Farmer Bill is missing a mitten, leaving him with one "odd" mitten instead of an "even" two. His cow is also missing one of her four mittens, leaving her with an odd three. His chickens and horses have the same problem. Finally, they discover the thief, recover their mittens, and dry them by the fire. The awkwardly rhymed text is true doggerel, but it does invite participation and introduces the concept of odds and evens in an amusing way. Karas' delightfully droll illustrations not only clarify the concepts but also they give personality to Farmer Bill and his barnyard crew. An appended list, directed to adults, suggests follow-up activities and books. More successful as a teaching tool than a story, this will enhance math lessons at home and in the classroom. Linda Perkins
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