Squares is the third “shapes” book from Kids Can Press, following Circles and Triangles. Like these earlier titles, Squares presents a diverse range of information and activities, including mathematical concepts, puzzles, crafts, games, and discussions of architecture, art and design. Ross writes in a clean, economical style and Slavin’s lively illustrations do a good job of supporting the text. In some cases, these illustrations are essential to the understanding of the concepts or activities, and Slavin’s pictures always manage to clarify things. One quibble: a sidebar on “square talk” mentions phrases such as “square deal” and “square meal,” but no attempt is made to explain their origins. Squares would be a valuable addition to a school library, and science and math teachers will find it particularly useful in spicing up their lessons.
Squares (Shapes in Math, Science and Nature series)