The Usborne First Book of Numbers

This book makes learning about numbers fun. It covers all the basic concepts including adding up, taking away, multiplying and dividing and has strong sections on comparing things, sets, and odd and even numbers. Five to seven year olds would enjoy and benefit from it and, in some cases, it might be helpful to slightly younger or older children. Teachers will be able to use the book to start off particular number topics or to reinforce and consolidate learning in an entertaining way. Young children find counting pictures of objects, animals and people easier than dealing with figures which are essentially abstract. To progress they do need to move from the specific to the general and this book helps them do this. For example, on the Dividing page children are first invited to share the six pictured chicks between two children. Next they are invited to join a cartoon figure, called Clever Clogs, in writing about the chicks using number and symbols – 6÷2=3. There is nothing new about this – but it is done particularly well here.

The large, bold print and brightly coloured illustrations make the book suitable for sharing with a class or group. Everything that appeals to the age group seems to be here – witches and cats, lions, lorries, balloons and babies, toys and food and, above all, beautifully drawn children engaged in all sorts of activities. The games, for example finding the little duck hidden on each double page, will reinforce enjoyment.

I am always delighted to find books that not only ask good questions but also invite the children to formulate their own. This happens on the page showing a cross section of the floors of a hotel. Teachers will also be able to extend the tasks on each topic and the book should prove to be a very attractive and useful addition to Key Stage 1 mathematics resources.