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above: one of the springtime season spread illustrations, of the little dark haired girl walking in the rain… for the unique math equation poems:
raindrops x leaves = pearls on green plates
puddles ÷ raindrops = circles
Mathematickles -written by Betsy Franco & illustrated by Steven Salerno -published by Margaret McElderry Books/Simon & Schuster, 2003
Math haiku that tickles your brain. Fun words take the place of numbers in all sorts of math equations, becoming playful, beautiful, sassy, and creative in this whimsical romp through the four seasons, seen through the eyes of a young girl and her cat.
“The author mixes math and language as she frolics through the four seasons. Franco plus Salerno add up to plenty of fun in this nimble brain teaser” -Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW
“These cleverly conceived and lively little poems teasingly blend words with mathematical concepts and symbols. Imaginative double-page, watercolor-and-gouache illustrations rev up the fun, season by season. Words + math + seasons = an enchanting collection” -School Library Journal STARRED REVIEW
“Franco adds to her mathematical oeuvre with this clever collection of poems written in the form of equations and grouped by seasonal themes… Salerno's illustrations, rendered in watercolor and gouache, with bright colors and broad, grainy brush strokes, have a nostalgic feel… By incorporating the language of mathematics, Franco pushes readers to view the poems through a different lens-and with a more critical eye” -Kirkus Reviews
“By incorporating the language of mathematics, Franco pushes readers to view the poems through a different lens-and with a more critical eye” - Horn Book, STARRED REVIEW
- A Junior Library Guild Selection
- A Children's Book Club of the Month selection
- A South Dakota Prairie Bud Award
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above: the cover of Mathematickles!
- A Junior Library Guild Selection
see Steven’s complete list of published picture books to date
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above: a preliminary character development drawing, working out the look of the girl in the story. Pencil and crayon on paper.
above: detail from one of the winter season spread illustrations, of the little dark haired girl experiencing frigid temperatures and walking on a frozen puddle… illuminating the unique math equation poem:
cold air ÷ breath = tiny cloud
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above: a preliminary stage character sketch, working out the look of the girl in the story. Ink marker/watercolor wash on paper.
above: one of the springtime season spread illustrations, of the little dark haired girl experiencing flowers and birds and budding leaves… for the unique math equation poem:
tulips x daffodils = spring garden
above: detail from one of the summer season spread illustrations, of the little dark haired girl and her cat making dash due to sudden thunderstorm… for the unique math equation poem:
thunder + lightning + wind + rain that’s warm = summer storm
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above: detail view of one of the summer season illustrations of the dark haired girl sitting on a seaside rock while a nearby pelican makes a dive, for the unique math equation poems:
rocks x waves = sand
ocean ÷ time = waves - rhythm = spray