In this book, Amy Krouse Rosenthal uses 'math' to show how life works. For instance, she does rather factual things like ""red + blue = purple" but more often does things that are more subjective, such as "smile + ocean wave = beach." Rosenthal also uses this opportunity to talk about positive behaviors (e.g., "I'm sorry + hug = sincere apology" and "practice + practice = learning"). One of my favorite formulas was put side-by-side with another to give readers realistic expectations: "good days + bad days = real life" and "once upon a time + happily ever after = pretend." This is a lovely book, with illustrations that capture the charm of the text and its sentiment. I could easily see a caregiver reading this with a child(ren) during a lapsit for those warm fuzzy feelings it imparts. It could also make a nice gift for a preschool or kindergarten graduation. ( )

"This Plus That, Life's Little Equations puts themes together connected by a plus sign that equals something more "whole". "Violin + flute + saxophone + cello + trumpet + clarinet + percussion= symphony" is one example of a less abstract idea where there are themes such as: (every star in the sky + the sun + the moon) x my heart = love you to the infinite power. These are mostly life equations ranging from daily, manners, summer, bedtime and many others. I enjoyed the book but find it hard to write a critique about because it is hard to describe in terms of it being literature. It is entertaining, interactive, and beautifully illustrated. ( )

This Plus That: Life's Little Equations wasn't at all what I expected. Life's Little Equations probably should have tipped me off. This was a wonderful book with dos and don'ts here and there and just general rules like "sprinkles + anything = better" or "soul + words = literature" (truer words have never been spoken in my opinion). I loved each page and each rule was simply illustrated and not overdone. ( )

Each word has words within it. Whether it's frosting+wishes=birthday or chalk+jumping=hopscotch almost every word can be described using other words.

This book is about most simple things in life being added to other simple things to make multiple things. This book would help children learn about being inclusive and needing help in and alternative way. ( )