FICTION

I Know Numbers!

by Taro Gomi
I Know Numbers! tr. from Japanese. illus. by Taro Gomi. 40p. Chronicle. Sept. 2017. Tr $15.99. ISBN 9781452159188.
COPY ISBN
PreS-K—What is the time? Is your temperature low or high? How much do you weigh? What is your building number? Gomi points out that numbers are everywhere and takes young readers on a counting adventure as he demonstrates the applications of numbers in their daily life. The colorful illustrations call young readers to attention. When the text references numbers, they are shown in context on a clock, on a calendar, on TV channels, on street signs, on phones, on thermometers, and even as page numbers of the book they are reading. The resounding selection of people, objects, and concepts turns a counting book into a delightful cultural experience where cars drive on the left side of the road and a group of boys and girls together do the math on the board. This is not a book to teach children how to count. However, through a series of playful illustrations and different scenarios, kids will enjoy learning about the many common applications of numbers.
VERDICT An excellent addition to collections of concept books, suitable for one-on-one and small group sharing.
Reviewed by Taraneh Matloob Haghanikar, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa City
Originally published in 1985 in Japan, this latest Taro Gomi picture book to be translated into English is a delightful exploration of the many ways numbers appear in daily life: "Numbers are everywhere!" Written in short, declarative sentences, the text points out that numbers have many uses, ranging from telling time to indicating temperature to identifying prices and calculating measurements of distance and speed to score-keeping in sports. Numbers also provide order and safety, as demonstrated by speed limits, seat assignments, and street addresses. Painted in Gomi's characteristic bold color palette, the illustrations balance plenty of white space with colorful, expressive vignettes featuring a variety of children and adults. These scenes invite viewers to speculate about what's going on (why is a boy frowning as he tries on a size twelve blue shoe?) and extend the math concepts (the illustration that goes with "prices are numbers" shows a produce stand that smartly mixes prices by both quantity and volume). The last, spare illustration provides a somewhat metafictive wink to picture-book viewers. julie hakim azzam
 , Aug 01, 2017

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