It is never too soon to learn to tell time, and this book serves as a great introduction to young children ages 3 and up. The book is just one in the MathStart series, which focuses on a mathematics concept in the context of a fun story to which children can relate. The story is about a busy day in the life of a young boy. As the story goes along, each hour of the day is displayed in both an analog and a digital clock. The illustrations are colorful and show what the boy is doing each hour of the day.

I found this book to be helpful in teaching second graders about a.m. and p.m., as well as elapsed time. The suggestions and activities offered by the author at the back of the book are useful and were enjoyed by my students. As always, the author lists other similar books to reinforce the concept of time.

—Barbara Hosey
Beauvoir Elementary School, Biloxi School District, Biloxi, MS

In this entry in the MathStart series, Murphy uses an engaging tale about an amateur dog show to present the concept of ordinal numbers and how they are an integral part of daily life. Readers observe as each dog is called forth for its particular feat; seamlessly woven into the text are the first, second, third, and fourth ordinals. ```Today, you will see tricks performed by the most talented dogs on the block,' announced Jeremy. `Maxie, you're first.' '' When a new ordinal is introduced, Nash provides a diagram that has each of the four numerals situated below a mug shot of the dog they represent and highlights the featured digit in red. His vividly hued, lively illustrations humorously depict the antics of the intrepid canines and their proud owners. The combination of written and visual reinforcement effectively provides a firm foundation of understanding for beginning learners. (Picture book. 4-8)