Seeing Symmetry

Seeing Symmetry by Lauren Leedy discusses symmetry in a simple way for kids to understand. Even the front and back covers are symmetrical! It is a picture book, comparing symmetrical items from quilts to kites! Leedy makes connections to not only math, but art, nature, and science as well with her comparisons. She delves deeper than most children's discussing symmetry because she analyzes and explains not only bilateral (line) symmetry, but also goes on to explain rotational symmetry in a way kids can comprehend.

As stated in the title, the mathematical concept analyzed is symmetry. Leedy uses things like cupcakes to explain bilateral symmetry and things like wind turbines and flowers for rotational symmetry. I think that literature (especially picture books) is a good tool for learning a mathematical concept because it simplifies the concept greatly. This is underscored for the concept of symmetry, as through pictures it is far easier explained than just through words. Literature also makes it easier to understand math depending on how you learn, as some probably prefer to have it explained in words than just see and equation laid out in front of them.