Starred Review ALA Booklist (Sat Feb 01 00:00:00 CST 2003)

Starred Review Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician, who made his first appearance in How Much Is a Million? (1985), returns just in time to explain the history of measurement to four curious children (and a dog). Beginning in prehistoric times and making his way to the present (with its current uneasy mixture of adherence and resistance to the metric system), Schwartz not only manages to impart a good deal of basic information about linear, weight, and volume measurements but also entertains the reader. He receives ample support from illustrator Kellogg, who contributes enough merry madness to make learning fun. Bright with shining colors, the large, detailed pictures brim with action and humor as well as history and math. Word balloons allow the characters to become good supporting actors who comment on the action, offer comic relief, and occasionally set up Marvelosissimo with a pertinent question. On the last three illustration-free pages, Schwartz offers a straightforward presentation on the metric system for older children. His tips on learning to think metric may be helpful to teachers as well. The froth of fun that lightens this book's educational intent may help American children absorb their centimeters and kilometers with relative ease. In fact, the more generous among them may want to share this book with their metrically challenged parents.

Horn Book

Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician (How Much Is a Million?) returns with a look at the history of measurement. This is an excellent treatment of a common math topic, combining the unfailing logic of Schwartz's explanations with Kellogg's humorous portrayals of people, past and present. A standout feature is the inclusion of actual-size rulers in both English and metric measurements.

Kirkus Reviews

Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician returns, this time tackling measurement, in this latest installment of the winning "millions" series ( If You Made a Million , 1989, etc.). In his systematic and logical style, Schwartz presents an enormous amount of information in an impressively clear and concise manner, beginning with the history of standardized measuring units. Through a series of "bright ideas," the narrative arrives in the modern day, delving into current methods of measuring weight, length, and volume in the US. However, as the complexities of these systems are revealed, it seems another bright idea is needed, and—voila—the metric system is introduced. Kellogg's busy illustrations are jam-packed with color and exquisite detail. With plenty of dialogue (via text bubbles) and tons of eccentric characters from cavemen to kings to unicorns, the art is as fun to explore as it is functional. To give a sense of real-life scale, inchworms are placed next to foot-long snakes, and a hippo's water bowl is pitted against a cat's. Accurately sized rulers are depicted, including a foldout meter at the center. A lengthy author's note supplies further, detailed information about the metric system and a plea to "think metric" in everyday life. Although Schwartz's intention is to make a point about the relative simplicity of the metric system, he does not neglect American standards, and thereby keeps the work relevant—it can serve as an introduction to measuring, and can also function as a reference guide. The Schwartz-Kellogg team has got it right again: this should be part of every professional's collection. ( Picture book. 5-12)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

The team behind How Much Is a Million? creates another mathematical adventure, Millions to Measure by David M. Schwartz, illus. by Steven Kellogg. Here the wizard Marvelosissimo leads readers on an eye-opening exploration of measurement, from before standardization to modern methods, with special emphasis on the metric system. A gatefold spread reveals a scale drawing of a meter stick; back matter explains the history and rationale behind the metric system and how to use it every day.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-5-The creators of How Much Is a Million? (1985) and If You Made a Million (1989, both Lothrop) bring forth another great resource in this book about weights and measures. Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician returns, this time to teach kids about how measurement was developed many years ago, and was first based on feet. The book traces the development of standard units of measure for distance, weight, and volume, then describes the development of the metric system in the late 1700s. A three-page appendix offers more in-depth information about the metric system. Kellogg's trademark whimsical illustrations clarify the concepts presented. As in the previous books, Schwartz presents them in a logical, step-by-step progression, with plenty of examples to provide practical context. The text is clear and brief enough for classroom presentation. This book is sure to join its predecessors as a staple.-Kathleen Kelly MacMillan, Maryland School for the Deaf, Columbia Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.