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THE WARLORD'S BEADS
​Author: Virginia Pilegard 
​Illustrator: Nicolas Debon

Number of pages: 32
Publisher: Pelican Publishing (USA)
First published in: 2001
Format: Picturebook

Is the mathematical focus explicit in the story? Yes
Is this story part of a mathematics story series? Yes (The Warlord series)

Preview and/or purchase this book on the Amazon websites: UK, USA, AUS, CAN

Synopsis by the author/publisher
Chuan knew he was very fortunate to live in the palace of a powerful Chinese warlord. Surrounded by exotic beauty and plenty, the little peasant boy had everything he needed for happiness, but he sensed his honorable father was worried -- very worried. The generous but impatient warlord trusted only Chuan's father to count his many treasures. Shining bronze coins, elegant jade statues, valuable jewels, and spices of all kinds found their way into the counting room for Father to inventory, but with almost constant interruptions, he kept losing his place! When the totals vary each day, the warlord begins to suspect that poor Father is a thief, but Chuan knows better.​

“"Take off your shoes," Father said. "Each toe can stand for one hundred. Then you can use your fingers to count more piles of ten."”

Official review by MathsThroughStories.org:
Coming soon!
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​Recommended age range: 
7 years old + 

Relevant mathematics topics: 
Place Value​
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​Possible teaching activities:
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