Place Value Storybook | Place Value: 3 Booklist

Place Value:
By David A Adler

Place Value by David A. Adler, illustrated by Edward Miller, is a lively and accessible picture book that introduces young readers to the concept of place value using a group of playful cooking monkeys. The story cleverly compares the way letters form words to how digits form numbers, helping children understand that just as rearranging letters changes the meaning of a word, moving digits to different places changes a number’s value.

Throughout the book, the monkeys bake a colossal banana cupcake, using real-life examples like the difference between 216 eggs and 621 eggs to illustrate the importance of digit placement. Adler uses easy-to-follow charts, clear explanations, and humorous illustrations to break down the concept of ones, tens, hundreds, and even numbers into the trillions. The book also covers related topics such as the use of commas in large numbers, the decimal point, and a brief history of the Hindu-Arabic number system.

Praised for its simple language and engaging visuals, Place Value provides a strong introduction to an essential math concept for children ages 5–8. The book is especially effective when paired with adult guidance and can be used in classrooms or at home to support math learning through fun, hands-on activities inspired by the story.

Author: David A. Adler

David A. Adler is a prolific American author best known for his contributions to children’s literature, with over 265 books to his name, including the beloved Cam Jansen mystery series, the "Picture Book of..." biography series, and numerous acclaimed works on math and science. Born in New York City in 1947, Adler began his career as a mathematics teacher before transitioning to writing, drawing inspiration from his experiences in the classroom and from his family. His approachable style and ability to explain complex topics in simple, engaging ways have made his books popular with young readers and educators alike. Adler has received several awards for his work, including the Theodor Seuss Geisel Medal, and continues to write from his home in Woodmere, New York

Book Details:

Publisher: words & pictures
Format: Hardback
Print length: 96 pages
Dimensions: 24.77 x 1.27 x 29.21 cm
Reading age: 8 - 11 years old
Published: 29 Aug. 2023
ISBN: 978-0711279575

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Place Value: 3

What are some unique ways the book uses humour to teach math concepts?

Place Value by David A. Adler uses humour in several unique ways to make math concepts engaging and memorable for young readers. The story features a group of mischievous monkeys attempting to bake an enormous banana cupcake, and their silly antics-like mixing up the number of eggs or bananas needed-highlight the importance of getting place value right. The playful, cartoon-like illustrations add to the fun, showing the monkeys in exaggerated situations that would only happen if someone misunderstood ones, tens, and hundreds. For example, the difference between 216 eggs and 621 eggs is humorously depicted, making the consequences of place value mistakes both clear and entertaining. Adler also uses clever wordplay, comparing how rearranging letters changes a word’s meaning to how moving digits changes a number’s value, all while keeping the tone light and accessible. These humorous elements help demystify a tricky math concept and keep kids laughing as they learn.

What role do the place-value charts play in the story?

In Place Value by David A. Adler, place-value charts are a central visual tool that help children understand how the position of each digit in a number determines its value. The charts are used repeatedly throughout the story, with individual digits highlighted in red to draw attention to the specific place being discussed, such as ones, tens, hundreds, and even places to the right of the decimal point. This visual emphasis makes it easier for young readers to see how numbers are structured and why the order of digits matters so much in math.

As the group of monkeys in the story attempts to bake a colossal banana cupcake, the place-value charts are used to demonstrate the practical consequences of mixing up digits. For example, the difference between 216 eggs and 621 eggs is clearly shown on the chart, making the abstract concept of place value concrete and relatable. The charts also help clarify the use of commas in large numbers, the decimal point, and how money is notated, further connecting the math concept to real-life examples.

Overall, the place-value charts serve as an anchor for the book’s explanations, supporting Adler’s clear and simple language. They provide a reference point that students can return to as they encounter new numbers and operations, reinforcing the structure of our number system and making the learning experience both interactive and memorable.