Millions to Measure - Hardcover

Schwartz, David M

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0688129161 ISBN 13: 9780688129163

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2003

Synopsis

Marvelosissimo
the Mathematical Magician
measures magnificently!

Your favorite wizard is back -- and ready to explore the invention of length, weight, and volume measurements. How tall is Moonbeam, the unicorn? How long are the whiskers of Jello, the cat? And just how heavy is that darling hog? Tons and teaspoons and ounces and feet and yards and miles ... what a headache! With millions of things to measure, wouldn't one standard system be simpler?

With another wave of the wand, Marvelosissimo introduces you to the world of metrics and makes it easy to understand the basic pattern of meters, liters, and grams. And with Steven Kellogg's playful and delightfully detailed illustrations, measuring has never been such a blast!

About this title

About the Author:

With the same energy, humor and clarity found in his 50 books, David wows audiences at schools around the United States and beyond. David is an accomplished storyteller and a master at getting kids to think and have fun at the same time. His presentations lead children on entertaining and educational journeys that combine math, science, reading and writing. David also gives keynote presentations and workshops for educators at professional conferences.

Steven Kellogg was "moved by the simplicity, the subtleties, and the poignance of the writing in this story." He welcomed the opportunity to reillustrate it in full color. Mr. Kellogg is an award-winning author and illustrator who has created more than 100 children's books, including The Three Little Pigs, Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, and Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett. He is the illustrator of Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town and The Baby Beebee Bird. Mr. Kellogg is a recipient of the David McCord Citation and the Regina Medal for his distinguished contribution to children's literature. He lives with his wife, Helen, in upstate New York.

From Booklist:

*Starred Review* Gr. 1-4. Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician, who made his first appearance in How Much Is a Million? (1985), returns just in time to explain the history of measurement to four curious children (and a dog). Beginning in prehistoric times and making his way to the present (with its current uneasy mixture of adherence and resistance to the metric system), Schwartz not only manages to impart a good deal of basic information about linear, weight, and volume measurements but also entertains the reader. He receives ample support from illustrator Kellogg, who contributes enough merry madness to make learning fun. Bright with shining colors, the large, detailed pictures brim with action and humor as well as history and math. Word balloons allow the characters to become good supporting actors who comment on the action, offer comic relief, and occasionally set up Marvelosissimo with a pertinent question. On the last three illustration-free pages, Schwartz offers a straightforward presentation on the metric system for older children. His tips on learning to "think metric" may be helpful to teachers as well. The froth of fun that lightens this book's educational intent may help American children absorb their centimeters and kilometers with relative ease. In fact, the more generous among them may want to share this book with their metrically challenged parents. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0688129161
• ISBN 13: 9780688129163
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Kellogg Steven