Calculating Dominoes provides 32 activities for primary pupils, using “double-six” or “double-nine” dominoes and other simple equipment such as dice, spinners and number cards.

Instructions for activities are clearly set out, with stated objectives and target age ranges. Differentiation is provided. Sets of dominoes are photocopiable.

There is one domino activity in Sums for Smart Kids, but this one is a real brain strainer. Do not be misled by the title. It should be called “Problems for really bright people”.

Example: “Why can you not have a remainder of 2 when a square number is divided by 3?”. Although the maths is relatively simple, the reasoning and thinking required are often demanding. The weightiness of some of the problems and discussions is counteracted by lighthearted illustrations and the author’s chatty, dry-witted style.

A useful book for stretching really bright children (and teachers).

Paul Harrison is a primary mathematics writer.