Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Pizza Slice

Pizza night provides ample chances for the eponymous character—who has a pie chart for a body—to use fractions. With five family members and Charlie’s friend Lewis visiting, there are six diners: “Everyone agreed on the size: Large! That meant everyone would get 2 slices.” Picking a topping presents another challenge (“ ‘Yuck, no veggies!’ yelled 4/6 of the pizza eaters”). When it’s time to eat, one of the slices is missing, and Charlie gets to play detective. Using pizza to teach fractions may not be new, but a lighthearted tone (“Anchovies are tiny little fish, and why anyone would want them on their pizza is a mystery that may never be solved”), and newcomer Comstock’s playful graphics, which have a weathered, retro quality, make the lesson go down as easy as pie. Ages 4–8. Agent: Lori Nowicki, Painted Words. (Sept.)