Patterns in Peru: An Adventure in Patterning
Grade 1–4—Twins Matt and Bibi follow upMummy Math(Holt, 2005) with a new archaeology/math adventure. This time they accompany their scientist parents to Peru. By interpreting patterns woven into an Inca shawl, the youngsters follow clues to the Lost City of Quwi, whose location has eluded explorers for centuries. While the story defies logic and teaches little about local culture, it might serve as an introduction to classroom activities on sequence and pattern perception. Langdo's cartoonlike illustrations adequately depict patterns to decipher but do little to enliven the narrative. In fact, Matt, Bibi, and their canine companion seem oddly static even in dangerous situations. A list of suggested activities follows the story's conclusion. Jennifer Rozines Roy and Gregory Roy'sPatterns in Nature(Benchmark, 2005) reinforces math concepts in a more straightforward presentation.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, MankatoCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.