Lorna Hendry, All About Graphs (Maths Mutts #1), Wild Dog Books, October 2019, 32 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9781742035765
This large, square paperback has a bright cover featuring a laughing dog. He is rolling on his back, amid gold autumn leaves. Not your average maths textbook cover.
Author Lorna Hendry is a dual CBCA Honour Award winner and has worked with publisher Wild Dog Books to produce a fun book to engage children with the mathematical topic of graphs.
The laughing dog is named Arlo, and we learn about his life throughout the book. Information about his walks, play, food, and sleep is gathered and organised to answer questions. It is easy to see how this could be incorporated into classroom activities in primary schools. The real-life context and the everyday need to discover and present information about pets is cleverly employed in an enjoyable and accessible book.
The pages are clear and well-designed, with photographs of the engaging dog throughout. A glossary, informative definitions, practical examples and “try it yourself” exercises make this a well-planned guide to a topic that could be intimidating to young students.
Other titles planned for the Maths Mutts series are: Angles; Time; Chance; Dimensions and Money. Worth watching for.
Highly recommended for teachers and primary school libraries. Wild Dog Teacher Notes
Reviewed by Julie Thorndyke
