FICTION

Dirt + Water = Mud

by Katherine HANNIGAN
illus. by Katherine Hannigan. 40p. HarperCollins/Greenwillow. Jul. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780062345172.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 1—Math and mud combine in this energetic picture book. A young girl spends the day playing with her dog, using items found in her backyard and her imagination. "Hose + High Up = Shower" and "Blue Sky + Breeze = Flying" are just two of many equations found throughout the text. Eventually the pup grows tired of the girl's antics and doesn't want to play anymore. However, her pal quickly comes to the rescue when the child pretends to need saving from a giant squid in a kiddie pool. While the story idea is a great one, the text stumbles and doesn't hit the mark. The overused equation becomes tiresome, and deciphering the dog's howls and barks on every page quickly loses its appeal. The slightly muted watercolor illustrations convey the text well but aren't enough to save the book.
VERDICT While charming in concept, this title is not a must-buy. Look instead to Amy Krouse Rosenthal's This Plus That: Life's Little Equations to fill any equation-related gaps in collections.
Reviewed by Brooke Newberry, La Crosse Public Library, WI
Playful equations and the accompanying illustrations highlight the fun-filled day had by a girl and her dog: e.g., "sheet + flowerpot + stick = her majesty, the queen (+ knight)." The loving friendship is clearly depicted in the flat watercolor and digital illustrations. However, while the concept is creative, the execution is cumbersome: the dog-speak translation and ever-wordier equations get tedious.
 , Jul 01, 2016

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