Synopsis
Matt and Bibi unravel a pattern to discover a lost city
The Zills are visiting Peru to study the mysterious lost city of Quwi when Matt and Bibi stumble into an adventure.
With only each other, their faithful dog Riley, and an unusual ancient relic to guide them, the twins must use their understanding of patterns and sequences to locate the lost city—and the way back.
This companion to Mummy Math is a pattern-packed adventure in math that's perfect for young readers.
Children's Literature
Matt, his sister Bibi, and their dog Riley are in Peru with their parents, who are there to help Professor Herrera search for the lost Incan city of Quwi. An ancient tunic, which Matt has put on as they travel, may have clues to its location. As the kids become separated from the adults, they notice that there seem to be warnings in the patterns on the tunic of the hazards they encounter. The tunic seems to indicate how to open a stone door and how to get through a wall to finally reach the lost city. The story is really just a frame for introducing the types of patterns used to develop pre-algebra skills. The single and double-page non-detailed watercolor illustrations depict just enough to keep the story moving, focusing on the patterns of the Incan tunic, while tossing in bits of rather fantastic adventures. The ending, when the ancient city is discovered, is a bit abrupt. The final page details suggestions for activities to extend the skills of recognizing, describing, and extending patterns introduced in the text.