About This Book
Reach for this book when your child struggles with the 'I know everything' phase or find it difficult to admit they made a mistake. This clever mathematical folktale follows a proud King in ancient India who insists on rewarding a wise man for his service. To teach the King a lesson in humility, the wise man asks for a single grain of rice on the first square of a chessboard, to be doubled every day. What begins as a seemingly tiny request quickly spirals into a kingdom-altering consequence. It is an ideal pick for ages 5 to 10, blending a cautionary tale about ego with a mind-blowing introduction to exponential growth. Parents will appreciate how it models the importance of listening to others and the courage required to say 'I was wrong' before a small problem becomes an unstoppable force.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book is secular and deals with pride and social hierarchy. There are no heavy themes like death or trauma. The resolution is hopeful and focuses on the King's intellectual and emotional growth.
