Apples Not Orples

Apples Not Orples by R. A. Stephens and Carmen Dougherty (Wombat Books) HB PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9781761111693

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

 R.A. Stephens is a teacher by day, but writer, editor and publisher by night.

Carmon Dougherty is a graphic designer and illustrator from Queensland who loves creating unique artworks that tell a story.

Apples Not Orples is a fun STEAM book that explores several common algebra mistakes and how to avoid them. Two apples plus three oranges do not make five orples.

R.A. Stephen’s teacher brain and writer brain have combined to create such a clever text that is written in a way that the reader can interact. It’s algebra for preschoolers. Did you know that you can’t add up things that aren’t the same? The text and illustrations work seamlessly in this book. The title is catchy and draws attention – Apples not Orples. The opening page instantly makes you want to turn the page and find out more. Are you a rule-follower or rule-breaker? Come on, let’s count and see! The text is simple and easy to follow. It builds the reader’s confidence as they move through the book. The play with words is creative and explains why you can’t add different things together. It allows the child reader to work things out for themselves. Here are 3 bikes and there are 4 scooters. Let’s count them! Does this equal 7 Booters? It’s engaging and fun. The backmatter is helpful and great for teachers to use.

Carmon Dougherty’s simplistic illustrations bring the mathematical world to life for a young child in a cute imaginative way. The illustration of Booters brings a smile. When teaching young children to count they are taught to group the same things together to count them. Dougherty has cleverly used colour to show groups. The creation of a cat, monkeys, rabbit, goldfish, birds, racoon and rabbit as visual characters is preschooler friendly and engaging. Their movement across the page leads the reader to follow the story direction left to right. White space is used to let the characters and objects speak to the reader. The endpapers with little paw prints and patterning with objects are beautiful.

 Apples Not Orples is a clever picture book for preschoolers and beyond with fun animal characters to interact with in the story. The layout is engaging and not only will children love reading this book but so will parents and teachers. It is such a useful classroom tool for teachers. It’s great when reading and learning maths can combine. I can even see high school teachers using this book.