Help Me Learn Subtraction

In the third title in the photograph-based Help Me Learn series (following Help Me Learn Numbers 0–20 and Help Me Learn Addition), Marzollo uses puppets, figurines, and other playful items to demonstrate math equations, which are presented both numerically and in words. “6 shy dinosaurs don’t know what to do./ So 4 try to hide!/ That leaves ____ (2)./ 6 – 4 = 2.” The novel collections of finger puppets, pipe cleaner dogs, and other objects stand out against solid-colored backgrounds; on occasional spreads, a pair of bespectacled figurines give running commentary: “That’s not subtraction.” “That’s addition!” they shout on an early spread that gives a brief refresher using five birds. A detailed and eye-catching primer for preschoolers. Ages 4–7. (Aug.)