
Reach for this book when your child is transitioning from basic addition to the more complex world of multiplication and needs to understand the 'why' behind the math. It is perfect for the student who loves to count but is starting to feel overwhelmed by large groups of objects. Amanda Bean is a girl who prides herself on her counting skills but resists learning multiplication, until a vibrant and surreal dream shows her that counting one by one simply takes too long. This story beautifully captures the shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset, celebrating the moment a child realizes that a new tool can unlock a faster way to explore their interests. It is ideal for children aged 6 to 9 who are building their mathematical confidence. Through humor and imagination, it reassures children that learning new skills is not about replacing what they know, but about adding more power to their natural curiosity.
The book is entirely secular and safe. It deals metaphorically with the anxiety of moving from a mastered skill (addition) to a new, intimidating one (multiplication). The resolution is hopeful and empowering.
A second or third grader who is a 'perfectionist' about their schoolwork. This child likely excels at what they already know but is hesitant to try new methods because they fear losing their mastery.
This book can be read cold. Parents may want to pause on the dream sequences to look at the illustrations, as they are designed for the reader to practice the multiplication groups shown on the page. A parent might notice their child spending an exhausting amount of time on a simple task, or hearing their child say, 'I already know how to do it my way,' when introduced to a new concept.
Six-year-olds will enjoy the whimsical illustrations and the challenge of counting the items. Eight and nine-year-olds will better grasp the 'groups of' concept and the satirical nature of the dream.
Unlike many dry math-concept books, this utilizes a 'dream logic' narrative that makes the math feel like part of a fantasy adventure rather than a classroom lecture. It also includes a detailed 'Note to Parents' by Marilyn Burns which provides concrete activities.
Amanda Bean is a dedicated counter who tallies everything from lamp posts to people at the bus stop. While her teacher emphasizes multiplication, Amanda sticks to her trusty addition. A vivid dream featuring 8 groups of 7 sheep on bicycles and grandmas knitting sweaters with many buttons forces Amanda to realize that skip-counting and multiplication are necessary for efficiency. She wakes up eager to learn 'the fast way.'
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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