This 73-page booklet presents a collection of classroom-tested ideas for using children's literature to initiate mathematical problem-solving investigations in grades K-3.

The purpose of this book is to describe "classroom-tested ideas for linking math and literature in the primary grades...[that] model the kinds of problem-solving investigations that books can initiate" (p. 1). The primary audience is teachers in grades K-3, although the book would also be helpful as a resource for curriculum specialists and pre-service teachers.

This Math and Literature book is part of a group of four books by the author stressing the link between elementary mathematics and language arts. In Part 1 of this book, Burns provides ten sample lessons structured around popular children's books and dealing with topics such as counting, number concepts, division, problem-solving, money value, fractions, classification, and measurement. Each sample lesson includes a synopsis of the book and the teacher's lesson strategy, written clearly and concisely. Burns also shares the results of the lessons, including excerpts from class discussions and numerous samples of children's writing and drawing. In Part 2, "Additional Ideas," Burns discusses 21 other children's books and how they could be used in a mathematics classroom. A brief synopsis is included for each book, followed by suggestions as to how the material could be used to introduce and explore particular mathematical concepts. The book concludes with a bibliography of all the resources mentioned in the text.

The literature-based lessons focus on student interactions and understanding. The many examples of student work that are included demonstrate a variety of possible student responses. Because the assignments employed are open-ended to allow each student's creative problem-solving skills to develop, there is a great diversity of student results for each exercise, providing a good basis for discussion of the assignments.

Professional development providers could use this book to help K-3 teachers learn how to use children's books as a vehicle for thinking mathematically. Teachers in a workshop study group could discuss some of the sample lessons/student work in the book, try the activities with their students, and then share their experiences with one another. If teachers found that these kinds of problem-solving investigations were motivating to their students and facilitate their learning, they could use the sample lessons as models in developing lessons based on other children's books included in their curriculum.

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