Publisher Description

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 Biography

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.

Review

"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."—School Library Journal

Review Text

"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." ? School Library Journal "...an amusing story that begs to be read aloud..." ? Curriculum Resource Center "Bill Mayer's bright, wacky gouache illustrations are every bit as much fun as the story." ? Courier-Times "The artwork in this book is masterful and the poetry enjoyable." ? Book Review Digest

Review Quote

"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."

Description for Teachers/Educators

? Leveling Information ? Accelerated Reader ? AR Quiz#: 122236 ? AR Reading Level: 3.1 ? AR Points: 0.5 ? F&P (Fountas & Pinnell) ? F&P Level: O ? F&P Grade: 3-4 ? Reading Counts ? Reading Counts Level: 2.5 ? Reading Counts Points: 1 ? Additional Info ? Color Info: Full color throughout ? Categories ? Picture Books

Description for Library

When a monster offers to help a boy who is afraid of numbers by doing his math homework, the boy eagerly signs a contract and agrees to pay later, but the first time he is asked to solve a problem in class and cannot, he realizes he has gotten no bargain.

Details