaining cash, how Tod pays for each item, and the change he receives. He ends up lending a neighbor $2 and goes home happy. The next day he buys an electronic money counter, which will enable him to pursue his favorite pastime and have more time to hang out with his friends. The final page gives three math problems using pictures and words. The inside back cover suggests reading and math skills for teachers. The idea that an older brother would give $20 to his younger sibling is a bit far-fetched, but, all in all, the story adds up to a serviceable, easy-to-read math lesson.Wendy S. Carroll, Montclair Cooperative School, NJCopyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.