Most people think of mathematicians as solitary, working away in isolation. And, it's true, many of them do. But Paul Erdos never followed the usual path. At the age of four, he could ask you when you were born and then calculate the number of seconds you had been alive in his head. But he didn't learn to butter his own bread until he turned twenty. Instead, he traveled around the world, from one mathematician to the next, collaborating on an astonishing number of publications. With a simple, lyrical text and richly layered illustrations, this is a beautiful introduction to the world of math and a fascinating look at the unique character traits that made Uncle Paul a great man.
AKirkus ReviewsBest Book of 2013 ANew York Times Book ReviewNotable Children's Book of 2013
He never learned to tie his shoes or do his own laundry, but he became a brilliant and beloved mathematician.
Erdos's unconventional brilliance shines through on every page, and extensive author and illustrator notes (including Pham's explanations of the mathematical concepts she works into each illustration) will delight readers with even a fraction of Erdos's interest in math. Publishers Weekly, starred review
*An exuberant and admiring portrait introduces the odd, marvelously nerdy, way cool Hungarian-born itinerant mathematical genius. Kirkus Reviews, starred review
An infinitely creative and entertaining book. The Horn Book
Pair this with Don Brown's Odd Boy Out (BCCB 10/04) to compare genius eccentricities, or hand it to middle-grade lovers of math puzzles--opened to the notes. BCCB
Deborah Heiligmanhas written numerous books for young readers, includingCharles and Emma:The Darwins' Leap of Faith,a National Book Award finalist. She lives in New York City.
LeUyen Phamhas illustrated dozens of books for kids, includingGod's Dreamby Archbishop Desmond Tutu,FrecklefaclăN
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