Aimed at children in grades pre-K to about second grade, this wonderful book is about a little girl who compares heavy objects and light objects while she cleans her room. The detailed illustrations are very colorful and the type is large. The comparisons and objects are described well.

I read the book to my second-grade students and they loved it. They all rated it as a good book but thought it would be better suited for K-1. When we later discussed comparisons and weights in class, the children referred to the book.

I recommend this book to any primary teacher who wants a fun way to compare weights.

—Jill Breslin
Shasta Union Elementary School, Shasta CA

As part of the "MathStart" series, this book introduces the concept of light and heavy through the dynamic main character, Maddie. Maddie is asked to pick up her toys in preparation for her birthday party. Her father offers to help with the heavy things, while Maddie is responsible for the light objects. Objects are presented for comparison and the words light and heavy are used on every page. These words may be used for sight word work for those readers ready for such lessons. Maddie realizes that large objects are not always heavy objects and that similar objects may differ considerably in weight. Maddie must pick up her room by herself and at a super-hero pace. Donning her cape, she races to finish before guests arrive. The colorful and somewhat comical illustrations match the spirit of the main character. Resources with related concepts are listed in the back of the book, as well as extension activities for parents and children. This series assigns a level to each book, depending upon the complexity of the concept presented. This particular book is considered to be a "Level One," out of a possible three.

—Andrea Sears Andrews
Used with permission from Children's Literature Comprehensive Database, www.childrenslit.com