ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

From the Super Bowl banner (XLV) and dates on public buildings to numbers on clocks and book chapter headings, roman numerals are everywhere, and this lively picture book shows how to interpret them. The author-illustrator team who did You Can, Toucan, Math (2006) once again uses a clear, step-by-step text and bright uncluttered computer graphics that will draw kids into the math. In fact, the numbers have the lure of codes: what does CMXCIX mean? How do you write your age in roman numerals? Did you know that our common number system uses arabic numerals? Beginning with the simple I to X, the double-page spreads show the rules of the roman system from IV to XLUX, then right up to the symbol for 1 million; and the back cover shows the numbers from 1 to 1,000 with arabic and roman symbols side by side. Great for the classroom, this will encourage grade-schoolers to look closely at how they count.

Horn Book (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

This solid introduction to Roman numerals explains each symbol's value and describes how the ancient number system is still used today (for chapter numbers, on clock faces, etc.). Clear examples show readers how to write numbers with Roman numerals, and a coin-based activity (penny = I, nickel = V) provides additional practice. Computer-generated illustrations of Roman arches, centurions, and chariots command attention.

Kirkus Reviews

This team once again hits a home run with their latest math title ( Working with Fractions , 2007, etc.). Repetition and lots of examples are the keys Adler uses to make Roman numerals both understandable and memorable. Beginning with the seven symbols, the text introduces the concept that their values never change, unlike the Arabic system in common use. Readers then learn when and how to add and subtract to make numbers—Adler relates this to paying for something and getting change back (in fact, one activity encourages readers to use coins to practice writing Roman numerals). Building on this, readers learn how the symbols interact and about the top bar and open box that are used to make even larger numbers. Miller's Roman-themed digital illustrations add humor and interest. The final spread is a collage of photographs showing Roman numerals in real-life settings, encouraging readers to be on the lookout for more. Comprehensive, readable and understandable, with a concrete activity, this is the resource for teachers. (Informational picture book. 7-12)

School Library Journal (Thu Apr 28 00:00:00 CDT 2022)

Gr 2-5 Designed with boldly colored graphics and simple lines, this book takes a contemporary approach to an old topic. While the artwork employs icons and images from ancient Rome, the text introduces Roman numerals by citing modern examples of how they are used: to number chapters and pages in books, on watch faces, and for sports events. Taking a unique approach, Adler suggests that students use coins, each labeled with a specific Roman numeral, to better understand the symbols and how they are written and counted. Several examples are depicted and explained. For the most part, the writing is forthright and easy to understand. However, the page that describes which Roman numerals can be subtracted from which (e.g., "C can only be subtracted from D or M") is a bit confusing. The book ends with a spread of photos showing how Roman numerals are used today, and the back cover presents a helpful list of Roman numerals and their Arabic equivalents. Use this attractive title to supplement Arthur Geisert's Roman Numerals I to MM (Houghton, 1996), which covers the basics and then offers applications with illustrations of pigs. Erlene Bishop Killeen, Stroughton Area School District, WI