A Very Improbable Story
by Edward Einhorn
Illustrated by Adam Gustavson
ISBN: 1570918716
from Charlesbridge Press
A picture book teaching probability. The author is also
available for school visits.
http://www.charlesbridge.com/productdetails.cfm?PC=4733
DESCRIPTION:
Ethan wakes up one morning to find a very strange cat stuck
on his head. The cat, Odds, refuses to budge until Ethan
wins a game of probability. Without looking, Ethan must pick
out a dime from his coin collection or two matching socks
from his dresser, or do something else improbable. If he
doesn't, Odds is there to stay, and Ethan has a 100% chance
of missing his big soccer game.
A very improbable story about a challenging math concept.
REVIEWS:
Gustavson's oil paintings highlight the improbability of
Ethan's situation--his attempts to remove Odds, and failing
that, to conceal him, will have readers in stiches. Each of
Ethan and Odds facial expressions speaks volumes... this is
solid math that also teaches children about its
applicability in the wider world.
-KIRKUS
Will Ethan beat Odds at his game before leaving for the big
soccer game? Tension mounts as choosing socks, sorting
marbles, or arranging bits of "Oatie-Woofs" breakfast cereal
create a series of probability challenges before Ethan
finally rids himself of the animal-just in time to figure
out the odds of his best soccer scoring possibilities. With
a final nod to probability masters Blaise Pascal and Pierre
de Fermat, this slim volume introduces a math concept with a
flourish of humor and embarrassing, talkative headgear.
Full-page oil illustrations accentuate both the actions and
expressions of Ethan's improbable morning as Odds the Cat
dominates on his head or in shadow. A marvelous teaching
tool and an entertaining story.
-SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
This picture book for older children introduces the idea of
probability using a funny, fantastical premise: A boy named
Ethan wakes up with a talking cat on the top of his head ...
Einhorn moves this math lesson quickly along, spurring it
with Ethan's oft-repeated need to get to his soccer game
within the hour--and without the cat. Gustavson's appealing
oil paintings, which depict Ethan and his little sister in
all their befuddled wonder, match well with Einhorn's quirky
text and premise. They are full of energy, odd angles, and
offbeat perspectives, and kids will want to give them more
than a passing glance.
-BOOKLIST
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