“Math Curse" by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith, Viking, 32 pages

Read aloud: ages 4, 5 and older

Read yourself: ages 8 and 9

This is the funniest, most clever math book I've ever read, and one that is certain to have kids in stitches and thinking about math in an entirely new way.

Math teacher Mrs. Fibonacci announces to her class that almost everything can be put in terms of a math problem, and one of her students can't seem to shake off the suggestion. Every step and breath this student takes, every flake of cereal in her bowl, the number of kids on her school bus per stop and cumulatively, how to divide 24 cupcakes by 25 watering mouths; everything has become a math problem. Just like Mrs. Fibonacci said, math really IS everywhere, and this girl, unable to think of anything else, is convinced that her teacher has put the math curse on her.

LIBRARIAN'S CHOICE

Library: Slater Library, 26 Main St., Jewett City

Library Director: Meg Vantine

Children's Librarian: Ann Grzelak

Choices this week: "Good Thing You're Not an Octopus!" by Julie Markes; "Duck on a Bike" by David Shannon; "The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything" by Linda Williams

AT THE BOOKSTORE

"Twenty-six Pirates: An Alphabet Book" by Dave Horowitz, Nancy Paulsen Books, 2013, 32 pages

Read aloud: age 3 to 5

Read yourself: 6

Humor isn't the first concept that pops into the mind when thinking about an alphabet book, but it sure is for author/artist Dave Horowitz. In his very funny new book, "Twenty-six Pirates: An Alphabet Book," a gnarly bunch of pirates run a whole spectrum of personality types. For example, Pirate Arty is the first to the party. Pirate Brad is born to be bad. Or later on in the alphabet we meet Pirate Roy who is a dangerous boy, and Pirate Samson who is awfully handsome. And where are these swashbucklers headed? To join the crew of Captain Frogbeard aboard the Sea Princess!

"Crankee Doodle" by Tom Angleberger, illustrated by Cece Bell, Clarion Books, 2013, 32 pages

Read aloud: age 6 to 8

Read yourself: age 7 and 8

Mr. Doodle complains to his pony that he is dreadfully bored. His pony enthusiastically suggests they go to town, but Mr. Doodle says he doesn't want to do that and lists numerous reasons why. Pony suggests they go to town to shop, but Mr. Doodle promptly states that he hates shopping. Besides, why would he want to shop? Pony says he could buy a feather for his hat and call it macaroni ...

This funny take on the old-time song "Yankee Doodle" (which is included on the last page) also offers humorous illustrations on every page.

www.greatestbooksforkids.com