Zero Is The Leaves On The Tree [Hardcover]

Betsy Franco (Author), Shino Arihara (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 2009 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

It's easy to count three of something-- just add them up. But how do you count zero, a number that is best defined by what it's not?

Can you see it?
Can you hear it?
Can you feel it?

This important math concept is beautifully explored in a way that will inspire children to find zero everywhere--from the branches of a tree by day to the vast, starry sky by night.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2—"Zero is...the sound of snowflakes landing on your mitten. 0 sounds." "Zero is...the kites in the sky once the wind stops blowing. 0 kites." Using these and other evocative examples from children's everyday experiences throughout the seasons, Franco explores the concept of zero. The gouache illustrations are done in soft, muted tones and have a naive charm that will have substantial child appeal. Most of the scenes are set outdoors, clearly depicting and emphasizing the book's link to the passing seasons. While the idea is a simple one, the presentation is such that it could easily be used to encourage youngsters to think of ways they could use any of their five senses to experience having zero of something. Like Franco's Mathematickles (S & S, 2006), this is another fine addition to the growing number of books that make math concepts both enjoyable and memorable.—Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ END

Review

Picture books about numbers typically go from one up to 10. The idea of zero may be a bit more abstract, but this picture book communicates the concept in child-friendly terms: “Zero is . . . the balls in the bin at recess time. 0 balls,” or “. . . the sound of snowflakes landing on your mitten. 0 sounds,” or “the kites in the sky once the wind stops blowing. 0 kites.”...Nicely composed and often quiet in tone, Arihara’s gouache paintings illustrate those images with sensitivity.—Booklist magazine

How exactly do you define zero? Franco’s thought-provoking meditations challenge readers to move beyond conventional school-taught facts (it’s a number; it’s egg-shaped) to poetic observations about zero outside the classroom via a tour of the seasons....Cleverly upending the notion that zero amounts to nothing, the book reveals instead that zero is an absence that is observable, countable, and meaningful. —The Horn Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 30 pages
• Publisher: Tricycle Press (September 8, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582462496
• ISBN-13: 978-1582462493
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.4 x 9.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,877 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The concept of the number zero is very important in mathematics and this book is an excellent way to introduce it!, December 2, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zero Is The Leaves On The Tree (Hardcover)

The shape of number zero is that of a small oval egg in a nest. Sometimes it is hard to imagine the number zero actually means. Just imagine everyone had taken all the balls out of the bin during recess. A little boy peeks hopefully over the edge of the bin, but there are zero balls left. When fall arrives, the winds and rains have taken the leaves from the trees and "Zero is . . . the leaves on the bare, brown arms of the oak tree."

When two boys go fishing and the winter airs have arrived the ducks have flown away. "0 ducks." When the snowflakes begin to fall, everyone holds out their mittens to catch the first flakes. "0 sounds." The snows eventually melt away and the hillsides are muddy and there are no sleds to be seen. "0 sleds." There are many ways to describe the number zero. Can you think of any?

There are many counting books for young children to explore number concepts, but this is the first one I have seen trying to explain the concept of zero. It is written in very simple sentences, but they are very clear and easy for the younger child to understand. Most of the situations in this book describe experiences that most children have except perhaps for the winter scenes. The concept of the number zero is very important in mathematics and this book is an excellent way to introduce it!

3.0 out of 5 stars How do you draw nothing?, November 6, 2011

By 

J. Grambo "Teacher" (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zero Is The Leaves On The Tree (Hardcover)

How do you define zero? How do you draw a picture of nothing? The author and the illustrator make a valiant attempt in this picture book for ages 5-8. The problem lies in portraying negative space. Zero is the sleds on the hillside when the snow melts. How do you draw them if they are not there? Zero is the kites in the sky when there's no wind. How do you draw no kites? Sometimes the attempt is too strained and even confusing, as in, "Zero is the bikes in the bike rack on the last day of school." I thought, if it is the last day, then the kids would attend school on the last day, and there would be bikes. But this was supposed to represent zero. Does that mean no one came on the last day? I know, I know, I am overthinking it. I am sure this book will be great for pre-readers, who have someone reading to them. Then the reader can explain each concept and make it clearer.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for a Big Concept, February 10, 2011

By 

K. Boyd "Mom of 3" (New Mexico) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Zero Is The Leaves On The Tree (Hardcover)

This a great book to help children grasp the concept of zero. It's actually more difficult for young children than you might expect. The idea of a number for counting nothing can be a challenge. What a beautiful and poetic introduction to this concept. It would be a great way to begin a unit study on the concept of zero! I will be using it with my preschooler!