Up to My Knees!

Storytelling Math

by Grace Lin

Pre-numeracy.

Genres: Picture Books, Mathematics, Storytime, Stem, Gardening, Childrens, Nature

16 pages, Board book

Published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple with all the critical details, helpful guide for parents in the back!

[Katie Oflibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a children's librarian, I'm in love with this series of StoryTelling Math by Grace Lin. I also loved What Will Fit?. Lin takes math and makes it practical. She understands that the underlying concepts are something that children learn before they learn numbers. This is pre-numeracy and all about exploring the natural world. I love it. My Storytime kids are going to get sick of her.

[Alexi Collaso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the illustrations

[Margaret Boling · Rating 4 out of 5]

10/21/2022 ~ A series of 4 board books (available in English only or bilingual English/Spanish) written to introduce the reader/listener to early math concepts. Backmatter gives suggestions for adults to continue children's exploration of each concept. This volume demonstrates measurement as a sunflower plant grows from toe-height to above the narrator's head.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

My young toddler often grabs this book from a stack of library books and enjoys looking at the illustrations.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best parts of this series is how it tackles math concepts outside of simple counting or addition. This one is no exception, taking a look at scale and measurement over time. Engaging, wonderful illustrations with a very special main character.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My toddler loved it! A great book for springtime and gardening.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children can enjoy this really cute, fun story while being introduced to the concept of what measurement is. A young girl, named Mei, plants a seed. Her cat watches with capitaved interest as she cares for it, the seed changes, and grows increasingly taller. The height of the plant is compared to Mei; the plant is "...as tall as my toe", "...as high as my knees" and so on.

In the last 2 pages of this board book is an explanation of how to help children understand measurement by using this book, asking questions, and do other activities with children. A website with more "storytelling math" activities is also given.

This book presents measurement in an exciting, but natural method. Grace Lin's illustrations are very joyful and appealing. She also authored this book and previously won both a Newbery Honor and Caldecott Honor award for her books.

[Brandi Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Grace Lin's Story Telling Math board books. This story tells about Mei's garden. It uses simple language to introduce babies and toddler to math concepts like measurement and comparisons. The book also tells about how Mei cares for the plants to help them grow and the food that plant provide. Great way to passively teach children mathematical thinking. Grace Lin's website also offer Storytelling Math activity guides that encourage hands-on activities. I love that these stories introduces math concepts beyond basic counting. Other books in Grace Lin’s Storytelling Math series focus on introducing mathematical skills and concepts like spatial awareness, geometric thinking, number sense, and patterns. These books expose toddlers to real-world connections to math.

[Abby Johnson]

These super cute board books, one for each season, introduce math concepts in a toddler-friendly way. Grace Lin's illustrations are vibrant and appealing to a child audience. Each book includes information for parents in the back, explaining the math concept that they're introducing and giving ideas of how to further reinforce it. These books are winners, especially with parents that want their kids to grow up excited by, not intimidated by, math.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Charlesbridge through SLJ Day of Dialogue.
Lin shows a child planting a seed and watching it grow and finally bloom. The young girl measures the growth by seeing how tall it is on her body. Simple way to introduce measurement for young readers.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

This board book series from Grace Lin is fantastic! Perfect way to intro mathematical concepts for our youngest readers, with tips for their grown ups to keep encouraging math development in everyday situations. Adding to my baby shower gift go-to list!

[Angela De Groot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spring, gardening, growing and comparing. Mei plants a seed. She and kitty watch it grow and measure the sprout’s height by comparing it to Mei’s toes, then knees, then waist. Before long it is taller than Mei and blooming - just like Mei’s math skills.

[Lynn Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This little board book is brightly illustrated and shows the growth of a plant from a seed that a little girl planted. In the back of the book there is information for parents about measurement and things to try with their children.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. We read it over and over everyday. I meow at the cat. I love the watering can because Tato and I water our houseplants every weekend since I was born. I even sneak in some random watering throughout the week. I have my own watering can. The plants like it.

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't like this book as much as other ones in the series, but it's still a great little board book.

[Jacqui · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

STEM for littles.

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great idea for a series and I love the diversity. I can only hope Grace Lin writes some older ones as well.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Teri S · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great way to use body parts to measure plants. A great way for kids to find fun ways to learn math!

[Angela De Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful way to practice my Spanish learning.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Science concepts, math concepts, gardening, POC main character, board book

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an eARC courtesy of Charlesbridge Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very simple story of a little girl planting a seed and watching it grow. There's a spread in the back to help parents lead kids to make connections with math and size.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very practical, daily understanding, of measurement and growth for toddlers.

[Addie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. 12 month old liked it. Recommended summer reading from library for the youngest group.

[Thaz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teaches kids about gardening

[R. L. Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little story apparently about math? It was cute anyway!

[Sasha_Shardee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had this read to us at story time