Some math concepts can be difficult to grasp, but the Sir Cumference book series succeeds at demystifying math by presenting concepts in simple and practical ways. At the same time, the books engage children with adventure stories complete with castles and knights. Understanding the featured math concept is cleverly incorporated into the plot of each book in the series.
There are currently three titles in the series, Sir Cumference and the First Round Table, Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi, and the latest title, Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland. Each is fittingly subtitled "A Math Adventure" — children join Sir Cumference and Lady Di of Ameter, as well as their son Radius, on quests that require mathematical understanding to complete.
In this world, characters have mathematical names — besides the main characters, readers are introduced to the brothers Geo and Sim of Metry, for example. Even with these scholarly names, however, nobody seems to know a whole lot about math basics — that is, until the main characters, along with young readers, explore and discover some important concepts on their own.
In the first book of the series, Sir Cumference and the First Round Table, Sir Cumference and Lady Di of Ameter take on the challenge of finding the perfect table for King Arthur's meetings. Because everyone needs to shout to be heard at the rectangular table, our heroes embark on a quest that has them experimenting with tables of varying shapes.
Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi stars the young boy, Radius, who discovers the "magic number" of pi in a quest for a cure to reverse the effects of a potion that has changed his father into a dragon. Radius' enthusiasm towards learning about circles is infectious, and readers will share his amazement when he makes his exciting discovery.
Once again, Radius has a mission in Sir Cumference and the Great Knight of Angleland. This time, his attempts to earn his knighthood lead him through a circular castle maze that requires an understanding of angles and degrees to navigate successfully. This latest title includes a laminated protractor for kids to use in their own explorations.
The books feature imaginative illustrations as well as large, clear diagrams that support the geometry "lessons." These are not chapter books — illustrations take up the most room on many of their 32 pages. The reading level is most appropriate for children in third and fourth grade, but the math content can be valuable for kids aged seven to 10.
Because the books mix historical events with fantasy elements, parents might want to explain that although King Arthur was real, the other characters in the book are fictional. However, math concepts are taught in an imaginative and inspired manner — one that is sure to captivate young readers and amuse their parents as well. Best of all, the creative story lines and enthusiastic characters make it unlikely that children will forget what they have learned.
