Sir Cumference and the Sword in the Cone: A Math Adventure by Cindy Neuschwander, Wayne Geehan (Illustrator), Wayen Geehan (Illustrator)

Dianne Ochiltree - Children's Literature

Subtitled "A Math Adventure," this picture book is more accurately a math-oriented mystery. The story is set in a medieval castle-none other than King Arthur's-and employs a cast of arithmetically-minded royals: Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, son Radius, and Radius' best friend, Vertex. The two young knights are quickly embroiled in a puzzling challenge set forth by King Arthur in order to choose an heir. Five knights are competing for the honor, and Vertex is one of them. Soon Radius and he are working through the puzzle of how to locate where the king has hidden his sword, Edgecalibur, using only the clues given on a mysteriously-coded parchment. Much questing and questioning ensues, along with a few geometry lessons, until Edgecalibur and a new heir to the throne is discovered. Geehan's lively full-color paintings evoke the spirit and style of medieval life well; even geometrical principles are explained in diagrams that reflect the art of the Middle Ages. Although sometimes the 'math problem' aspect of the book overshadows the storyline, teachers, parents and readers will enjoy the witty puns sprinkled throughout...and find that learning math can be fun after all. 2003, Charlesbridge, Ages 8 to 11.

Library Journal

Gr 3-5-Neuschwander retells "The Sword in the Stone" from a mathematical angle. Readers follow along with Sir Cumference and Lady Di of Ameter as their son Radius and his friend Vertex set out to find Edgecalibur. Filled with riddles and puns, the story is sure to delight students with some geometry background. Geehan's bright oil, acrylic, and pen-and-ink paintings include all the visual details that the text needs to help solve this geometrical mystery. If your students have enjoyed the first three books in the series, they will certainly want this one. Make sure to share these gems with your math teachers. The books can be used to support educational initiatives such as multiple intelligences, and students who are strong in verbal/linguistic areas will appreciate the integration of literature into their math lessons.-Christine E. Carr, Lester C. Noecker Elementary School, Roseland, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

A mathematical quest takes the hero, Vertex, through several geometric challenges. Pairing it with an Arthurian legend would double this book's teaching potential. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

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