Mighty Maddie ANNOTATION
As Maddie cleans up her room, she learns how to compare the weights of various objects.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Maddie's room is a mess.
Maddie's toys are everywhere.
And Maddie has to clean them up before her birthday party starts.
This looks like a job for ... MIGHTY MADDIE!
Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a vacuum cleaner, Mighty Maddie, the room-cleaning superhero, gives readers a playful lesson about the difference between light and heavy.
About the Author:
Stuart J. Murphy is a visual learning specialist. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has a strong background in design and art direction. He also has extensive experience in the world of educational publishing. Drawing on all these talents, Stuart J. Murphy brings a unique perspective to the MathStart series. In MathStart books, pictures do more than tell stories; they teach math.
Stuart J. Murphy and his wife, Nancy, live in Boston.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Andrea Sears Andrews
As part of the "MathStart" series, this book introduces the concept of light and heavy through the dynamic main character, Maddie. Maddie is asked to pick up her toys in preparation for her birthday party. Her father offers to help with the heavy things, while Maddie is responsible for the light objects. Objects are presented for comparison and the words light and heavy are used on every page. These words may be used for sight word work for those readers ready for such lessons. Maddie realizes that large objects are not always heavy objects and that similar objects may differ considerably in weight. Maddie must pick up her room by herself and at a super-hero pace. Donning her cape, she races to finish before guests arrive. The colorful and somewhat comical illustrations match the spirit of the main character. Resources with related concepts are listed in the back of the book, as well as extension activities for parents and children. This series assigns a level to each book, depending upon the complexity of the concept presented. This particular book is considered to be a "Level One," out of a possible three. 2004, Harper Collins, Ages 3 to 6.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 1-A basic story that teaches comparative weights. Madeline picks up her toys in preparation for her fifth birthday party. As her father helps her, they discuss heavy versus light. Dad gathers the hefty items such as a box of books and a full piggy bank, while Maddie moves a pillow and stuffed animal. The array of gender-mixed playthings scattered throughout the house includes trucks, art supplies, and a dollhouse. "You have to do the rest," says Dad when all the toys are in her room, whereupon the caped figure of "Mighty Maddie" springs into action. A surprise ending shows that Madeline is a bright child who knows what to do in a hurry. Childlike line drawings with bright colors give readers a sense of action. This appealing book has uses beyond the math concept, and offers messages about family life, self-image, and responsibility.-Erlene Bishop Killeen, Fox Prairie Elementary School, Stoughton, WI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
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