The Multiplying Menace Divides

March 1, 2011

Gr 2-4-While this sequel to The Multiplying Menace: The Revenge of Rumplestiltskin (Charlesbridge, 2006) can stand on its own, numerous references to the previous title may occasionally prove confusing. In this book, young Prince Peter notices peculiar things as he searches for his dog, Zero. Five out of 10 cows in a field have been turned into frogs, 2 out of 8 children are now also frogs, etc. Peter arrives at the palace to find his own father in a similar state. Although he fears that his old enemy, Rumpelstiltskin, is at work, his mother believes that Matilda the witch is responsible. Peter tracks her to a cave in the swamp to find that she is in league with Rumpelstiltskin, who now possesses a magic dividing stick. As the story progresses, facts about how division works are woven into the plot, as well as what happens when one divides by fractions. Children already familiar with these concepts will grasp what's going on, but those who have not yet been introduced to them will not be enlightened. Geehan's painterly illustrations, done in acrylic and pen-and-ink, are dominated by a rather murky green, but do add flashes of humor. This book may be useful for teachers wishing to introduce the math concept, but it is unlikely to attract those looking for a good story.-Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ

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