Review: Mathimals by Jon Hales

MATHIMALS

by Jon Hales

Illustrated by Charlene Mosley

Picture Book/Math

24 pages

ages 2 to 6

Do you find it hard to add? Brace yourself for a slightly unusual and mildly chaotic lesson in basic addition! What happens when you add 1 mouse + 1 sheep, for example? Or 4 caterpillars + 4 fish? You'll find out in this hugely entertaining picture book filled with weird and wonderful creatures. Packed with brightly coloured illustrations, clever wordplay and lots of fun details, this rhyming story is sure to capture the imaginations of young children and is designed to help simple sums stick in the mind. Perfect for ages 2-6 but with plenty for older children and even adults to enjoy.

MY TIDBITS

With a touch of zany fun, this book dives into math in a way which demands giggles from every page.

This picture book has two goals: math and silly fun. The lesson is basic addition, but this isn't a math book as one might expect. It's a picture book with bright illustrations and a rhyming story which is pure fun even if the math is ignored. Clever wording and ridiculous situations make this a fun book all on its own. The math flows along on the side.

The combination is just right. Young listeners will pick up on the basic math ideas without even realizing it or needing to notice it. Older ones will catch what's going on, but can enjoy the tale as well. It's short, funny and educational too. 

And here he is..



Jon Hales is a British author, English literature graduate and former English teacher who learned first-hand the power of a great picture book while teaching in Taiwan, reading stories to his younger students. The capacity for a well crafted turn of phrase, captivating character or hilarious illustration to capture the imagination of its audience was fascinating to him. Jon dreamed of crafting stories that would bring joy to both children and adults, stories that could be read again and again without losing their charm. Jon lives in London with his wife Annie. He would like to stress that no animals were harmed in the production of his debut picturebook, Mathimals.

You can find him.
 https://www.facebook.com/ jonhalesauthor/
Twitter: @jonhalesauthor