Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! One of my fondest memories is of going to Coney Island – the famous beach in Brooklyn, New York. I’d build sandcastles as the water lapped at my creation, eat hot dogs from Nathan’s, slathered with mustard, and skip along the boardwalk, hoping my parents would buy me a cone filled with soft-serve ice cream – vanilla, of course! But one of the things I loved best of all was when I got a chance to ride the carousel. Round and round we’d go…my gallant steed bringing me ever so close to the machine that dispensed brass rings. If you were able to grab one, you got a free ride! I’d stretch out my arm, lean as far as I could, and…usually miss. But I can guarantee that if you grab today’s selection at your favorite indie bookstore, you will definitely be a winner – of SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS!
SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS
Written by Rajani LaRocca
Illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan
Published by Lee and Low Books (2020)
Ages: 5-8
Themes: Indian folktale, ingenuity, math
Synopsis: From Amazon
In this clever, convivial picture book, an Indian boy untangles a mathematical conundrum to win a place at the Rajah’s court.
In ancient India, a boy named Bhagat travels to the Rajah’s city, hoping to ensure his family’s prosperity by winning a place at court as a singer. Bhagat carries his family’s entire fortune–a single coin and a chain of seven golden rings–to pay for his lodging. But when the innkeeper demands one ring per night, and every link snipped costs one coin, how can Bhagat both break the chain and avoid overpaying? His inventive solution points the way to an unexpected triumph, and offers readers a friendly lesson in binary numbers–the root of all computing.
Why I love this book:
- I love when old stores are made new.
- My favorite stories when I was a child were folktales – I wish I knew where my copy of Baba Yaga was…it probably fell apart from overuse.
- The illustrations are fabulous…rich and vibrant (and we’ll be meeting illustrator Archana Sreenivasan next week on Will Write/Illustrate for Cookies.
- The text is filled with heart and humor (and never fear – we’ll also get to chat with author Rajani LaRocca) – and also cleverly incorporates a math lesson.
RELATED ACTIVITIES
Photo courtesy: https://www.craftykidsathome.com
Paper plate gold rings
For detailed instructions: https://www.craftykidsathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/goldrings2.jpg
These rings are made with paper plates and, according to the directions, the plate is painted with gold paint and then the various baubles glued or tied on. For a less involved project with younger children, you can glue the baubles onto the plate ring and then sprinkle gold glitter over all of it. Be sure to work with newspaper or other protective coverings on your tables, chairs, floor – or glue and glitter will be EVERYWHERE. But oh, what fun!
The book launches on October 20th – but you can preorder it on Bookstop, Amazon, or at any of your local indie bookstores. Please support your favorite authors and review their books, share on social media, and ask your library to purchase a copy for their collection.
And don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway of a copy of SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS, thanks to author Rajani LaRocca! Why not share about your favorite amusement park ride.
For more picture book reviews and activities for the kids, please visit Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend – please stay safe and well.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I love using math themed picture books in my classroom. I love this this story has a diverse element as well. I look forward to reading this story.
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Your book looks like a beautiful story. Myself – me favorite ride is on a carousel.
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This story looks wonderful. As a teacher I loo e books with cross curriculum connections. Hmm as for favorite ride…I’d have to go with The Scrambler!
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Maybe if I had had engaging math-themed books like SEVEN GOLDEN RINGS as a child I would not have had such an aversion to the subject.
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Sounds like a fun book for kids. And I love the craft. Yes, kids — and older people love glitter. When our senior center was open (pre corona virus) I conducted crafts with the seniors and they loved glitter! I think my favorite rides were the carousel and the Ferris wheel. I don’t remember there being any ring to grab hold of, though.
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The book looks great! I’m not much for rides, so I’ll choose the sky cars so you can just sit and enjoy the view.
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This sounds so enchanting! I love these kinds of books – math, a puzzle, folktale and with gorgeous illustrations and humor! Can’t wait! I’ve had my 👀 on this one for a while!
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I am excited to read this gorgeous book ever since the author announced it in her newsletter. My favorite rides are rollercoasters and Ferris wheels.
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I am always interested in books about India, because we adopted a son from there. Such a rich and beautiful culture with a lot of folklore to share. I also read many folklores as a kid — think they were popular in the late 1950s.
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I love roller coasters!
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Folktales are the best! And one that incorporates math? Even better! Looks like a keeper 🙂
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I cannot wait to read this book! More math, used in a fun way, more better!! Cheers!
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I had the pleasure of meeting Rajani at #nErDCampLI and my students love her book Midsummer’s Mayhem! Thanks for a great description of the book and for sharing a great activity!
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Vivian, I love those 7- gold rings activities! Fun review, too.
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I wish I were still teaching so that I could try out these activities with ids!
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Love the craft and I’m really looking forward to Seven Golden Rings!
As for my favorite amusement park ride, probably Star Tours at Disneyland. I especially love that it’s a ride that doesn’t really move but you get to go all over. Kind of like taking a trip to far off places in books!
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Love when math is woven into and a natural part of a story and love folk tales, too. So, I’m really looking forward to this one! My favorite rides were always the old wooden roller coasters. Whee!
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I think that if I’d had books like this while growing up, I wouldn’t be so math-phobic. Can’t wait to read this.
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What a fun story! I can’t wait to read it. Binary numbers! Wow! I’ve always loved the ferris wheel for the views and the merry-go-round for the horses. Thanks for sharing with us. 🙂
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What a wonderful story — can’t wait to read! Wishing you all the best!
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Can’t wait to share with my grandson. He loves math and will love helping Bhagat solve his problem.
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