A-B-A-B-A- A Book of Pattern Play

Math Is CATegorical ®

by Brian P. Cleary, Brian Gable (Illustrator)

Rhyming text introduces patterns and invites young readers to identify and complete simple examples of them.

Genres: Mathematics, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Childrens

31 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2010

Reviews

[Nancy Kotkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Text: 4 stars
Illustrations: 4 stars

Picture book that explains basic patterns. Includes examples of colors, shapes, numbers, clothing, tile flooring, and other items children may encounter on a daily basis. Rhyming text and cartoonish illustrations make learning fun for children. Good inclusion in Brian Cleary's Math is CATegorical series. I have not seen other picture books address this topic.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teaching students about patterns is very important! Patterns connect to our learning in math and in literacy. In this book, students will understand the use of patterns and they will love the illustrations to go along with the text. This is a great book to read to kindergarten students to engage them in creating patterns. I read this book with my kindergarten students and then had them color rectangles to create an A-B-A-B pattern. The students then used their experience and knowledge of patterns to create their own patterns using different shapes and colors. The hands-on activities after reading the book were very engaging and cemented our learning about patterns.

[Pablo Fedriani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great example of a pattern picture book for kids. I like this book because the way the author makes the rhymes and sentences makes it very easy to follow and also fun for the kids. Other than teaching patterns, it also teaches math, which is a plus for a teacher of course. The illustrations seem to be similar through the book, simple and colorful, overall really easy to follow and fun to read.

[Jessie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Focuses on repeating patterns (like the abab in the name, or abcabc or aabaab) with colors, shapes, people, numbers, etc., and then moves into arithmetic sequences (skip counting). There is a brief example of a two-dimensional spatial pattern, a checkerboard floor.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

No real story, but cute animal illustrations on fairly simple patterns.

Other than the skip counting examples (by twos starting from 2 and by twos starting from 1), no pattern sequence is longer than 3.

[Margaret Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

10/20/2022 ~ A rhyming text filled with examples of patterns using letters, colors, shapes, objects, and numbers.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

(read aloud by himself at 5yo, no words missed)

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book presents an entertaining romp through various types of patterns with a rhyming narrative and cartoonish illustrations that are sure to please young children. We really enjoy Brian P. Cleary's books and will certainly look for more at our local library.

[Brandielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good info but just not my favorite.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for young children as they study patterns.

[Rida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this to my little ones yesterday they were so happy! I was a nice book =)