SIR CUMFERENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES
Author: Cindy Neuschwander
Illustrator: Wayne Geehan
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Number of pages: 32
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing (USA) First published in: 2024 Format: Picturebook Is the mathematical focus explicit in the story? Yes Is this story part of a mathematics story series? Yes (Sir Cumference and Charlesbridge's Math Adventure) Preview and/or purchase this book on the Amazon websites: UK, USA, AUS, IND, CAN Synopsis by the author/publisher
While on horseback, Sir Cumference hears news about an impending snow siege from a young countryman named Volomo Longitudo Latitudo Altitudo. Volomo invites Sir Cumference in and shows him a nifty method for storing grains so that the harvest is easily countable and stackable. At the castle, Sir Cumference and Lady Di open their doors for people to seek shelter during the blizzard. But when they run out of food, Sir Cumference and Lady Di must use Volomo's method to measure how much grain they need to feed everyone. This thirteenth book in the Sir Cumference series teaches solid math skills with clever problem-solving. |
“"It holds 4 rows of 3 boxes stacked 3 layers high," puffed Sir Cumference as he loaded in the last box. "36 altogether." "We have 80 foot-cubes in the sledge, 18 in the cart, and 36 in the table. That's 134 foot-cubes of food," said Lady Di quickly. Snowflakes began to swirl.”
Official review by MathsThroughStories.org:
Cindy Neuschwander’s 'Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes' (2024) is a brilliant new addition to the Sir Cumference series, delivering both mathematical insight and a gripping narrative. In this thirteenth instalment, Sir Cumference and Lady Di must prepare for a multi-day blizzard that threatens to trap the entire community. With 150 additional people seeking refuge in the castle, their food supply dwindles, and they turn to Volomo, a young countryman, for help. Alongside this adventure, readers are introduced to the mathematical concept of volume, with Volomo’s clever storage methods teaching how to calculate the space inside three-dimensional shapes. One of the key strengths of this story is how effortlessly Neuschwander blends the concept of volume into the action. As Volomo stacks his foot-cubes, the reader learns how to multiply the length, width, and height of cubes and rectangular prisms to calculate volume. This real-world application of mathematics makes the lesson both accessible and practical, showing how essential geometry can be when solving problems in daily life. Wayne Geehan’s illustrations amplify this experience, especially the detailed depictions of the grain-filled foot-cubes neatly stacked in rows. His artwork not only supports the mathematical concept but also adds vibrancy to the wintery, medieval setting. Whether it is the arrangement of Volomo’s grain boxes or the snow-covered landscapes, Geehan’s artwork ensures the book is as visually engaging as it is educational. ‘Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes’ is ideal for children aged 9+ years old who are learning about volume or who enjoy fun, adventurous stories that blend learning with action. Neuschwander and Geehan have once again created a story that speaks volumes about how effective storytelling can make maths lessons come alive. (Disclaimer: We received a complimentary inspection copy of this book from the publisher/author.)
Recommended age range:
9+ years old
Relevant mathematics topics:
3D Shapes, Mass, Volume & Capacity
Possible teaching activities:
At MathsThroughStories.org, we believe that stories can be meaningfully incorporated in mathematics teaching in different ways. Thus, we are inviting you to share your experience of how you have used this story in your mathematics lesson with other members of the community. By sharing your experience with us, you will be added to our team of On-line Contributors here, where you can also find our submission guideline.
Cindy Neuschwander’s 'Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes' (2024) is a brilliant new addition to the Sir Cumference series, delivering both mathematical insight and a gripping narrative. In this thirteenth instalment, Sir Cumference and Lady Di must prepare for a multi-day blizzard that threatens to trap the entire community. With 150 additional people seeking refuge in the castle, their food supply dwindles, and they turn to Volomo, a young countryman, for help. Alongside this adventure, readers are introduced to the mathematical concept of volume, with Volomo’s clever storage methods teaching how to calculate the space inside three-dimensional shapes. One of the key strengths of this story is how effortlessly Neuschwander blends the concept of volume into the action. As Volomo stacks his foot-cubes, the reader learns how to multiply the length, width, and height of cubes and rectangular prisms to calculate volume. This real-world application of mathematics makes the lesson both accessible and practical, showing how essential geometry can be when solving problems in daily life. Wayne Geehan’s illustrations amplify this experience, especially the detailed depictions of the grain-filled foot-cubes neatly stacked in rows. His artwork not only supports the mathematical concept but also adds vibrancy to the wintery, medieval setting. Whether it is the arrangement of Volomo’s grain boxes or the snow-covered landscapes, Geehan’s artwork ensures the book is as visually engaging as it is educational. ‘Sir Cumference Speaks Volumes’ is ideal for children aged 9+ years old who are learning about volume or who enjoy fun, adventurous stories that blend learning with action. Neuschwander and Geehan have once again created a story that speaks volumes about how effective storytelling can make maths lessons come alive. (Disclaimer: We received a complimentary inspection copy of this book from the publisher/author.)
Recommended age range:
9+ years old
Relevant mathematics topics:
3D Shapes, Mass, Volume & Capacity
Possible teaching activities:
At MathsThroughStories.org, we believe that stories can be meaningfully incorporated in mathematics teaching in different ways. Thus, we are inviting you to share your experience of how you have used this story in your mathematics lesson with other members of the community. By sharing your experience with us, you will be added to our team of On-line Contributors here, where you can also find our submission guideline.
