“Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real-life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books.” --Kimberly D. Mueller, Ed.D., First Grade Teacher, Ashbrook School, Lumberton NJ Which bug is the biggest? Which bug is the longest? It's time to find out as all the bugs in Ladybug's garden line up for the best bug parade! This fun book written by Stuart J. Murphy and illustrated by Holly Keller introduces size comparison in its simplest form. Kids will love the story and the illustrations. Parents and educators will love how the story and pictures make understanding the math concepts a breeze—as well as the concrete examples of how math works. The book contains activities for adults to do with kids to extend math into their own lives.  Math skills are life skills, and the MathStart series supports success! This award-winning series by Stuart J. Murphy teaches math through stories and visual models - 63 books divided into three levels with 21 books in each - Fun activities kids will love are included to help parents and teachers emphasize the lessons - Engaging and relatable stories, with each story revolving around practical applications of the math concept presented - Lively art from top-notch illustrators - Charts and other visual representations help children understand how the math works and promote deeper comprehension MathStart's unique combination of stories, illustrations, and visual models helps teachers and parents in the teaching of math and provides all children with the opportunity to succeed. The math concepts taught in MathStart books conform to state and national standards. Level 1 is Pre-K–Kindergarten; Level 2 is Grades 1–3; Level 3 is Grades 2–4. The series follows math topics across grades so there is a foundational path to learning that runs through the levels. Help kids with their math skills  plus  their reading skills with the engaging and fun MathStart series! PreSchool-Grade 1?A parade of bugs introduces size relationships in this playful approach to beginning math concepts. Comparisons of big (bigger, biggest) small (smaller, smallest), and long and short are presented by an assortment of cheery insects marching through a colorful environment of flowers and grass. Some of the insects, such as a ladybug, are easily identifiable, while others are more fanciful. A spacious format with large print and brief text gives Keller's expressive creatures lots of space to enliven the concepts. A double-page section of suggested activities for adults to share with children is included. Early childhood teachers and parents will all find this a useful book, and youngsters will be attracted to the lively illustrations. A good choice to pair with Bruce McMillan's Super, Super, Superwords (Lothrop, 1989).?Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. Stuart J. Murphy travels all over the United States talking to thousands of kids. And you’ll never believe what they talk about: math! Stuart shows kids that they use math every day—to share a pizza, spend their allowance, and even sort socks. Stuart writes funny stories about math—and if you read his books, you’ll start to see the fun in math, too. Stuart J. Murphy is a visual learning specialist. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has a strong background in design and art direction. He also has extensive experience in the world of educational publishing. Drawing on all these talents, Stuart J. Murphy brings a unique perspective to the MathStart series. In MathStart books, pictures do more than tell stories; they teach math. Stuart J. Murphy and his wife, Nancy, live in Boston. Holly Keller has illustrated a number of books in the Lets-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, including Be a Friend to Trees . She is also the author and illustrator of many picture books, including Island Baby and Horace . Ms. Keller lives in West Redding, Connecticut.