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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
Part of the Storytelling Math series, this picture book educates on both alternating patterns (using beads) and the Raksha Bandhan holiday. Speaking of patterns, it somewhat bothered me that the third part of the "set of 3" in the story broke the pattern, as did Bina's necklace having no pattern at all. I found myself wishing for consistency. Still, math books for this age are much-needed, and the "Author's Cultural Note" and "Exploring the Math" notes in the back are helpful. Digital illustrations by Chaaya Prabhat.
In Bracelets for Bina’s Brother, Bina is getting ready for Raksha Bandhan, an Indian holiday celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. This year, Bina says she's old enough to make beads for her three annoying brothers on her own with the help of her trusty dog Tara. Bina takes into account her brothers’ interests, likes and dislikes, as she tries to make bracelets that are as unique as they are.
This was a beautiful book. The author infused lessons of perseverance, problem-solving, love, creativity, cultural appreciation, and math into a book without it feeling forced. The illustrations are gorgeous and add bursts of color and brightness to the story. This is definitely a must-have for kids learning about patterns. The author’s note in the book provides some additional context about Raksha Bandhan and activities for exploring patterns.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a beautiful book. The author infused lessons of perseverance, problem-solving, love, creativity, cultural appreciation, and math into a book without it feeling forced. The illustrations are gorgeous and add bursts of color and brightness to the story. This is definitely a must-have for kids learning about patterns. The author’s note in the book provides some additional context about Raksha Bandhan and activities for exploring patterns.
Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Bina makes bracelets for her brothers for Raksha Bandhan day (usually in August). This is a day when girls give their brothers bracelets and the boys give the girls a promise to take care of them. This book features making the bracelets in a pattern. 2 of them in an AB pattern and one in an AABB pattern. This would be an excellent book to use with Kindergarten as they are starting to learn about patterns.
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I'm always excited to see books celebrating cultural events and holidays, and I've really enjoyed the books in the Storytelling Math series so far. The story itself is pretty cute: Bina sets out to make bracelets for her brothers for Raksha Bandhan. She's asking them about their favorite colors and colors they don't like so she can make them bracelets they love. Where this book loses me is that it's supposed to focus on patterns, which are a necessary early math skill. I didn't feel like patterns were really the focus though. Bina decided on her pattern and stuck with it until just about the end of the book. It was more about her memory, trying to remember what colors her brothers had strong opinions about.
I love the focus on brother/sister relationships in this fun and colorful picture book through the lens of an Indian holiday. You can't help but love Bina as she works hard to ensure that the gifts she's making for her older brothers are perfect - even though she thinks they're annoying most of the time!
A lovely book exploring culture and math patterns!
Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers is a cute picture book with strong STEM connections presented in an engaging way. Sweet sibling dynamics, art, a warm family setting, and Indian culture blend together for an entertaining picture book that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. If you’re on the hunt for picture books about math, crafts, and sibling relationships, this is a good one to try.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog.
Many thanks to the publisher for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Could be adapted well for a storytime flannel or craft. Everyday diversity