The title of this mathematics text for preservice elementary teachers is intended to suggest the book's theme of mathematics as an abstraction from human experience with sticks (lines, segments), stones (sets, counting) and other objects. An introductory chapter which describes the objectives of the author and discusses learning and attitudes toward mathematics is followed by discursive chapters devoted to the uses of numerals and computation. Elementary set theory is introduced and forms the basis for definitions of the counting numbers and operations on them. Chapters devoted to measurement, approximation, number theory and number patterns conclude the discussion of counting numbers. Fractions, integers, and real numbers are then presented in detail, and short chapters devoted to large numbers and infinity, congruences, complex numbers, statistics, algebra, and geometry are included. An appendix on problem solving completes the book. Many types of exercises and illustrations are used throughout; suggestions for activities using manipulative materials are frequent. The informal tone of the book is evidenced in the author's overall style, the frequent use of cartoons, and the periodic interjection of remarks directed toward typical students' concerns. (SD)