ofloveandlayovers's review against another edition

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adventurous informative slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

allicatca's review against another edition

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4.0

4 stars or in binary: 100. ;)

This book has nice illustrations and a fun story which results in an explanation of why the main character was chosen to be the "thinker" of the kingdom.

I guess my least favorite part was when the author suggested Bhagat could wiggle the second golden ring from the first. Well, if he could do that, then why did the boy need to pay anyone to break any rings?

Other than that, the book was cute and gives a great math lesson!

kelinelle's review against another edition

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5.0

Great lessons in both math and music. (I had to think and learn while reading too!)

emilymyhren's review against another edition

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reflective

3.5

msgabbythelibrarian's review against another edition

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3.0

I feel in love with Rajani LaRocca and her debut middle grade book, Midsummer's Mayhem. (Y'all know how much I loved it.) So when I heard a picture book was headed for publication, color me intrigued!

Books that tackle math and computing concepts are in high demand these days (as much as this non-math brain hates to admit it.) While the binary was slightly over my head, I appreciate Rajani's explanation and the way she made this tale such fun. The color palate is ALIVE and VIBRANT. I loved the tale of how to make something stretch and get the "most bang for your buck!"

So why three stars? It is merely a preference thing.

jaystor's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

angkunkel's review against another edition

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5.0

This book hits so many of the curricular connections teachers so often look for! Music, math, and all from a carefully crafted story that reads like a fairy tale, with a culturally rich perspective.

A music-loving rajah, disinterested in the finer details of running his kingdom, neglects to provide his subjects with enough to eat. Bhagat, a talented singer and thinker, works long days with his Amma, and hopes that his gift of song will be a way out of poverty. On his journey to audition for the rajah, however, Bhagat's other strengths are revealed as he carefully budget the seven golden rings his Amma gave him for his travels.

Students will explore the mathematical concepts of division and binary numbers, all while soaking up absolutely stunning illustrations that portray the rich colors and cityscapes of India. And the ending? Let's just say it sings.

julieartz's review against another edition

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5.0

This clever story feels like a classic parable with plenty of math learning and a logic puzzle the whole family will enjoy!

libraryrobin's review against another edition

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4.0

An excellent cross-curricular story. Would make a thought-provoking lesson to present the problem of dividing the rings as in the story, have the students try to figure out the best answer, then read the story for the solution.

lara_lleverino's review against another edition

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4.0

Excellent picture book that introduces the concepts of place value and base ten number systems.