A comparative content analysis of two children’s mathematics books: The cat in numberland and jayden’s rescue

Abstract

Children’s mathematics books are receiving increasing attention by teachers and parents around the world. However, the choice of these books is highly depending on the popularity of the book or the publisher’s suggestion lists. This study aims to shed light to how to measure the quality of children’s mathematics books and observe the addressed mathematical skills and outcomes of it. By descriptive analysis of the content analysis and the content domain specific typology, this study shows two different methods to evaluate different aspects of any children’s mathematics book. In this study two children’s books were analyzed: Jayden’s Rescue and The Cat in Numberland. The results of this study show that the two books have different mathematical skills and objectives, and different approaches to mathematical modelling. The authors' different motivations shaped these outcomes, skills, and levels for these books. The Cat in Numberland introduces sophisticated topics like countable infinities to its inquiring readers whereas Jayden’s Rescue helps its readers to gain problem-solving skills for their mathematics lessons.