Equal Shmequal (Math Adventures) by Virginia Kroll, illustrated by Philomena O'Neill ages 4-8 32 pages Charlesbridge Publishing June 2005 Hardcover/Paperback     Equal Shmequal is a children’s book that also serves as an introduction to the concept of equal measures. Described as a “math adventure,” this charming book uses animals and woodland creatures to show children what it means to have equal parts that are the same in weight, size, quantity and force. The delightful watercolor illustrations are bright and lively, complimenting the cute story of a group of critters whom see children playing a game of tug-of-war, and decide to give it a try. But they have to go through all sorts of adjustments to their two teams in order to come up with a fair game, which eventually effects their attempts at the see-saw, where a lack of equal weight leads to some hilarious results. As the animals try to figure out how to make things equal between both sides, children also get a sense of the basic mathematical principles involved. And what better way to teach kids than with cute and cuddly animals with expressive faces? Equal Shmequal is written by Virginia Kroll and illustrated by Philomena O’Neill, and together they’ve come up with a clever way of teaching math concepts. Let’s hope this is but one of many “math adventures” these collaborators have up their sleeves.     web reviews   Marie D. Jones/2005 for curled up with a good kid's book   For grown-up fiction, nonfiction and speculative fiction book reviews, visit our sister site Curled Up With a Good Book (www.curledup.com)