Telling Time

Gr 1-5–Adler and Miller’s latest addition to their renowned collection of math books is a space-themed exploration of the classifications of time. Four young astronauts (two boys, two girls) plus one green alien and a couple of robots take readers on a detailed examination of the particulars of time. Using second-person narrative, the astronauts and their sidekicks explain the difference between seconds, minutes, and hours; the characteristics of analog and digital clocks and how to read them; the passage of time; and the difference between A.M. and P.M. Speech bubbles on every page add to the expository text with sometimes essential and other times incidental commentary. The digitally drawn pastel illustrations keep the mood light but don’t detract from the serious business at hand. A glossary and author’s note that offers further information conclude the book.