msgabbythelibrarian's review
3.0
I feel in love with Rajani LaRocca and her debut middle grade book, Midsummer's Mayhem. (Y'all know how much I loved it.) So when I heard a picture book was headed for publication, color me intrigued!
Books that tackle math and computing concepts are in high demand these days (as much as this non-math brain hates to admit it.) While the binary was slightly over my head, I appreciate Rajani's explanation and the way she made this tale such fun. The color palate is ALIVE and VIBRANT. I loved the tale of how to make something stretch and get the "most bang for your buck!"
So why three stars? It is merely a preference thing.
Books that tackle math and computing concepts are in high demand these days (as much as this non-math brain hates to admit it.) While the binary was slightly over my head, I appreciate Rajani's explanation and the way she made this tale such fun. The color palate is ALIVE and VIBRANT. I loved the tale of how to make something stretch and get the "most bang for your buck!"
So why three stars? It is merely a preference thing.
jaystor's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
angkunkel's review
5.0
This book hits so many of the curricular connections teachers so often look for! Music, math, and all from a carefully crafted story that reads like a fairy tale, with a culturally rich perspective.
A music-loving rajah, disinterested in the finer details of running his kingdom, neglects to provide his subjects with enough to eat. Bhagat, a talented singer and thinker, works long days with his Amma, and hopes that his gift of song will be a way out of poverty. On his journey to audition for the rajah, however, Bhagat's other strengths are revealed as he carefully budget the seven golden rings his Amma gave him for his travels.
Students will explore the mathematical concepts of division and binary numbers, all while soaking up absolutely stunning illustrations that portray the rich colors and cityscapes of India. And the ending? Let's just say it sings.
A music-loving rajah, disinterested in the finer details of running his kingdom, neglects to provide his subjects with enough to eat. Bhagat, a talented singer and thinker, works long days with his Amma, and hopes that his gift of song will be a way out of poverty. On his journey to audition for the rajah, however, Bhagat's other strengths are revealed as he carefully budget the seven golden rings his Amma gave him for his travels.
Students will explore the mathematical concepts of division and binary numbers, all while soaking up absolutely stunning illustrations that portray the rich colors and cityscapes of India. And the ending? Let's just say it sings.
julieartz's review
5.0
This clever story feels like a classic parable with plenty of math learning and a logic puzzle the whole family will enjoy!
libraryrobin's review
4.0
An excellent cross-curricular story. Would make a thought-provoking lesson to present the problem of dividing the rings as in the story, have the students try to figure out the best answer, then read the story for the solution.
lara_lleverino's review
4.0
Excellent picture book that introduces the concepts of place value and base ten number systems.
candywellins's review
5.0
Such a clever story. This book is a must for every elementary math classroom and a perfect fairy tale too. Bhagat wants to sing for the king and his mother gives him her wedding necklace to finance his journey. Using deep, creative thinking, he solves the problem. The story shows the value in thinking outside the box and how new strategies can solve a problem. A very original and fun book.
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