Perimeter, Area, and Volume: A Monster Book of Dimensions

The team behind numerous math-oriented books, including Mystery Math: A First Book of Algebra and Fun with Roman Numerals, turns to length, width, and depth using a cast of digitally rendered monsters that are starring in a 3-D movie, Monsters in the Neighborhood. Word problems prompt readers to find the dimensions of various objects, including the perimeter of two fences, the area of a rectangular movie screen, and the volume of a jumbo and large box of popcorn: “We call the amount a box holds, or the space anything with three dimensions takes up, its volume.” The movie-making elements feel unnecessary—the energetic monsters could easily carry the book on their own—but the math lessons are nonetheless delivered with clarity and enthusiasm. Ages 7–10. (Mar.)