numbers – Aussie Reviews

There's Not One, by Jennifer Higgie

There’s not one baked bean…
there are (at least) a zillion.

The premise of this joyous new picture book is simple. Each spread states that there is not one dog/baked bean/colour and so on, showing how there are many of each things, until, at the end it announces there is not “just one of you” before declaring that this is a mistake. There is, of course, only one of ‘you’, but we are “all in it together”. This wonderful message of uniqueness is both gently humorous and uplifting, and while aimed at children will make readers of all ages smile appreciatively.

The illustrations, too, are bright and warm, using digital collage with a childlike simplicity which children will be keen to replicate. Each page has a different background colour and the text uses different fonts, including collage cut-out letters where appropriate.

A quick read, There’s Not One will withstand repeated rereadings and also offers plenty to talk about one-on-one or in group situations.

There’s Not One, by Jennifer Higgie
Scribble Books, 2016
ISBN 9781925321708

May Gibbs 1 2 3, May Gibbs Colours, Scholastic

Inspired by the work of May Gibbs, 1 2 3 and Coloursintroduce numbers and colours to young children. In 1 2 3, Australian flora and fauna feature in mostly pastel colours as they play host to gumnut babies, sleepy babies and wattle babies. There are butterflies, kookaburras and other Australian animals to identify. In Colours, the gumnut babies float through a world of gentle colour encountering Australian insects, plants and animals.

May Gibbs’ Gumnut Babies are part of Australian heritage and 1 2 3 and Colours introduce her work to a new generation. Books are sturdy Colours are pastel on white and provide an alternative to primary colour offerings in the same market. A perfect gift for overseas visitors or other new arrivals!

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Present 1 2 3, Scholastic Aust 2011 ISBN: 9781742830230

Snugglepot and Cuddlepie Present Colours, Scholastic Aust 2011 ISBN: 9781742830421

review by Claire Saxby, Children’s Author

www.clairesaxby.com

A Story of Natural Numbers, by David Demant

What is a natural number? We can’t pick it up. We can’t see it. It cannot be felt, touched, smelled or looked at. A number is an idea…

Whilst mathematics is often regarded as a very logical subject, the development of the language of counting was not necessarily logical. Systems of counting developed over time, arising in response to new needs as societies evolved. The system which we use today is a result of this evolution, an evolution which has a fascinating history.

A Story of Natural Numbers is a nonfiction offering which explores and explains how numbers came to be, where they came from, and what they mean. As well as this explanation, the book offers a wide range of facts, anecdotes and even jokes, with the text spread out in a design which is both colourful and nonthreatening. There is plenty of graphical support and interest, with rocket ships, silly sheep and more on every page.

Aimed at upper primary and lower secondary readers, A Story of Natural Numbers is suitable both for individual reading and classroom use.

A Story of Natural Numbers, by David Demant
Black Dog, 2008

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