Kabumba and Friend (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781478363309)

Sancie is a pen name for Frances McBroom Thompson, author of several math resource books for teachers. Frances is a retired math education professor with many years of teaching experience in grades preK-16. She has a deep interest in how young children learn in general, and especially in how their basic mathematical understanding should be nourished. This book about Kabumba and his friend Lasa deals with friendship, but also subtly introduces the young reader to size (height, weight) and age comparisons. Size ratios and skip counting by fives are implied through carefully selected illustrations. Teachers or parents should encourage the young reader to answer questions prompted within the narrative and to touch or interact with the illustrations whenever appropriate. These math concepts, however, should not be heavily stressed by the adult guide. Each child should be allowed to develop understanding at her or his own pace.