1+1=5: and Other Unlikely Additions
K-Gr 2–This clever concept book asks children to take a fresh look at simple addition. Are there times when one plus one can equal three and not two? Yes–if you add one unicorn and one goat, you get three horns. Can one plus one ever equal five? Yes, because when you add one set of triplets and one set of twins, you get five babies. After sharing the numerous examples provided, children can be asked to stretch their imaginations and come up with their own quirky equations. Sexton's brightly colored digitally rendered cartoonlike illustrations are not only cheerful and attractive, but they also provide subtle clues. For example, in the one plus one equals three problem, the unicorn and the goat are seated in the library, one reading a book on mythical beasts, one reading a book on barnyard buddies. The horns are obscured by the equation itself, and are then revealed on the next page. Observant children will enjoy playing detective. The book can be read independently but would also be fun to share with a group. A great way to encourage outside-the-box thinking.Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ© Copyright 2010.  Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc.  No redistribution permitted.