A-B-A-B-A—a Book of Pattern Play

In this playful look at patterns, Brian P. Cleary and Brian Gable provide many examples of repeating sequences of shapes, colors, objects, and more. The comical cats of the wildly popular Words Are CATegorical™í series show how patterns can be found all around us. Peppy rhymes, goofy illustrations, and kid-friendly examples make pattern practice fun!

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“"Brian P. Cleary's enjoyable A-B-A-B-A--a Book of Pattern Play is the sixth in his Math Is CATegorical series. The story begins with a definition of a pattern and ends with a reaffirming question, 'So, what is a pattern?' This is a great question, since early childhood education can go into depth with explanations, only to find that children have not grasped what, specifically, a pattern is. Cleary starts with things we know, from shapes and the letters A and B to ice cream cones and girls and boys. Only the pattern concept is easily grasped does he move on to the most important lesson, that of numbers. By this time he has the reader's full attention, because of his cats, who entertain and teach, and which are beautifully illustrated by Brian Gabel. There are blue cats, brown cats, purple cats, and pink cats. Boy cats, and girl cats with polka-dot dresses and bows. Through 30 pages, children are taken down an enjoyable path of pattern exercises. Why? Because, fundamentally, we all need the ability to recognize patterns in order to help us solve problems. Along the way, you are treated to a Dr. Seuss type of story, Cleary's favorite from his own childhood. Success is only around the corner if everyone would read his book of patterns. As Cleary says, 'Knowing them will help you start a pattern of success!'" --Science Books & Films”

"This book can be used as a read-aloud, not just in math, but to teach the basics of poetry, art, and music. This is a great addition to any school library. Recommended." --Library Media Connection

"As in earlier volumes in the series, Gable's whimsical feline characters appear throughout, demonstrating patterns, such as boy-girl-boy-girl in a very long line for ice cream." --School Library Journal

"Success is only around the corner if everyone would read his book of patterns. As Cleary says, 'Knowing them will help you start a pattern of success!'" --Science Books & Films

Brian P. Cleary is an American humorist, poet, and author. He is best known for his books written for grade-school children that explore grammar, math and poetry in humorous ways. In his role in the digital division of American Greetings, he's put words in the mouths of Dolly Parton, Christina Aguilera, William Shatner, Meghan Trainor and more. The multi-million selling author has performed poetry workshops in 500 elementary schools across the county. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio. Brian Gable is the illustrator of many of the best-selling Words Are CATegorical books, as well as the Math Is CATegorical series. Mr. Gable lives in Toronto, Canada.

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