Pavilion Books brings exciting fun and education to books and activities

Cool Math: 50 Fantastic Facts for Kids of All Ages by Tracie Young and Katie Hewitt (Hardcover $14.95; ISBN: 978-1843654483)

My thoughts: Math is not my forte. I get along with it when I need to or rather when I can't avoid it. It is a necessary part of life for everyone. Some are gifted. Some are knowledgeable. Some are fair at it. Some are like me - struggle.

This book takes the budding mathematician into the arena of what fun and cool things you can do with math. A small book that is packed with insight. Tricks to help make multiplication easy. The history of mathematics or use of equations, numerals, etc. is given in the front of the book showing how bit by bit the fantastic world of numbers grew in understanding and use.

The examples can be worked through to help better understand. The assorted cool math examples and problems is geared for grades 7-9 or ages 12-18 (adults can learn from this nifty book, too). And it is perfect for STEM and summer reading. It includes a ton of interesting mathematical tasks, so it might be best to equip the reader with a notebook and pencil.

About the book: Inside this mega-jam-packed book are fifty fact-tastic ways to advance your math skills so you'll never be outnumbered by numbers again!

From core curriculum techniques such as multiplying multiples to calculating calculus and probability and division, right through to working out tricky statistics, formulas, and equations in or outside of the classroom, Cool Math will help you work your way out of everyday situations in a way that you'll never forget.

This lively, engaging book is illustrated throughout to help bring math to life, and topics include how to tip, how to work out the distance of a storm, Fibonacci sequences, cracking codes, and many more! From simple multiplication to complex calculus, math has never been easier. With the Cool Math approach, it's fun to learn and easy to remember, but difficult to forget!

Build a Castle: 64 Slot-Together Cards for Creative Fun by Paul Farrell (ISBN: 978-1843654469) 

My thoughts: I have a fascination with 3-dimensional puzzles though I have never attempted to work one. The "Build A Castle" activity kit is sort of an introduction to puzzles in 3-dimension. The concept is to use slotted cards instead of puzzle pieces. Sort of a cardboard building block concept.

  This is ideal for children to use their imagination to construct a castle and also to learn about the various parts of the castle and their importance during medieval times. This isn't something my hands and mind do well with, but kids love it. They can replicate the castle in the illustration or create their own design. During these days when it is best to stay-at-home during the Covid-19 pandemic, this would be great to occupy children's time. I don't think this is age appropriate for pre-kindergarten but likely fits for ages 5 to 8.

About the kit: Turrets, ramparts, windows, walls, and more--create your own medieval masterpiece with the first in a new series of graphic-designed building cards.

This pack contains sixty-four cards (4 x 2¾ inches) of a variety of graphic designs. Clever paper engineering allows you to slot the cards together, building up and out in whichever way you like! Also included is a short ten-page booklet, with descriptions of the card designs and suggestions of stacking methods. The instructions tell you how to build a castle, or you can let your imagination run riot and design your own!

Renowned illustrator Paul Farrell has designed these cards in his bold, colorful graphic style--turning the image of a castle into a work of art.

DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.