That’s a Possibility! A Book About What Might Happen

Goldstone builds on his mini-oeuvre of math-themed picture books (following Great Estimations and Greater Estimations) by placing the study of probability in a playful, real-world context. Starting with basic concepts of possibility, certainty, and impossibility (“Will an elephant hatch from this egg? That’s impossible!”), he stages highly specific situations in photographic and digital illustrations. “Will this butterfly land on one of the purple flowers?” he asks. “That’s probable. Can you see why?” (Spiky purple thistles dwarf and outnumber two yellow flowers, helping readers make the connection.) Goldstone slowly builds complexity, using dice and cards to examine odds and scenarios with a great many possible outcomes. A smart intro to a pivotal math concept. Ages 7–10. (June)