Wild Fibonacci

Gr 2-4-Whodathunkit? A Fibonacci counting book! Ever since a 13th-century Italian mathematician described this intriguing numeric sequence, people have been discovering this pattern everywhere. Hulme runs through a Fibonacci count from 1 to 89, introducing each number in a colorful spread that shows the numeral as the sum of the two that came before it ("1," "1," "1+1=2," "1+2=3," etc.). The amounts are represented visually by groups of species (e.g., "3+5=8" is illustrated with three leopards and five tigers). The simple rhyming text also points out physical characteristics (talons, teeth, seahorse tails, etc.) that reflect Fibonacci sequencing. Schwartz's handsome, realistic acrylics add impact to the text (though the shells come up one short). An author's note offers a brief history of the subject and gives suggestions for finding these sequences in nature. A diagram provides some visualization of the curve that can be plotted from the numbers, but does not clarify the concept. While some youngsters may be intrigued by this simplistic look at a "new" method of counting, it is difficult to determine for whom this book is intended. Fibonacci sequences may be beyond the grasp of the audience this pictorial work might attract and older children who might be fascinated by the topic could be put off by the format.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

A note to readers, which may be difficult for the intended audience to understand, gives an explanation of the Fibonacci sequence and relates the resulting spiral to patterns in nature. An singsongy rhyming text and realistic acrylics highlight the spiral in animals (e.g., elephant tusks, ibis bills). At best, the book exposes kids to the concept. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.

In the Fibonacci sequence each new number comes from adding up the two before and figuring the sum. This number set is used to plot a graceful curving line that's often found in nature as part of its design. Fibonacci creatures have a certain body part which fits the winding, coiling shape that spirals on this chart. These parts are most important the help the beasts survice. Finding food and fighting foes can keep each one alive. Excerpted from Wild Fibonacci: Nature's Secret Code Revealed by Joy N. Hulme All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.