POETRY

Lewis, J. Patrick. 2002. ARITHME-TICKLE. Ill. by Frank Remkiewicz. New York: Silver Whistle/Harcourt, Inc.
ISBN:  0152164189

PLOT SUMMARY

ARITHME-TICKLE is a collection of 18 mathematical "riddle rhymes".  All of the poems deal with different math operations such as addition, subtraction, time calculations, and weight, height and distance measurements.  In the poem "Going to Kalamazoo", this premise is presented:  "It's 100 miles from me to you / (You're in Detroit: I'm in Kalamazoo) / How many miles do you think it would be / If we were halfway between you and me?"  The text is printed on blue-lined notebook paper and the answers for each riddle are given in small, reverse type below each poem.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This individual and topical assemblage of rhymes is poetry and math lessons all rolled into one.  Most of the poems have fluid rhythm and rhyming patterns, but others are a bit awkward.  In the case of "A Regular Riddle", there is a strong use of assonance in an addition and subtraction activity:  "What is the number of points on a regular star, / Less the number of wheels on a regular car, / Plus the number of teeth in a regular mouth, / Less the number of states that begin with South."
A more awkward rhythm is evident in one of the "Arithme-Riddles":  "Dr. Nast said, 'I'll give you three shots / to get rid of those hideous spots. / One shot every half hour.' Goodness sake! / How long did those nasty Nast shots take?"
The illustrations are colorful and comical, with just enough detail to be amusing without being too busy.  This is especially evident on the two-page spread for "How Many Coconuts?"  For any students who are anxious about math, this book of "riddle-rhymes" could introduce the fun that can be had with numeration!

REVIEW EXCERPTS

The Horn Book Guide
"...the lighthearted approach to math is just right."

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"Teachers who discover this title before their students do have a month's worth of daily math challenges right in hand."

CONNECTIONS
*The math connections are obvious:  have students solve the riddles.
*Other books by J. Patrick Lewis:
PLEASE BURY ME IN THE LIBRARY (2005) ; BIG IS BIG (AND LITTLE LITTLE): A BOOK OF CONTRASTS (2007) ; BLACK CAT BONE (2006)