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Summary
Summary
A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse.
After a quick signature on a contract, the boy's problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day. At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy's math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read?
"In paragraph seven of clause ninety-three,
"If you don't learn anything, do not blame me!"
When the bill comes due, will our hero have the money--and the math skills--to subtract that wicked monster from his life once and for all?
Author Notes
Danny Schnitzlein is an award-winning children's author whose books have been adapted into plays, and even a ballet! He studied creative writing at Eckerd College and holds a BS degree from the University of Florida. He lives in Georgia with his family and a snuggly dog.
Bill Mayer is an award-winning graphic artist and the illustrator of a number of picture books, including. He lives in Georgia.
Reviews (1)
School Library Journal Review
Gr 1-3-Many children will recognize the dread that faces the hero of this Faustian tale as Sunday evening dwindles and the math homework can no longer be ignored. As the clock strikes 12, the narrator is granted a brief reprieve from his mathematical woes when a caped monster appears in his bedroom and offers to do his homework for a price. The youngster gladly signs his contract, opting to pay later, and is highly satisfied with his bargain when his homework yields an A+ the following day. Eventually the downside of this arrangement hits home when the boy is called to the blackboard and is unable to complete a problem, having not actually learned anything. In his determination to escape his contract, he is forced to use math to come up with the $64 payoff and discovers that he enjoys problem-solving. Mayer's vibrant, computer-generated illustrations, replete with gigantic otherworldly grins and mortal eyes stretched tall with fear, will appeal to fans of afternoon cartoons. Outlandish shadows convey the cautionary nature of the tale, while amusing details keep the mood perpetually fun. Narrated in humorous verse, this "tale of mathematical mayhem" will provide an entertaining addition to math classes and a useful warm-up to tutoring sessions with less-than-enthusiastic students.-Jayne Damron, Farmington Community Library, MI (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
