Bracelets for Bina’s Brothers (Storytelling Math)

For the Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between siblings, Bina, who has warm brown skin and dark wavy pigtails, sets out to make her three older brothers—book-loving Vijay, musical Siddharth, and athletic Arjun—bracelets to keep them safe. There’s just one thing she must keep in mind: each brother has one color he favors and one that he doesn’t. After Mommy helps Bina buy green, blue, and orange beads, the girl sets out to make individualized bracelets, relying on the family dog for emotional support. LaRocca’s prose is accessible, with plenty of dialogue, and Prabhat’s digital art charms via vivid, dynamic spreads. This latest installment of Charlesbridge’s Storytelling Math series proves both educational and appealing. Back matter includes an author’s note and an explanation of the patterns involved in Bina’s bracelet making. Ages 3–6. [em](Apr.) [/em]