Eleanor May is the author of many books for Kane Press, including several titles in the Mouse Math and Math Matters series. She also writes under the pen names Nan Walker and Lewis B. Montgomery. She lives with her family in eastern Pennsylvania. Deborah Melmon has been a freelance illustrator in the San Francisco Bay area for over 30 years. Among her many picture books are Picnic at Camp Shalom, Speak Up, Tommy, One Good Deed, and Chicken Soup, Chicken, Soup. Deborah lives with a comical Airedale Terrier named Mack.
http: //booklistonline.com/Albert-s-Bigger-Than-Big-Idea-Eleanor-May/pid=5878703 This entry in the Mouse Math series takes on size comparison, with plucky rodent Albert going starry-eyed over a big bowl of fruit in the People Kitchen. Cousin Pete, sister Wanda, and Albert prep for the raid by strapping on their bags--and being the smallest mouse, he gets the smallest bag. Meanwhile, a size comparison runs across the bottom of the page, picturing the bags, and the mice, in size order along with the captions small, smaller, and smallest. That pattern is followed as the mice choose their fruit (a strawberry, grape, and blueberry), though Albert is not satisfied with that small prize. So he sews a series of bags, bigger and bigger, until he's ready to haul home the watermelon--but ends up instead saving the day by bagging Groucho the cat. Size words are boldfaced throughout, activities are suggested in the back matter, and all along the way, Melmon's sweet Scarry-esque illustrations make the lessons go down easily. Other volumes in the series take on number sequence, 2D shapes, position words, and more. --Booklist Online -- Website These books continue the adventures of mouse siblings Wanda and Albert as they explore math concepts hidden in brightly colored illustrations. The stories take them to the ice rink and the attic in their home, and introduce readers to their cousin, Pete. By listening to or reading about Albert and Wanda's math-centered adventures, early learners see how to best tackle problems and find solutions. The harmonious and appealing text and illustrations present many opportunities for discussion of other topics, such as helping others, staying safe, getting along with siblings and friends, completing chores before play, and thinking about the best way to solve problems. --School Library Journal -- Journal