From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 1-This appealing addition to the series introduces odd and even numbers. When Farmer Bill dresses for outdoor chores on a snowy day, he discovers that he is short one mitten, and "One mitten's not a pair." Proceeding with his work, the farmer soon learns that his cow has the same dilemma. "They looked for her four mittens,/but there were only three." Predictably, the situation escalates. His three chickens have only five, and his two horses have only seven. Finally, Farmer Bill and his animal entourage spot the cause of their problem; it's a mitten-chewing goat. Artfully enhanced by Karas's amusing illustrations, the rhyming text bounces along smoothly. With spectacles perched on the tip of his nose, Farmer Brown wears a comically perplexed look on his face. Colorful borders and warm background colors provide a nice balance to the snowy scenes. Charts help to show the difference between the number of mittens found (odd) and the number needed (even). As in other entries in the series, suggestions for additional activities to extend the math concept are included. This well-executed title works well with or without the math; use it to clarify a concept or read it aloud as an enjoyable winter romp.
Alicia Eames, New York City Public Schools Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ages 4-7. Farmer Bill is missing a mitten, leaving him with one "odd" mitten instead of an "even" two. His cow is also missing one of her four mittens, leaving her with an odd three. His chickens and horses have the same problem. Finally, they discover the thief, recover their mittens, and dry them by the fire. The awkwardly rhymed text is true doggerel, but it does invite participation and introduces the concept of odds and evens in an amusing way. Karas' delightfully droll illustrations not only clarify the concepts but also they give personality to Farmer Bill and his barnyard crew. An appended list, directed to adults, suggests follow-up activities and books. More successful as a teaching tool than a story, this will enhance math lessons at home and in the classroom.
Linda PerkinsCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
