3 and me!

3 and me!
Reviewer: Sue Magee
Summary: In introduction to the number three proves that number can be fun. Recommended but you might end up buying the whole set.
Buy? Maybe	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 12	Date: April 2009
Publisher: Egmont
ISBN: 978-1405244701
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Let me introduce you to the Numberjacks, although you might already be familiar with them from the BBC television series of the same name. They're the superheroes who solve mathematical problems and they're hoping that they can make numbers fun for children from as young as three. Coincidentally the Numberjack I want you to meet today is called Three.

Have a look at the book. You'll see that it's shaped like a number three. I have the advantage over you in that I can run my hands over the book and feel that the smooth edge is in the shape of the number and there's ever an embossed figure on the front which just invites you to run your fingers around it. Three is not just a pretty face though (despite what the front cover might suggest). There's a lovely curvy shape too and we're encouraged to draw the figure and practice recognition.

Once we can recognise the number we move on to spotting everyday things which come in threes, be they footballs and sandcastles, spots on a dice or candles on a cake. There's plenty of counting practice there and nothing that's too daunting!

Triangles might seem a little complicated for this age group but it's a gentle introduction with encouragement to trace them with a finger. There's even a little humour with the introduction of the rather ferocious Shape Japer whose face is full of triangles. Obviously after this we need to have an identity parade and Three lines up with the Numberjacks Zero to Six and we even get to understand why Three gets on so well with Six and Nine. So - bags of fun and games and nothing at all to make the book feel like a lesson.

If I have one reservation about this series it's that it is a series and children are going to want (or even be encouraged) to collect the whole set and this can work out expensive, particularly when the books are board books which are unlikely to have any long-term appeal. Having said that, there are a lot worse series to spend money on than one which encourages children to enjoy numbers.

I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to The Bookbag.

If you're looking for a counting book which every child we've met has loved (and most adults hate) then we recommend What's in the Fridge? by Gaby Goldsack and Jo Moon.

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You can read more book reviews or buy 3 and me! at Amazon.co.uk Amazon currently charges £2.99 for standard delivery for orders under £20, over which delivery is free.
You can read more book reviews or buy 3 and me! at Amazon.com.

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