Bigger, Better, Best! (MathStart 2) [Paperback]

Stuart J. Murphy (Author), Marsha Winborn (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 20, 2002 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: MathStart 2

Bigger, Better, Best! (LEVEL 2: Area)

In their family′s new house, Jenny and Jeff are driving their little sister, Jill, crazy. Who has the bigger window? Who has the bigger bedroom? Jenny and Jeff must use a simple geometry concept to calculate area in order to prove once and for all whose room is bigger.

Ages 6+

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-Jeff and Jenny are always fighting about who has something bigger or better, while Jill just ignores them. When the family moves to a bigger house with a separate room for each child, the two start arguing about whose room and windows are bigger. Mom then has them measure the windows with sheets of paper and the floor with newspaper. Ignoring her older siblings, Jill declares her room is best since it is farthest from the other two and near the cat's nook. This realistic story involves sibling rivalry with a resourceful solution to a common problem. It carefully incorporates math without being overwhelming. The colorful and humorous illustrations add to the story, which comes to a satisfying ending with a slight twist. Follow-up activities and a reading list are included.
Nancy A. Gifford, Schenectady County Public Library, NY
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Stuart J. Murphy is a visual learning specialist. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has a strong background in design and art direction. He also has extensive experience in the world of educational publishing. Drawing on all these talents, Stuart J. Murphy brings a unique perspective to the MathStart series. In MathStart books, pictures do more than tell stories; they teach math.

Stuart J. Murphy and his wife, Nancy, live in Boston.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins; 1 edition (August 20, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064462471
• ISBN-13: 978-0064462471
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.9 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #19 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Math > Geometry

More About the Author

Stuart J. Murphy is a visual learning specialist. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has a strong background in design and art direction. He also has extensive experience in the world of educational publishing. Drawing on all these talents, Stuart J. Murphy brings a unique perspective to the MathStart series. In MathStart books, pictures do more than tell stories; they teach math. Stuart J. Murphy and his wife, Nancy, live in Evanston, Illinois.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Great way to teach about area, May 10, 2010

By 

M. Heiss (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bigger, Better, Best! (MathStart 2) (Paperback)

OK -- this book got the job done as a math reader. The concept of area was VERY CLEARLY described, shown, and taught. If your child has a glimmer of understanding in mulitplication, then they will "get" the concepts in this book. The text AND the illustrations work together and get the job done. Great teaching tool.

I'm giving only four stars instead of five because of the flat-out obnoxious sibling rivalry on parade in this story. Usually I think Stuart J. Murphy's books do a great, GREAT job modeling nice behavior for children, but this book didn't measure up (a pun!)

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bigger, Better, Best, November 2, 2008

By 

Ginger L. Richeson (Kansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bigger, Better, Best! (MathStart 2) (Paperback)

It was in great shape, and it was very helpful for teaching the concept of area!