Anno's Mysterious Multiplying Jar

This picture book is easy to read, and presents two math concepts: the first is counting to ten. The second is factorials: If there are three kingdoms in two countries on one island, then how many kingdoms are there altogether? Imagining some of the silly scenes (there are how many cupboards in how many rooms?) is a delight. This book -- or at least the last half of it -- is best for kids who have been introduced to at least basic multiplication facts, but younger kids will enjoy counting and looking at the pictures even if the rest of it is over their heads. It is, therefore, a great book to read to your middle/upper-elementary student while younger siblings are looking on.

I start my unit on counting principle with this book. I give the students a worksheet to keep track of how many islands, rooms etc. there are. The final question is how many jars are there. I usually have 3 or 4 students who catch on to the factorial concept and find the pattern. These are the ones telling me to read slower!!! It's exciting for students to see the math unfold in the second half of the book... after the story is over and they can begin counting little red dots (jars).

I teach third grade. Every year I use this book with my multiplication unit. The kids love it, and my TAG students are always challenged by the concept.

This book is an amazing way to teach the math concept "factorial" to even very young children. Anno begins with a jar, which contains 1 island, which has 2 countries, each of which has 3 mountains. The story continues like this until 10 is reached. I love the way the pictures are arranged within borders on the page as many times as that of the number of objects being discussed. The explanation of 10! in the back of the book is also very helpful in the lesson being taught. Even if children do not understand the concept being taught, they will certainly appreciate the detailed colored drawings and imaginative story! Lots of praise to Masaichiro & Mitsumasa Anno for their creation.

The world needs many more books with the charm, simplicity and depth of this one. If I had to choose just two books to read to a sensitive child with an inquisitive mind, this would be one. The other would be "No One Walks on My Father's Moon".