Multiply on the Fly    by Suzanne Slade & Erin Hunter Order:  USA  Can Arbordale, 2011 (2011) Hardcover, Softcover, e-Book     Reviewed by Bob Walch Not only does this picture book introduce some of the basic elements of multiplication but it also, by using insects, provides some rudimentary facts about bug life. The rhymed text features large illustrations of fireflies, grasshoppers, moths, dragonflies, soldier ants, honey bees, ladybugs and similar insects. Along with Erin Hunter's nicely rendered illustrations, there's a math problem. For example, 'Six swarms of butterflies migrate in the fall. Ten monarchs in each group, how many fly in all? 6 x 10 = ?' The last six pages of the book contain some learning activities. Besides an Insect Multiplication Table and a page on Multiplying Numbers, you'll find information on insect body parts and life cycles, plus a Match the Insects exercise and a Compare and Contrast worksheet. I like the idea of making math a little more relevant by showing how it can be used in other disciplines. By bringing the world of insects into the equation here, the author will hold the child's attention longer than a regular math book would! How clever is that? Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews