A Story Of Natural Numbers

The Sunday Age

Sunday September 14, 2008

Frances Atkinson

A STORY OF NATURAL NUMBERS

David Demant

Black Dog Books, $25

I have recurring nightmares about long division, which is why I opened this book with some trepidation. What a surprise. The way David Demant talks about numbers you learn something without even trying. He begins by looking at natural numbers, the ones we use to count and label things - everything from how many people are at the footy to the numbers on a raffle ticket. Nothing scary so far. Then, with a story about Neenish tarts he explains the ways in which numbers can be used. You'll find hundreds of interesting facts such as "animals recognise two, three, four and even five items, but have difficulty recognising more" and the difference between mathematics, arithmetic and geometry. Suitable for eight and up.

© 2008 The Sunday Age

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