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by Sue Looney (Author)
Farzanah and the 17 Camels is a beloved puzzle turned into a children's book. It's a magical adventure involving a clever girl, a tricky problem to solve, and a lot of determination. Also camels, carpets, and bustling bazaars on the ancient Silk Road. Children ages five and up and anyone young at heart can enjoy the book for its beautiful story, cultural connections, and rich opportunities to explore mathematics.
I'm Sue Looney, and I'm thrilled to introduce you to my latest character, Farzanah. Perched atop a pile of beautifully woven carpets with a look of satisfaction, Farzanah inspires readers to love math challenges and find joy in solving puzzles. She exemplifies what it means to be a patient problem solver. My hope is that young children will see themselves in Farzanah and find inspiration in her story.
Farzanah embodies the joy of productive struggle in mathematical problem-solving. She is patient, persistent, and curious, using these qualities to tackle a perplexing dilemma that has troubled everyone. Through her journey, Farzanah models the problem using stones, ponders different approaches, takes breaks, and wrestles with the problem over time.
Farzanah and the 17 Camels celebrates this excitement and the rewards of solving a challenging and intriguing math problem. Set against the backdrop of the ancient Silk Road, with bustling markets, stunning carpets, and camels, the story draws readers into the magic of Farzanah's surroundings.
Each scene invites readers to appreciate historical and cultural contexts, to predict what might come next, and to engage with the mathematical challenge alongside Farzanah. The characters add depth to the story, providing joy and some silliness along the way. Readers are sure to enjoy the rich tapestry shown through beautiful illustrations, as they cheer on Farzanah in her quest for a solution.
