“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

Perfect Picture Book Friday: 1 plus 1 equals 5 and Other Unlikely Additions

(Seriously, is there a SINGLE ONE of you who could see this title and NOT pick it up??)

I'm joining with the delightful Susanna Leonard Hill today, sharing a fun picture book I encountered for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Thanks, Susanna, for giving us a place to share our favorite picture books! (Check out her ever-expanding list of perfect picture books here - and check out what she, and several others, are adding to the list here at her blog)

Title: 1+1=5 and Other Unlikely Additions
Author: David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Brenda Sexton
Publisher: Sterling, 2010
Age Range: 5 and up
Theme/Topics: Numbers, Counting, Humor

Beginning: "(first page) 1+1=3?" "(page turn) 1 unicorn + 1 goat = 3 horns!"

Synopsis: How much is 1+1? Think the answer is 2? Not always, as this playful approach to addition proves! David LaRochelle takes children on a joyful mathematical journey that will engage their minds and teach them to think about numbers in a creative, outside-the-box way. Brenda Sexton's wild and wacky illustrations add layers of witty fun to LaRochelle's clever game.

Resources: Check out the teaching guide at David LaRochelle's website (in both black and white AND color), and a few other activities he recommends. Most counting activities (especially those with sets of things) would also be great.

Why I LOVE it: It's extremely clever, for one. The illustrations are super-colorful, and make each page turn a mystery/investigation for kids (even my 10-year-old daughter enjoyed trying to figure out how the equation could work out - I did too, but I don't count, right? LOL). And it's funny, makes kids think, and encourages imagination. How can you beat that?

Hope you'll give this book a look - and check out the OTHER perfect picture books for today at Susanna's blog.


My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

16 comments:

  1. Oh wow! What a cute idea. I bet this book is a hoot with the younger crowd. They love when they get to contradict the adult reader! Thanks.

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    1. Exactly, Joanne! One of those stories you wish you'd thought of. Thanks for stopping by!

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  2. Clever, I bet I would get some of these sums wrong.

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    1. Hehe - I know I did :D Thanks for stopping by, Joanna!

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  3. Clever, Joanne. It would especially suit a child who disliked math. He or she would have fun with this one!

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    1. You're absolutely right, Jarm. Thanks for stopping!

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  4. What a great idea for a book. Helps kids think outside of the box -- not that they don't already! Very clever and fun book.

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  5. Get those kids thinking outside the box before they even know where the box is! LOL. Thanks, Patricia!

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  6. Sounds very clever. Thanks for sharing this one :-)

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    1. You're very welcome, Penny! I definitely found it clever. Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. I am no mathematician and I would have come up with 5 easy...hehe! Interesting concept. Love to see how its done! Thanks Joanne.

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    1. Hope you get a chance to check it out! Definitely fun. :)

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  8. Thank you for such a nice review of our book, Joanne! You sure brightened my day!

    David LaRochelle
    www.davidlarochelle.com

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    1. Wow - and David, you probably just made my WEEK! Thanks for stopping by - it's an honor. :)

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  9. What a fun, crazy book! I love it! Thanks!

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    1. Totally agree - thanks for stopping by!

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