Multiplying Menance The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin

In Multiplying Menace: The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin (A Math Adventure)Rumpelstiltskin is back and he wants revenge on the parents he feels cheated him. He has a new weapon and he is not afraid to use it to get back the child he thought should have belonged to him.

In order to save his parents the child leaves with Rumpelstiltskin and observes how his magical cane works. The magic the cane uses involves multiplication. The boy carefully observes how Rumpelstiltskin uses whole numbers and fractions to create the outcomes he desires.

When Rumpelstiltskin does not keep his word about restoring his father's nose, the boy is determined to steal the cane and return the kingdom back to normal. As he practices with the cane, he learns the importance of precise math language. In one example the cane only works when he uses zero, other more commonly used substitutions fail.

One of the strengths of this book was that it introduced multiplication of fractions in a practical visual way. While many students may not leave this book ready to multiply fractions, it does provide an introduction at an early age that is age appropriate and does not make fractions mysterious and something to be feared. I always appreciate titles that seek to make math friendlier to all students and I think this one makes that list.