Let's Fly a Kite (MathStart 2) [Paperback]

Stuart J. Murphy (Author), Brian Floca (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 22, 2000 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up | Series: MathStart 2

Let's Fly a Kite

When Bob and Hannah split something, the two pieces had better be symmetrical--exactly the same. BUt to fly their kite, they'll have to learn something new--cooperation!

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-Bob and Hannah argue over everything during their day at the beach-how to decorate the kite they are going to fly, sharing the backseat of the car, who gets the last sandwich, and who sits where on the beach towel. Their resourceful baby-sitter finds a solution to each problem using the concept of symmetry. Floca's watercolor-and-ink-line cartoons enhance the story and ably depict the method used to divide everyday objects into two equal parts. Examples of nonsymmetry are shown in each situation (e.g., dividing the kite horizontally so that the bottom half is larger), thus adding to the story's conflict and encouraging a better understanding of the concept. The book would work best as a read-aloud to start or supplement a lesson on symmetry. Follow-up activities are appended. Teachers and students will appreciate this useful book.
Toni D. Moore, Simon Kenton High School, Independence, KY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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 (August 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0064467376
• ISBN-13: 978-0064467377
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 10.1 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #346,980 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Science, Nature & How It Works > Math > Geometry
  • #37 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Teens > Science & Technology > Mathematics
  • #84 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Sports & Activities > Sports > Miscellaneous

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

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars LOVE the illustrations, May 10, 2010

By 

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

This review is from: Let's Fly a Kite (MathStart 2) (Paperback)

For this book, it's the illustrations that do the most work. When the idea is symmetry, you have to SHOW IT. Brian Floca's illustrations got the point across clearly and quickly.

I usually LOVE Stuart J. Murphy's books, not only for the excellent way they explain math concepts, but also *because* they show children behaving themselves... this book fell down a little in that regard. The children were, quite frankly, bratty to one another, and the most admirable character was the babysitter. Ah, well.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Symmetry, June 27, 2008

By 

Lynn Ellingwood "The ESOL Teacher" (Webster, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Let's Fly a Kite (MathStart 2) (Paperback)

Cute math book about symmetry. It's nice that there are books about math comprehension and that are fun to read. It changes the regular workbook mentality about Math.