Let's Fly a Kite

Stuart J. Murphy is a visual learning specialist. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, he has a strong background in design and art direction. He also has extensive experience in the world of educational publishing. Drawing on all these talents, Stuart J. Murphy brings a unique perspective to the MathStart series. In MathStart books, pictures do more than tell stories; they teach math. Stuart J. Murphy and his wife, Nancy, live in Boston. Brian Floca's illustrations have appeared in several books by Avi, including the six volumes of the Poppy stories and the graphic novel City of Light, City of Dark. For younger readers, he is the author and illustrator of Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo II as well as the highly praised books Lightship, a Robert F. Sibert Honor Book and ALA Notable Book; The Racecar Alphabet, also an ALA Notable Book; and Five Trucks.

“I have used the MathStart series with students and even with my own children for a number of years now. Stuart Murphy has written books that develop mathematical concepts for all who read and listen to them. To find these books accompanied by activities for both home and school is a gift for all learners.” — Jonathan Dueck Director, STEM Education Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Fresno, California"No matter what is happening in the world today, the MathStart series takes an abstract concept and makes it real and concrete to the teacher, students, and parents that are reading and using them.  Kids, young and old, fall in love with math when they see how real life and effortless it becomes thanks to these books. Math is everywhere around us." — Kimberly D. Mueller, Ed.D. First Grade Teacher Ashbrook School Lumberton, New Jersey"Each kid-engaging Math Start book is focused on a specific math concept, the vocabulary is age appropriate, and the story lines with delightful illustrations are easy for kids to follow. These books are a perfect springboard into a lesson or review of a lesson and should be read and read again!  Guaranteed Teacher and Child Approved." — Catherine Kuhns, M.Ed. National Board Certified Teacher, Early Childhood Presidential Award for Mathematics Teaching 1999 Teacher over 35 years (31 in Broward County Florida) "We are big Stuart J. Murphy fans. The MathStart books compliment our hands-on learning experience of making math meaningful. We keep a basket of MathStart books with our math manipulatives. Preschoolers act out the stories, master the vocabulary of math, and enjoy hearing the stories again and again." — Susan Fahey, Director Children's Care and Development Center, Inc. Lincolnwood, IL“I have owned/used Stuart J. Murphy books and been a “groupie” for a long time. His math books humanize math and make it relatable, which is essential in today’s world. Students must be able to connect with math now more than ever. The books promote the wonder in mathematics and connect math learning to real world experiences. That wonder will build future problem solvers. Stuart’s books are an energizing force in my school and with my teaching.” — Charyl Kerns Hills Elementary Math/ Technology Integration Specialist Keystone Technology Innovator 2015 Goodnoe Elementary School Council Rock School District Newtown, PA