A Place for Zero (Charlesbridge Math Adventures)
(July 1, 2003)
As a teacher working every day with concepts as digits and place value, I was interested to see how A Place for Zero would go about teaching children the greater meaning of the number zero. I was not disappointed. With its simple story combined with colorful illustrations, it is easy to follow and grasp the more advanced mathematics being introduced to children.
Zero lives in the kingdom of Digitaria, “where every number knows its place.” That is, every number except Zero, who cannot add himself to other numbers like everyone else. When he goes to the wise old Count Infinity to discover his purpose, they discover that he can add the number one to himself to get another one. Zero is pleased to know that he can now add, but feels it’s not enough. Zero goes to King Multiplus and asks to be multiplied with another number. The King obliges and everyone is awed to see that multiplying Zero with a number gets another zero! As more uses for Zero are revealed, Zero now means more than nothing.
The illustrations feature numbers and mathematical symbols with human characteristics. These characteristics give children a more concrete understanding of numbers, as the numbers are being represented as live entities. With such bold illustrations, children are able to see how numbers work together and are more likely to remember how each concept works.
This story is aimed towards children who are learning multiplication and larger numbers, as well as discovering their own unique talents. Younger children may enjoy the story, but not fully understand its meaning. In addition the language is also more advanced, using words like “enormous” instead of “big,” which expand a young child’s vocabulary. Lastly, the book keeps parents and teacher entertained with many hidden puns and creative character names.
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