Millions to Measure (Library Binding)

by David M. Schwartz (Author), Steven Kellogg (Illustrator) "There are millions of things-and many ways-to measure..." (more)
Key Phrases: metric system

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-5-The creators of How Much Is a Million? (1985) and If You Made a Million (1989, both Lothrop) bring forth another great resource in this book about weights and measures. Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician returns, this time to teach kids about how measurement was developed many years ago, and was first based on feet. The book traces the development of standard units of measure for distance, weight, and volume, then describes the development of the metric system in the late 1700s. A three-page appendix offers more in-depth information about the metric system. Kellogg's trademark whimsical illustrations clarify the concepts presented. As in the previous books, Schwartz presents them in a logical, step-by-step progression, with plenty of examples to provide practical context. The text is clear and brief enough for classroom presentation. This book is sure to join its predecessors as a staple.
Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
*Starred Review* Gr. 1-4. Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician, who made his first appearance in How Much Is a Million? (1985), returns just in time to explain the history of measurement to four curious children (and a dog). Beginning in prehistoric times and making his way to the present (with its current uneasy mixture of adherence and resistance to the metric system), Schwartz not only manages to impart a good deal of basic information about linear, weight, and volume measurements but also entertains the reader. He receives ample support from illustrator Kellogg, who contributes enough merry madness to make learning fun. Bright with shining colors, the large, detailed pictures brim with action and humor as well as history and math. Word balloons allow the characters to become good supporting actors who comment on the action, offer comic relief, and occasionally set up Marvelosissimo with a pertinent question. On the last three illustration-free pages, Schwartz offers a straightforward presentation on the metric system for older children. His tips on learning to "think metric" may be helpful to teachers as well. The froth of fun that lightens this book's educational intent may help American children absorb their centimeters and kilometers with relative ease. In fact, the more generous among them may want to share this book with their metrically challenged parents. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Library Binding: 40 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (March 18, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006623784X
• ISBN-13: 978-0066237848
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 10.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,645,975 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Measuring Made Easy and Fun....., May 21, 2003

By	Roz Levine (Virginia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Millions to Measure (Hardcover)

"There are millions of things-and many ways-to measure. Let's fly back in time and see how people measured many years ago..." Marvelosissimo the Magician's takes the reader from prehistoric times to the present on an entertaining and informative tour of measurement. Author, David Schwartz's engaging text, written in an easy to read, conversational style, tells the story of length, weight, and volume, and is rich in history, fun facts, and trivia. Illustrator, Steven Kellogg's cartoon-like artwork is bright and playful and each busy page is filled with humor, eye-catching, expressive detail, and clever asides. Youngsters will revel in all the easy to understand, measuring fun. A terrific explanation of the metric system concludes this little gem of a picture book, and both students and teachers will find hours of fun practicing and using the concepts they learn here.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent childrens book on measurement, December 18, 2006

By	Paul Armstrong (Mountain View, CA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Millions to Measure (Hardcover)

We recently got "Millions to Measure" for our daughter and it's a wonderful introduction to measuring systems and how they've progressed over time.
If you've got a small child and want to introduce them to measuring systems, I highly recommend this book.