Farzanah and the 17 Camels, by Sue Looney is an engaging and beautifully illustrated story that cleverly integrates math into its narrative. When a seemingly impossible problem arises—dividing 17 camels among three sons using exact fractional directions—young Farzanah uses curiosity, reasoning, and perseverance to find a solution. Looney challenges readers to think critically and creatively, offering a delightful take on a centuries-old mathematical puzzle. This story encourages kids to approach problem-solving with patience and innovative thinking.

Farzanah is a warm and evocative tale, with a message worth taking home: there's delight in being stuck, and with the right kind of thinking, you may be able to accomplish the impossible.

Sue Looney has created a wonderfully delightful story of yesteryear with the added treat of an embedded and engaging math puzzle for the ages.

The classic math riddle of sharing 17 camels is craftily woven into this story of a carpet maker’s daughter, Farzanah, who learns that creativity, patience, and a belief that anything is possible is what ultimately leads to solving tough problems. Beautiful illustrations bring the story alive and illuminate mathematical sense-making and reasoning. And Farzanah is not the only one who gets to solve a problem! Interesting and challenging problems are provided in the final chapter, where you, too, will be able to engage your creativity, patience, and belief that anything is possible!