What patterns do you see on this page?

This is a discussion prompt for Anno's Math Games II by Mitsumasa Anno. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How many different ways can you solve this puzzle?

This is a discussion prompt for Anno's Math Games II by Mitsumasa Anno. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Can you find something in our house that uses the same math idea we just learned?

This is a discussion prompt for Anno's Math Games II by Mitsumasa Anno. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What was the most surprising math game you played in this book?

This is a discussion prompt for Anno's Math Games II by Mitsumasa Anno. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How do the pictures help you understand the math ideas?

This is a discussion prompt for Anno's Math Games II by Mitsumasa Anno. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Anno's Math Games II

Name: Anno's Math Games II
ISBN: 9780698116726

by Mitsumasa Anno

Mitsumasa Anno's classic book introduces fundamental mathematical concepts like multiplication, sequencing, measurement, and direction through delightful visual puzzles and interactive games. It's a p

About This Book

Anno's Math Games is a brilliant and timeless book that makes mathematical concepts accessible and fun for children aged 4-11. Through a series of ingenious picture puzzles, games, and simple activities, it gently introduces ideas such as multiplication, sequence, ordinal numbering, measurement, and direction. The book encourages hands-on exploration and critical thinking, allowing children to discover mathematical principles at their own pace. It's less about rote learning and more about fostering a deep understanding and appreciation for how math works in the world around us.

Picture puzzles, games, and simple activities introduce the mathematical concepts of multiplication, sequence and ordinal numbering, measurement, and direction.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Creativity & Imagination Resilience & Perseverance Self-Confidence & Identity Joy & Gratitude Science Experiments Puzzles & Games

Wonderlit Review

Anno's Math Games is a masterful example of how to make abstract mathematical concepts tangible and engaging for young learners. Mitsumasa Anno, renowned for his intricate and thought-provoking illustrations, presents a series of visual puzzles and activities that introduce fundamental ideas such as multiplication, sequence, ordinal numbering, measurement, and direction. The book doesn't rely on explicit instruction but rather on discovery; children are invited to observe, predict, and experiment with the visual information provided. The book handles complex topics with remarkable clarity and playfulness. There are no heavy-handed lessons, just opportunities for exploration. For instance, multiplication might be illustrated through arrangements of objects that naturally suggest groups, or sequences through visual progressions. The emotional arc is one of gentle curiosity leading to satisfying understanding. It starts by inviting observation and builds towards a quiet triumph of comprehension. This book is specifically for children who are curious about how things work, those who enjoy puzzles, or even those who might be hesitant about traditional math instruction. It's perfect for a parent who wants to introduce mathematical thinking in a low-pressure, highly engaging way, or for a teacher looking for creative ways to supplement a math curriculum. A parent might reach for this when their child asks "Why?" about numbers, or when they want to spark an early love for logical thinking. Parents should be prepared to engage with their child, asking open-ended questions and allowing the child to lead the discovery. It's not a book to be rushed through; rather, it's meant for lingering, discussing, and revisiting. Younger children (4-6) will enjoy the visual aspects and simple counting/pattern recognition with adult guidance, while older children (7-11) can delve deeper into the more complex concepts like multiplication and measurement, potentially working through the puzzles independently or with a peer. What makes it different is Anno's unique, almost wordless, visual storytelling that transcends language barriers and focuses purely on the conceptual understanding through observation and play, rather than relying on text-heavy explanations or drills.