Multiplying Menace

by Pam Calvert Published by Charlesbridge Publishing, 2006

Rumplestiltskin is back! The Queen discovered his name 10 years ago and sent him packing. But like the bad fairy at Sleeping Beauty's christening, he has appeared at Prince Peters 10th birthday, and he wants Peter to repay the debt. He causes chaos with his multiplying stick, so for the sake of the kingdom, Peter agrees to go with him. Back at Rumplestiltskin's cottage, Peter discovers the secret of the stick and how to use it. He needs to multiply by whole numbers to bring back people and objects that have disappeared, and by fractions to remove the large numbers of pests Rumplestiltskin has created. But can he beat Rumplestiltskin and return the kingdom to normal?

This is a maths fairy story in picture book format. It would be a fun book to use with more senior primary classes when looking at either multiplication or alternative fairy stories. See also the Activity Guide produced by the publishers.

Reviewed by Heather