The Case of the Smart Dummy (Mathnet Casebook) [Hardcover]

David D. Connell (Author), Jim Thurman (Author), Danny O'Leary (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1995 | ISBN-10: 071676556X | ISBN-13: 978-0716765561

Using clues derived from mathematical knowledge, Mathnet detectives Pat Tuesday and George Frankly solve a case involving a ventriloquist's stolen dummy and a suitcase filled with counterfeit money.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-8?Two pun-filled cases based on the Square One television series. In Weekend, the Mathnet detectives are invited to participate in a murder-mystery overnight. When their fellow guests begin disappearing, it seems at first to be part of the play. Then the Mathnetters discover that they are at the wrong house and realize that a real crime is taking place. The Smart Dummy, Charlie, belongs to a ventriloquist who has gone into shock over the loss of his second puppet. Its case was apparently switched for a suitcase containing one million dollars in counterfeit money. The human performer refuses to talk, so the detectives must communicate with Charlie to recover the missing dummy and apprehend the criminals. Both cases require the use of mathematical logic. The clues are well presented and the solution process is clearly explained. The writing style perfectly mirrors the old Dragnet shows, complete with DUM DE DUM DUM to mark climactic points! Many of the punning references are beyond the intended audience, but the broad humor and mock-serious dialogue will appeal to many readers. Teachers will appreciate the math angle in the stories and the related puzzles at the end of each book.?Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 53 pages
• Publisher: W H Freeman & Co (Sd) (April 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 071676556X
• ISBN-13: 978-0716765561
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,412,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An ideal book for young readers, January 2, 2001

By 

Charles Ashbacher (Marion, Iowa United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Case of the Smart Dummy (Mathnet Casebook) (Hardcover)

The jokes fly fast and furious in this case where a suitcase containing a dummy is switched for one full of loot. The dummy, Charlie McShtick and the ventriloquist, Edgar Bergman are the central characters as Mathnet detectives George Frankly and Pat Tuesday use mathematics to solve a series of crimes. The mathematics used is that of a connected graph where the graph tour is used to prove innocence and point out the potentially guilty parties. Of course, the villain has the last name Snerd.
My oldest boy who is now ten enjoyed the book immensely. He liked the story line and how the mystery was solved. The only problem was that the jokes about Edgar Bergan and his ventriloquist dummies referenced events before his time.
This book is a true treasure in that children can solve a mystery, laugh at the jokes and learn mathematics all at the same time. I also laughed and groaned my way through it.

5.0 out of 5 stars great rmaterial that combines math and reading, February 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Case of the Smart Dummy (Mathnet Casebook) (Hardcover)

I am coordinating a Math Event at our school. I am very interested in presenting the Mathnet series books to our 3-4th grade readers and their parents. Is there any way these and books like them are available for parents to buy? I understand that they seem to be out of print. I think they are a fantastic way to have children who enjoy reading to encorporate math skills as well.