Mammoth Math: Everything You Need to Know About Numbers by David Macaulay
Macaulay, D. (2022). Mammoth math: Everything you need to know about numbers. DK Publishing. ISBN 9780744056112
Discover all types of concepts of math, introduced and taught by various curious mammoths. The math topics range from the very basics (how to count, rounding, different types of numbers) to some upper level math concepts (Pythagorean Theorem, pascal's triangle, area, geometry).
Mammoth Math is a very colorful and engaging book that breaks down math concepts into a very basic and easy to read chunks of information that readers of any age can understand. The mammoths in this book, are used to introduce topics and are applying the different concepts, such as the mammoth posing so the shrews can find the height of the mammoth by using the properties of similar triangle. Rather than having a regular example, the mammoths find funny ways illustrate real life math concepts that will capture the attention of young readers.
As a math teacher, I will say that the way Mammoth Math explains topics was very good, and stayed true to the mathematical definitions. The definitions and example portrayed in the book, were written simply enough to where the reader would understand what was being said, without taking away any of the actual math meanings. One positive thing that I love about this book every page, and every topic has some sort of illustration that goes along with each topic, which is a great thing to have since some kids work better with a visual example, especially when it comes to math. For instance, there was a visual example of the Pythagorean Theorem where it physically showed how and why the Pythagorean Theorem works, which is a better explanation than just presenting students with the formula. Examples like the one that was shown for the Pythagorean Theorem, will allow for students to make connections between math concepts and real life applications! I really enjoyed reading Mammoth Math and seeing different ways mathematical concepts can be explained and used in different situations.
All the illustration in the book were very cute to look at. It was fun to see how the mammoths and shrews manipulated themselves and other objects to represent different math concepts. Every page was vibrant and engaging, as almost every illustration had a purpose and a description to go along with each image.
School Library Journal says Mammoth Math is "classic and forward-looking, perfect for browsing and research, [and] this exhaustive guide to the realm of number-based thinking and fact-gathering could not be any clearer, any more welcome and any more more." If you enjoyed learning about math, in simple and digestible ways, look into any of the Everything You Need to Ace _______ (choose whatever math grade level you wish) series, were topics also also broken down into simple definitions, and examples to better your math! This book could be used as an Engage or introduction to a math topic when teaching a lesson.
Awards:
- While none could be found for this particular title, David Macaulay has won the Caldecott Medal Award
Macaulay, D. (n.d.-a). Mammoth math: Everything you need to know about numbers. School Library Journal. https://www.slj.com/review/mammoth-math-everything-you-need-to-know-about-numbers
Macaulay, D. (n.d.). Mammoth math. Penguin Random House. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/704500/mammoth-math-by-david-macaulay/
Comments
Post a Comment