The Metric System

Gr 2-4--This picture book provides clear, colorful, informative graphics and friendly, knowledgable prose. The text states that when a person measures an object using the metric system or the English system, the measurements are equivalent. Readers are introduced to linear measurement (length and distance), weight, liquid measurement, and volume in the metric and English system. There are many illustrations that support the text and aid readers' comprehension of the concepts discussed. For example, one scene depicts the height of several famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty and the Pyramid of Giza, in feet and meters. Another illustration shows a map of the distance between several cities in miles and kilometers. Several activities are included. One activity suggests that readers make a copy of the ruler in the book that shows both inches and centimeters. Then, they are instructed to measure some of the illustrations and other items using both systems. Another activity is to collect labels from food items found in the pantry, note the English system weights and metric weights, and then create a chart of the English and corresponding metric measurements. There are also directions on how to make a liter cube. The narrative's characters are identified as two children named Jennifer and Robert. Jennifer is drawn with brown skin and black pigtails. Robert has light skin and red hair. VERDICT The mix of informative text and hands-on activities make this an excellent introduction to the metric system.--Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York