A Tangled Tale

Reach for this book when you have a child who finds standard math drills boring but loves a good mystery or a verbal challenge. Written by the author of Alice in Wonderland, this collection of ten knots uses whimsical short stories to present complex mathematical and logical puzzles. It is a brilliant tool for children who have outgrown simple riddles and are ready to apply their reasoning skills to real world, albeit quirky, scenarios. The tone is Victorian and witty, which encourages a child to slow down and read carefully. Beyond the math, the book fosters resilience and a growth mindset. Carroll includes an appendix where he reviews solutions from original readers, often with sharp humor. This helps children see that even adults make mistakes in logic, and that the process of solving a problem is just as important as the answer itself. It is best suited for children ages 10 and up who enjoy a cerebral challenge.