Subtitled "A Mathematical Marathon", The Great Divide is a fun-filled frolic through the world of fleeing, flying and fractions. 80 people start the Great Divide race, halving many times along the way as they must choose between diverging mountain paths, different boats, air balloons, aeroplanes and stampeding horses. As the field is progressively whittled down to a winner, the impetus of the verse itself propels the reader on towards the finish line: 40 racers now have to float! What's up ahead? A loud, roaring sound! Whooshing whirlpools spin all around. Half are swept up in a dizzying whirl. Half battle on through foam and swirl. Tracy Mitchell does a fantastic job illustrating the race; her colourful cartoon-like pictures reminiscent of Whacky Racers . (Something most readers won't be able to recall!) Superb on entertainment value alone, The Great Divide will introduce young readers to the principles of fractions, giving them concrete examples and reinforcing by repetition. A lovely book to read aloud to a group or for youngsters to read to themselves. (Ages 6 to 9) -- Lucie Naylor

 

There are 25 pages in this book. This is a picture book. A picture book uses pictures and text to tell the story. The number of words varies from zero ('wordless') to around 1k over 32 pages. Picture books are typically aimed at young readers (age 3-6) but can also be aimed at older children (7+). This book was published 2001 by Walker Books Ltd .

Dayle Ann Dodds is a former teacher and holds a degree in early childhood development. She is the author of several picture books, including The Shape of Things and The Great Divide, also written in rhyme and on a mathematical theme. She lives in California. John Manders is an author, artist and songwriter. He lives in the USA.