View source for This is Not a Maths Book by Anna Weltman

{{infobox2
|title=This is Not a Maths Book
|author=Anna Weltman
|reviewer=Louise Jones
|genre=Art
|rating=5
|buy=Yes
|borrow=No
|isbn=978-1782402053
|pages=96
|publisher=Ivy Press
|date=March 2015
|aznuk=1782402055
|aznus=1782402055
|cover=1782402055
|website=http://mathmunch.org/author/aweltman/
|video=
|summary=A great interactive art book that teaches principles of maths in a fun way.
}}
I have to admit, I wasn't a huge fan of maths at school. Maybe if I'd had this book when I was a child, I would have been. ''This is not a Maths Book'' cleverly bridges the gap between maths and art and teaches kids how to make beautiful patterns and shapes by using mathematical principles. We learn about parabolic curves, Pascal's triangle, the stomachion, tesselation and 3D drawings. Because the pages are interactive and hands-on, kids are learning the rules of maths without realising it. After all, there is no reason why maths shouldn't be fun!

As this book is from Ivy Press, it exudes quality. The pages are thick and substantial; perfect for use with a variety of art materials. Most of the patterns have been started for the reader to continue, so they can have a good idea of what the finished picture will look like. There are also plenty of ideas and suggestions for taking new-found skills further, such as using different media like string, sand and even cookie-cutters to create the patterns.

There are also some blank sheets of isometric paper at the back of the book for young artists to create 3D pictures. I would say that the target audience of the book is age 9 and over.

The book contains plenty of activities to keep busy minds active and would make a perfect school holiday activity during these cold winter months. There are literally hours and hours worth of activities inside, including colouring, creating and making.

So is it an art book or a maths book? I will leave it for the readers to decide...

Young artists will also enjoy [[Explore and Draw Patterns: An Art Activity Book by Owen Davey and Georgia Amson-Bradshaw]] which is suitable for all ages, even the very young.  We can also recommend [[Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths by Maisie Chan]].

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[[Category:Crafts]]
[[Category: Children's Non-Fiction]]