Fractions in Disguise

Fractions in Disguise: A Math Adventure (Charlesbridge Math Adventures) is a math picture book that uses humor and a bit of robbery to engage students in reviewing the concepts of greatest common factors, lowest common denominators, and reducing fractions.

The story begins with fraction collectors gathered for an auction of a 5/9 fraction. During the auction, the lights go out and as in any good mystery the object disappears leaving the need to seek it out. George Cornelius Factor, GCF starts out on the journey to recover the 5/9 and in the process demonstrates the how and why fractions are reduced by finding the greatest common factor.

I love books that attempt to use humor, art, and fun to teach math concepts. I think this one might be a better review or post introductory book. I'm not sure I'd start my lessons on GCF and LCD with this book as it explains around the topic rather than directly defining. I think once kids had been introduced to the topics this would be a great, fun reinforcement of those concepts.

It also could just be used as a picture book that introduces the idea in passing without being too concerned with how much a child absorbs. The choice is really in the hands of the parent or teacher. The last page in the book does give a more formal explanation of how to reduce fractions. I did think this book might inspire some fraction art projects.

If You Were a Fraction

If You Were a Fraction (Math Fun)is a wonderful book in Trisha Shaskan's Math Fun series. I am a firm believer that it is never too early to introduce children to math vocabulary and even basic concepts as long as it is done in a fun and age appropriate way.

This book introduces fractions in a way that meets those goals. Wonderful pictures help illustrate basic fraction concepts in a simple non-threatening way. Young children can be introduced to the vocabulary and ideas of fractions and older children who may be struggling with textbooks may find this a simple way to understand missed concepts.

I would not suggest worksheets to accompany the book, but introducing children to math vocabulary and ideas with fun picture books is a great start to math education. The more kids see the ideas, the more comfortable they become with the concepts without any need for drill and kill.

These are the kinds of books that can reduce fear of math. They help kids see math more clearly and help develop vocabulary and concepts that kids will need to function in math class. I only wish there had been more math literature when I was learning math.