Mummy Math: An Adventure in Geometry » (Reprint)

Cindy Neuschwander is the author of the Sir Cumference series, and she is also a third-grade teacher. Although she has never been trapped inside a pyramid, she has explored some in Egypt. Ms. Neuschwander lives with her family in Northern California. You can visit her on the web at www.cneuschwander.com.

Bryan Langdo is the illustrator of several books for young readers. He is a big fan of mummy movies and lives in New Jersey with his wife. Visit Bryan Langdo at his website: www.bryanlangdo.com.

Together, Ms. Neuschwander and Mr. Lango have created three Adventures in Math picture books for Henry Holt. Patterns in Peru was published in Spring 2007, and Pastry School in Paris will be out in Spring 2009.

Matt and Bibi use math to escape from a pharaoh’s tomb!

Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. - Children's Literature

Matt and Bibi's parents, famous scientists, were invited to Egypt to help find a mummy in an ancient tomb. Bibi fortunately studied hieroglyphics in preparation for the trip. An archeologist greeted the family upon arrival at the historic site and told them that the tomb was a complete mystery. The burial chamber could not be found. As their parents were preparing for the exploration, Matt, Bibi, and Riley (their dog) crawled through a tiny opening in the pyramid. A door closed behind them. Now they were dependent on their knowledge of geometric shapes to solve they puzzle of the missing tomb and find their way out. They discovered pictures of cones, spheres, cubes, cylinders, pyramids, tetrahedrons, and prisms painted on the walls. Messages written in hieroglyphics provided clues. The twins successfully maneuvered their way into the tomb. They expressed excitement when they saw the treasures in the anteroom and then found the coffin with the mummy and burial mask in place. A map in the coffin lid provided showed the way out. A note at the end of the book provides suggested learning activities for teachers and parents to use with children. Large, colorful illustrations portray symbols and structures associated with ancient Egypt. A good introduction to solid geometry in an interesting context. 2005, Henry Holt and Company, Ages 8 to 11.