What's the Difference?: An Endangered Animal Subtraction Story

Gr 13More than math concepts are explored in this picture book that combines subtraction with animal facts. Each spread features rhyming text about an endangered animal, a math problem, and a useful paragraph explaining why the featured animal is/was endangered. "Six silly prairie dogs/frolic most the day. One guards the colony./How many dogs at play?" is matched with "6-1 = ?" Twelve animals are explored in this fashion, and the text culminates with the explanation that it is up to "kind, caring people" to help the creatures survive. In fact, each muted watercolor illustration features a person somewhere on the spread. The book concludes with a "For Creative Minds" section that contains "Endangered Animal Vocabulary," "Food Chains & Webs," "Missing Links in Food Chains," and questions that can be answered by reading the text."Stacy Dillon, LREI, New York City" Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Public and school libraries would find this a useful title for their collection, as would nature centers, museums, or the book lists of environmental, nature, or outdoor educators. - ALA Social Responsibility Roundtable