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Math Is CATegorical ®
The Action of Subtraction
Overview The author and illustrator of the best-selling Words Are CATegorical series bring their trademark sense of humor to the subject of subtraction. Rhyming text filled with funny, countable examples shows what it means to take one number away from another. Readers are also introduced to the terminology they'll encounter as they learn to subtract.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
31 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 19, 2017
Text: 3 stars
Illustrations: 3 stars
Part of Brian Cleary's Math is CATegorical series. This one doesn't work as well with the rhyming text format of the series, because the examples are wordy. Rather than using numerical numbers, the numbers are written out as words. It takes a lot of words to explain a subtraction problem, that could be depicted more succinctly and clearly with numerical numbers. Therefore, less examples are given.
Illustrations: 3 stars
Part of Brian Cleary's Math is CATegorical series. This one doesn't work as well with the rhyming text format of the series, because the examples are wordy. Rather than using numerical numbers, the numbers are written out as words. It takes a lot of words to explain a subtraction problem, that could be depicted more succinctly and clearly with numerical numbers. Therefore, less examples are given.
April 12, 2010
Another fun book from this author/illustrator team. We've really enjoyed the books in the Math is CATegorical series and we will look for more! Each book teaches a basic concept with a short, rhyming narrative and fun cartoon illustrations. We've borrowed this one a couple of times from the library.
April 21, 2010
For students who are being introduced to subtraction. Great series of books for young students. Gives great examples of when you need to use subtraction and how to do it!
September 25, 2024
Picture Book Report
The book that I chose is called “The Action of Subtraction” and it is written by Brian Cleary and illustrated by Brian Gable.
This book is a fun, rhyming book that introduces students to the concept of subtraction in a fun and engaging way. The book makes subtraction enjoyable with its humor, and the colors and illustrations on each page. Each page in the book gives different scenarios where subtraction is needed, such as taking objects away from groups. This allows students to visually see how subtraction works, and it shows how numbers get smaller. It explains subtraction as being the action of taking something (a number) away. The book provides simple examples to help young learning students understand the concept of subtraction.
In chapter 8 of the textbook, some of the math concepts and strategies that were discussed were multiple representations, scaffolding, problem-solving, language, vocabulary, and having the students grasp the concept in meaningful ways. For multiple representations, the picture book uses real-world examples such as animals, food, and toys to show subtraction, which provides a real representation of the math concept. The book also demonstrates multiple representations by using picture and symbol representations. The colorful illustrations in the book provide engaging, visual support for different types of learners. The pictures clearly show what happens during subtraction. For scaffolding, the book starts with very simple subtraction problems and works into harder problems. The book is also very repetitive, which is beneficial for students who need to hear content multiple times before they fully understand it. For problem-solving, the book engages readers and asks, “How many are left?” It is presented as a problem for readers to solve. From the subtraction models that the textbook introduces, this picture book mainly follows the take-away model. For language and vocabulary, the textbook stresses the importance of using clear and simple language when teaching subtraction. The picture book is filled with simple, age-appropriate language, making it easy for students to follow. The picture book supports student learning by being playful, which attracts students and makes them want to engage with the story and book more. The book also applies subtraction in an everyday, real-world situation and context which makes it more relatable for students. The textbook touches on the importance of making math relatable for students. The book's playful approach helps students build a firm foundation on the concept of subtraction. The use of repetition and multiple representations makes sure that students develop a deep understanding of subtraction, and that they’re not just memorizing facts.
In my future classroom, I could use this picture book to begin a new unit. It could be used as an introduction to a subtraction unit. It could be used for direct instruction, but also making engaging activities. One activity I could do based on the book is a Subtraction Story Problem. After I read the book, students could create their own subtraction story using objects in the classroom. This would help the students apply subtraction to the real world. Advanced learners could do this activity with either larger numbers or more steps to their story problems. Struggling learners, could use smaller numbers in their stories, or work with a partner. Another activity I could do based on the book, is making subtraction rhymes. Students could write their own rhymes or poems, focusing on the language that explains subtraction. They could share with the class, which would help them verbalize the math concept. Struggling learners can work in pairs, while advanced learners could have a larger number of subtraction problems or multi-step subtraction problems. The book would help me address diverse learning needs as well. For my visual learners, the colorful and engaging illustrations help these learners visually see subtraction. For auditory learners, repetition and rhyme help these learners remember the subtraction concept. All of these activities could be adapted for students at different skill levels. For ELLs, the pictures offer visual cues to help ELLs understand subtraction, even if they struggle with the vocabulary. The simple language and repetition also help ELLs.
The book that I chose is called “The Action of Subtraction” and it is written by Brian Cleary and illustrated by Brian Gable.
This book is a fun, rhyming book that introduces students to the concept of subtraction in a fun and engaging way. The book makes subtraction enjoyable with its humor, and the colors and illustrations on each page. Each page in the book gives different scenarios where subtraction is needed, such as taking objects away from groups. This allows students to visually see how subtraction works, and it shows how numbers get smaller. It explains subtraction as being the action of taking something (a number) away. The book provides simple examples to help young learning students understand the concept of subtraction.
In chapter 8 of the textbook, some of the math concepts and strategies that were discussed were multiple representations, scaffolding, problem-solving, language, vocabulary, and having the students grasp the concept in meaningful ways. For multiple representations, the picture book uses real-world examples such as animals, food, and toys to show subtraction, which provides a real representation of the math concept. The book also demonstrates multiple representations by using picture and symbol representations. The colorful illustrations in the book provide engaging, visual support for different types of learners. The pictures clearly show what happens during subtraction. For scaffolding, the book starts with very simple subtraction problems and works into harder problems. The book is also very repetitive, which is beneficial for students who need to hear content multiple times before they fully understand it. For problem-solving, the book engages readers and asks, “How many are left?” It is presented as a problem for readers to solve. From the subtraction models that the textbook introduces, this picture book mainly follows the take-away model. For language and vocabulary, the textbook stresses the importance of using clear and simple language when teaching subtraction. The picture book is filled with simple, age-appropriate language, making it easy for students to follow. The picture book supports student learning by being playful, which attracts students and makes them want to engage with the story and book more. The book also applies subtraction in an everyday, real-world situation and context which makes it more relatable for students. The textbook touches on the importance of making math relatable for students. The book's playful approach helps students build a firm foundation on the concept of subtraction. The use of repetition and multiple representations makes sure that students develop a deep understanding of subtraction, and that they’re not just memorizing facts.
In my future classroom, I could use this picture book to begin a new unit. It could be used as an introduction to a subtraction unit. It could be used for direct instruction, but also making engaging activities. One activity I could do based on the book is a Subtraction Story Problem. After I read the book, students could create their own subtraction story using objects in the classroom. This would help the students apply subtraction to the real world. Advanced learners could do this activity with either larger numbers or more steps to their story problems. Struggling learners, could use smaller numbers in their stories, or work with a partner. Another activity I could do based on the book, is making subtraction rhymes. Students could write their own rhymes or poems, focusing on the language that explains subtraction. They could share with the class, which would help them verbalize the math concept. Struggling learners can work in pairs, while advanced learners could have a larger number of subtraction problems or multi-step subtraction problems. The book would help me address diverse learning needs as well. For my visual learners, the colorful and engaging illustrations help these learners visually see subtraction. For auditory learners, repetition and rhyme help these learners remember the subtraction concept. All of these activities could be adapted for students at different skill levels. For ELLs, the pictures offer visual cues to help ELLs understand subtraction, even if they struggle with the vocabulary. The simple language and repetition also help ELLs.
October 6, 2024
The book The Action of Subtraction by Brian P. Cleary is an engaging and silly story that teaches its readers about subtractions through the concepts of taking away. It goes through important terminology like “minus”, “subtract”, and “take away” which allows students to understand what it means to subtract numbers from one another. It has super colorful illustrations that display funny but relatable situations about how we subtract in our daily lives. Not only does it give us the opportunity to see descriptions of taking away, it also gives us examples of how to solve more complicated subtraction word problems.
Analyzing the Action of Subtraction has led me to understand that the book described the structures for addition and subtraction story problems. Looking at the result unknown separating change problem from the book, I can relate it to this problem from the book: “And what if 13 hornets had nested in your tree? If ten of them would buzz off. You’d then only have three” (Cleary, p. 7-8). This represents the result unknown type of subtraction word problem. This is a problem-solving technique because it teaches students how to understand what it means to take away. Additionally, the book has taken the time to go through multiple word problems while explaining the process of subtraction and why each step is important. As well, as what the terminology means. This relates to the textbook, which talks about contextual understanding of word problems. This book has multiple representations of how to solve a problem as well as engaging stories that every student can understand. The book will allow students to solve their own problems in the future by educating them about terms like “take away” and how to write down an equation to solve the actual word problem. Finally, this book can lead its readers to connect problem-solving strategies from the real world to mathematical problems due to the silly images and stories that relate to the problems.
This is a great book for younger grades to use before teaching subtraction. As a future teacher, I would begin the subtraction lesson by reading this book. Then would go into a vocabulary lesson so they can understand what it means to subtract. Then relate it to addition problems, and go into whole-class subtraction problems. After that, I would have the students go into groups and create images or posters about what subtraction means that we can hang up on the walls for future reference. We would utilize manipulatives to teach an understanding of taking away an amount from an original number to achieve a solution. Then they can do their own individual work by using those same manipulatives and the posters they made previously. At the end of the weeks spent on subtraction, the students could work together to create their own picture book teaching next year’s classroom about the art of subtraction.
Analyzing the Action of Subtraction has led me to understand that the book described the structures for addition and subtraction story problems. Looking at the result unknown separating change problem from the book, I can relate it to this problem from the book: “And what if 13 hornets had nested in your tree? If ten of them would buzz off. You’d then only have three” (Cleary, p. 7-8). This represents the result unknown type of subtraction word problem. This is a problem-solving technique because it teaches students how to understand what it means to take away. Additionally, the book has taken the time to go through multiple word problems while explaining the process of subtraction and why each step is important. As well, as what the terminology means. This relates to the textbook, which talks about contextual understanding of word problems. This book has multiple representations of how to solve a problem as well as engaging stories that every student can understand. The book will allow students to solve their own problems in the future by educating them about terms like “take away” and how to write down an equation to solve the actual word problem. Finally, this book can lead its readers to connect problem-solving strategies from the real world to mathematical problems due to the silly images and stories that relate to the problems.
This is a great book for younger grades to use before teaching subtraction. As a future teacher, I would begin the subtraction lesson by reading this book. Then would go into a vocabulary lesson so they can understand what it means to subtract. Then relate it to addition problems, and go into whole-class subtraction problems. After that, I would have the students go into groups and create images or posters about what subtraction means that we can hang up on the walls for future reference. We would utilize manipulatives to teach an understanding of taking away an amount from an original number to achieve a solution. Then they can do their own individual work by using those same manipulatives and the posters they made previously. At the end of the weeks spent on subtraction, the students could work together to create their own picture book teaching next year’s classroom about the art of subtraction.
December 7, 2021
This book is great for introducing students to subtraction. Subtraction is a hard concept to understand for many students because it is the opposite operation of addition which is most focused on in schools. This book gives scenarios in which the text aligns with the pictures . It even includes the vertical method of subtracting. This books shows actual examples of the way subtraction works with colorful pictures and includes animals to keep the children intrigued and engaged. I believe that using this book before subtraction is introduced in the curriculum could be a vital way to allow students to start noticing how it works and a great way to discuss any misconceptions they may have on the idea of subtraction.
June 11, 2024
I chose this book because it would be a a good addition to add to a content genre and I love the explanations the author gives about subtraction throughout the story. The topic for this book is subtraction and rhyming. This book explains what it means to take one number away from another. The story describes subtraction as an action where you end up with a fewer number than you started with. This book is appropriate for children ages 5 to 9 years old. While reading this aloud we would pause after key points to discuss the examples of subtraction in the book and how the characters solved them. After I would have students come up and solve problems using counters.
February 24, 2019
This book is a great way to introduce the concept of subtraction to students in the lower elementary grades (K-2) in a fun way. The rhyming words and lighthearted storyline help students to connect to the concepts. The book introduces subtraction vocabulary such as: subtract, equals, and minus. This provides an academic language support for students as it models the appropriate subtraction discourse.
December 1, 2017
Definitely a math book for younger kids to get excited about subtraction
March 2, 2018
rhyming text explains different vocabulary terms for subtraction with funny animal illustrations.
February 18, 2019
The book is meant for subtraction, but you could bring addition concepts in with this one. Students will like the silly monsters.
July 9, 2021
An excellent rhyming introduction to the basic math concept of subtraction.
February 7, 2023
Super fun and cute rhymes for intro to math!
Happy to buy this after reading the Kindle unlimited version it's awesome for kids and my daughter thought it was fun!
Happy to buy this after reading the Kindle unlimited version it's awesome for kids and my daughter thought it was fun!
March 13, 2012
This book is the same author as the synonym book. It is set up the same way. It starts off with the definition for subtraction as the action that will make you total less.
This book provides the reader with very cute examples of subtraction that are geared more towards beginners within this concept of subtraction. All examples within the book are keeping a small manageable number of 20 or less. A variety of animals are illustrated to assist the world problems. It also incorporates different sports such as bowling, basketball to help illustrate the problem.
This book provides the reader with very cute examples of subtraction that are geared more towards beginners within this concept of subtraction. All examples within the book are keeping a small manageable number of 20 or less. A variety of animals are illustrated to assist the world problems. It also incorporates different sports such as bowling, basketball to help illustrate the problem.
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October 9, 20094) Title: The Action of Subtraction
Bibliographic Reference: Cleary, B. (2006). The action of subtraction. Minneapolis, MN: Millbrook Press.
Illustrator: Brian Gable
Summary: This is a cute book that helps students to learn about subtraction. It uses simple rhymes, and it has silly cartoon pictures to help the students learn about subtracting. I would definitely use this book in teaching my students on subtraction.
Bibliographic Reference: Cleary, B. (2006). The action of subtraction. Minneapolis, MN: Millbrook Press.
Illustrator: Brian Gable
Summary: This is a cute book that helps students to learn about subtraction. It uses simple rhymes, and it has silly cartoon pictures to help the students learn about subtracting. I would definitely use this book in teaching my students on subtraction.
November 12, 2012
Great book to teach young children all about subraction, and how to do it in a very simple way. This books uses rhyming words to help the story come alive, colorful and funny pictures are on every page. This book has the needed vocabulary to intergrate a math lesson:subtract, minus, equal. There's a definition at the beginning of the book that explains subtractionThe story also has a built in recap, asking a question at the end of the book about what subtraction is.
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April 8, 2014The Action of Subtraction is a story that explores subtraction through every day situations. It explores cats scaring dogs away and many other situations.
In this story, children will gain a further understanding of what subtraction is through examples from the text. Children can use these examples as models for writing their own word problems. After writing them they could exchange them with a partner to solve each other's problems.
In this story, children will gain a further understanding of what subtraction is through examples from the text. Children can use these examples as models for writing their own word problems. After writing them they could exchange them with a partner to solve each other's problems.
March 20, 2012
-great book to teach young children what subraction is, and how to do it in very simple terms
-rhyming words helps the story come alive
-colorful and funny pictures are on every page
-vocabulary words: subtract, minus, equal
-has a definition at the beginning of the book
-asks a question at the end of the book to recap what subtraction is
-rhyming words helps the story come alive
-colorful and funny pictures are on every page
-vocabulary words: subtract, minus, equal
-has a definition at the beginning of the book
-asks a question at the end of the book to recap what subtraction is
November 13, 2012
Subtraction is not always fun for students. This is a great book to help introduce subtraction! This is a lower grade level book that is appropriate for first or second grade. The numbers are low and the illustrations make math fun and interesting. I would use this to introduce subtraction to my students any day!
November 25, 2014
I really liked this book for learning math! It described subtraction in a very good way and one that kids could understand easily. I also liked the objects and ideas that they used to subtract. This book almost made learning math fun. Overall this book would be great for teaching children math and helping them understand subtraction.
April 19, 2012
This is a basic skill subtraction book with really good vocabulary. I would use this book for first and second grade students because the number size goes to about 20. I really liked how the book used animals and sports to make the math more fun!
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April 20, 2012This is a lower level subtraction book that is appropriate for first grade. The numbers are small and the illustrations make the math fun and interesting. I would use this to introduce subtraction to the students.
September 30, 2012
Sometimes less is more. This book was great! It used a catchy rhyme to get you into the fact that it is a book about subtraction. The author made it fun to learn about math which I feel is important to kids. The pictures were cute as well. They were over exagerated characters. Loved it!
February 9, 2013
Best for kids ages 6 and up.
Early Literacy Skills: Print Motivation, Vocabulary, Narrative Skills
Join the crazy CATegoricals as they explain subtraction in kid friendly examples.
Wild and crazy illustrations help to further the concept.
Early Literacy Skills: Print Motivation, Vocabulary, Narrative Skills
Join the crazy CATegoricals as they explain subtraction in kid friendly examples.
Wild and crazy illustrations help to further the concept.
March 17, 2015
This is a fun book for more older children. It has great problems to work through and I again really liked the art work in the book. Math is everywhere and this can bring up some great extension activities.
February 14, 2008
Cute book for introducing subtraction.
August 31, 2011
This book can be used to teach subtraction and rhyming. It has many different examples of subtraction. This book is a fun easy read and I'm sure the students will love it!
August 31, 2011
Not the best story but a solid introduction into word problems. Bright colorful pictures are always a plus.
October 5, 2011
The bok explain subtraction through silly rhyming poems. It asks simple subtraction problems in rhyms with vivid pictures to assist understanding.
April 4, 2012
This is a book full of rhyming words that are all about subtraction problems. It is a very fun book that children will enjoy learning how to subtract.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews