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Why Is 6 Afraid of 7? The Numerical Adventure That Will Have You Laughing Out Loud

Hey there, Story Seekers! Today, we're diving into the quirky and number-filled world of "7 Ate 9" by Tara Lazar, a book that's sure to tickle your funny bone and twist your brain with its numerical antics!

Book Breakdown: "7 Ate 9" is a comic genius in picture book form, taking us on a pun-filled mystery adventure where numbers come alive. Our protagonist, Private I, finds himself in the middle of a numerical conundrum when 6 comes knocking, terrified that 7 is after him. Private I's investigation leads him through a series of witty encounters and humorous reflections on numbers' importance, like whether being in "seventh heaven" is better than having "NINE lives." With a narrative echoing the classic detective genre and illustrations reminiscent of 1930s and '40s Manhattan, the book melds a fast-paced whodunit with a playful exploration of numerical significance. The illustrations, a mix of colored pencil, watercolor, and 19th-century wood type all composed in Photoshop, add to the book's charm and humor, making counting and numbers both mysterious and immensely fun​ (Kirkus Reviews)​.

Jungle Jimmy's Journal: As a dad, I couldn't help but admire how "7 Ate 9" makes learning about numbers and counting an adventurous feat. The mystery of numbers and the clever twist on the fear that 6 has towards 7 (and subsequently, 9) not only entertained me but also would surely spark some interesting conversations about numbers and their significance with the little ones. Plus, the film noir vibe and the puns had me chuckling more times than I'd like to admit! Okay I love admitting it. I also have to confess that Tara is one of my favorite authors and this series is awesome.

Readit's Review: Hi, it's Readit here! I thought the book was super funny because the numbers talked and had faces, and they were scared of each other like in a real mystery movie! I liked how Private I solved the mystery—it made me think about numbers in a way I hadn't before. And all those jokes about numbers made me laugh a lot too!

What Others Think: Over on Reading Teacher Writes, the book is praised for its utility across both math and reading disciplines, highlighting its appeal as a comic genius in picture book form. It's seen as an excellent addition for anyone looking to sprinkle some math vocabulary into their lessons or just enjoy a beautifully illustrated story at bedtime. The blend of mystery and educational content makes "7 Ate 9" a positive addition to any library or classroom​ (Reading Teacher Writes)​.

Belly Laugh Scale: On the Belly Laugh Scale, "7 Ate 9" scores a solid 9 out of 10! The puns and number play provide endless humor, making it a book that's as enjoyable for the adults as it is for the kids.

"7 Ate 9" is a delightful blend of education, mystery, and humor, making it a must-read for kids and adults alike. Whether you're in it for the laughs or the learning, this book promises a good time for all. So, Story Seekers, are you ready to dive into this numerical adventure and find out why 6 is so afraid of 7?

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