Author: Simone T. Ribke
Publisher: Scholastic Inc. 2007




Pet Store Subtraction is one of many books in a series called Rookie Read-About Math books by Scholastic. Scholastic uses items and situations that are familiar and enjoyable to children to make a connection with unfamiliar math concepts. In this case, the author uses a pet store to introduce and teach the concept of subtraction. In addition, the story shares colorful pictures, a variety of animals, and actual scenarios of running a pet store to relate subtraction to real life.

Basically, the reader is asked to help the store owner keep track of the number of pets and supplies. After transaction takes place, the reader is asked questions such as one of the following based upon certain criteria.
…..how many are left?
…...how many more are needed?
…..is it time to reorder?

I like the way the words, “fewer than” are interjected in the scenarios because it exposes the reader to math vocabulary that sometimes confuses young readers.

Since I have a second grade tutee, I decided to use Pet Store Subtraction in one of our tutoring sessions. We started by discussing the pictures and took turns reading. Sometimes, she wanted to take my turn. I believe Pet Store Subtraction made it easier to understand words such as “sold” means “take away” or subtraction and encourages conversation about reasoning skills. My tutee gave Pet Store Subtraction a “thumbs up”, and suggested to use the book for partner work. I agree with my enthused student and possibly future teacher. Pet Store Subtraction is an enjoyable short book loaded with more learning than the young reader realizes and available in paperback or hardback (library) binding.



A few other books in the series …

All About Money (Rookie Read-About Math)

Apple Fractions (Rookie Read-About Math)

Counting Money (Rookie Read-About Math)

Slumber Party Problem Solving (Rookie Read-About Math)