(3) K-3 Illustrated by David Clark. When Dr. Brok steals 5/9 at an auction and disguises it as a multiple of itself, young fraction freak George builds a gadget that reduces fractions to their lowest terms. This introduction to simplifying fractions is that rare book about math that's as entertaining as it is instructive. Clark's parodic illustrations feature heightened characters reminiscent of Monty Python creations.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Probability is at play when Ethan wakes up with a talking cat (named Odds, no less) on his head. If Ethan can correctly beat the odds in various games of chance, the cat will leave. There's no real plot, but the book provides an entertaining introduction to the concept of probability. Gustavson's realistic oils provide counterpoint to the bizarre situation.

Reviewer: David Elzey