This Plus That: Life's Little Equations

Another gem by Rosenthal! These imaginative equations are very clever and the illustrations have enough little nuggets for you to read multiple times and not be bored. For parents, you will likely appreciate the page devoted to what IS NOT EQUAL (blaming+eye rolling =/sincere apology). For kids, they will enjoy reading new ways to think of things they already know and love. I plan to use this with my first graders to explore novel ideas of equivalence. My own 8 and 10 year old came up with things they think are equal to get me started with some some ideas. (family + chores = work, cool + good = awesome). If I had one complaint, it would be that there weren't enough details in the illustrations to make you think of something new.

I am excited to use this book for a guidance lesson (as a school counselor). I think that using simple equations will be great for encouraging students' thinking about consequences, responsibility, etc. After reading and discussing, I plan on having students write their own equations as modeled by the book: a friend's dropped books + helping to pick them up = 2 happy people...someone calls me a name - I hit them = loss of priviledges, etc. I love Amy Krouse Rosenthal's books and this one is no exception!

Amy Rosenthal is able to be both a little girl again, and a grown woman with experience under her belt. This and that is about "combining words" into something with meaning. For example, "chalk & sitting = school. Chores divided by everyone = family. Laughter & keeping secrets & sharing = Best Friends. Every star in the sky & the sun & the moon x my heart = love you to the infinite power". This is just a precious little book to enjoy with the little people in your life.

I am a literacy specialist and just received this book and I LOVE IT. This book lends itself to a variety of lesson plan ideas. I shared it with colleagues and they felt the same way. Students can make up equations for ANY part of the curriculum. (science, social studies etc.) It's also a book that can just be enjoyed in quiet moments in your home. It is fabulous!

I read it with my son when it arrived and we really enjoyed it. It's a gift for my niece for Christmas. I think she'll love it too. I would say that it's great for ages 4-9 years old.

Grand daughter gets the story line and she just smiles when I read it too her.

I want to frame every page of this book. It's beautiful, sweet, charming, smart, engaging, lovely. It sets up a basic understanding of "reading" mathematical symbols, but more importantly, it teaches that when you put things together, the result is often greater than the sum of its parts. This isn't a math book. It's a book about character, appreciating family and friends, and finding beauty in the stillness.

How adorable! Many of the phrases were slightly beyond my six year old. But she still enjoys it and the book has inspired us to come up with our own this plus that expressions.I am not easily impressed with children's literature but this book was well worth the purchase.

A wonderful mentor text to support student learning.

Granddaughter is happy with the book

Thought provoking book for kids and adults. Great for character education, problem solving conversations, fun for playing with words and gives a math lesson a whole new twist. One of those books that brings a smile to your face and makes you just say "Ah-h-h"...too cute.

I use this book to teach descriptive language. It's fun to read.

Very cute. Going to use it to introduce the idea of combining groups and getting something new.