Review Detail

LET'S ADD UP is a simple early math book that introduces the concepts of the way we can add up to 10. For instance, the first page spread suggests 5 drums plus 5 tambourines equals 10 instruments. The book shows diverse children using the items being added, and the brief style introduces the concept of addition through adding to 10.

What I loved: This is a simple concept that is executed well. It introduces the concept of adding with countable objects and math formulas, all showing ways to add to 10. The brevity will work well for toddlers who will appreciate how quickly the pages can turn and can focus on doing the counting/math themselves. Backmatter adds to the education by suggesting activities to expand learning with children around these concepts. The illustrations are simple, showing diverse children enjoying the objects being counted and having plenty of fun.

What left me wanting more: This may be too simple for preschoolers who are getting into math and math concepts, as there is not really a story line, and the text is extremely brief on each page. The concepts may be too complex for readers for whom this might be the right speed, such as young toddlers, which makes it tough to bin in terms of age categories.

Final verdict: Overall, LET'S ADD UP! is a cute and simple book that teaches basic math concepts with adding and counting up to 10. The brevity and simplicity may work best for toddlers.