Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #250316 in Books
• Published on: 2005-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3–Kroll takes a subject that is difficult to explain and presents it in a fairly palatable tale. Mouse and her friends decide to play tug-of-war after watching kids at recess. First, though, they have to decide how to make both sides equal. They try dividing up by meat-eaters and plant-eaters; then they try those that have fur versus those without. Neither of these solutions works. Then they try three animals on each side. Of course, the larger ones win. Finally, they line up on the teeter-totter, shifting sides until the board balances. With both teams equal, the effort to win the tug-of-war is also equal. Neither side is victorious until Bear is distracted by the buzz of bees. Though predictable in a number of ways, the story still has enough plot tension to keep children reading. The illustrations, done in pastel shades, have a certain charm that young readers will find inviting. At the end of the book, Kroll gives the four definitions of equal from the viewpoints of math, art, the law, and team sports. This is an additional purchase for those collections needing more math-related books.–Elaine Lesh Morgan, Multnomah County Library, Portland, OR
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About the Author
Virginia Kroll
Author Virginia has contributed more than 1500 items to juvenile magazines. She travels throughout the country speaking to children about writing multicultural books. She is the author of many children's books, including Wood-Hoopoe Willie, A Carp for Kimiko, Sweet Magnolia, Jaha and Jamil Went Down the Hill, Hats Off To Hair!, Masai and I (Four Winds Press), and Butterfly Boy (Boyds Mill Press).

Virginia has a special talent for understanding and communicating with children. Her efforts to cross cultural lines and address multicultural issues have won her the praise of critics and readers. Virginia currently lives in New York with her family.

Customer Reviews

Wonderful book!
This is a great way to explain the concept of equality to young children. It is entertaining and informative. It should be part of the library in all K-3 classes.