The author of The Monster Who Ate My Peas offers a fresh angle on math anxiety in this hilarious tale.

A math-phobic boy faces another dreaded evening of multiplication when a monster suddenly appears in his room and offers him a deal he cannot refuse. After a quick signature on a contract, the boy’s problems are solved, and his homework is ready to turn in the next day.

At first, everything adds up perfectly. But when the boy’s math knowledge is tested at school, his troubles begin to multiply. What did the fine print on that contract read?

In paragraph seven of clause ninety-three,
        “If you don’t learn anything, do not blame me!”

When the bill comes due, will our hero have the money—and the math skill—to subtract that wicked monster from his life once and for all?


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Danny Schnitzlein studied creative writing at Eckerd College and holds a BS degree from the University of Florida. He lives in Georgia.

You can visit Danny Schnitzlein’s website here.

Author Photo

Bill Mayer is an award-winning graphic artist and the illustrator of a number of picture books, including The Monster Who Did My Math; On My Very First Day of School I Met...; A Walk in the Rain With a Brain; and Brer Rabbit and Boss Lion. He lives in Georgia.



“Mayer's vibrant, computer-generated illustrations, replete with gigantic otherworldly grins and mortal eyes stretched tall with fear, will appeal to fans of afternoon cartoons. Outlandish shadows convey the cautionary nature of the tale, while amusing details keep the mood perpetually fun. Narrated in humorous verse, this 'tale of mathematical mayhem' will provide an entertaining addition to math classes and a useful warm-up to tutoring sessions with less-than-enthusiastic students.” ―School Library Journal

“...an amusing story that begs to be read aloud...” ―Curriculum Resource Center

“Bill Mayer's bright, wacky gouache illustrations are every bit as much fun as the story.” ―Courier-Times

“The artwork in this book is masterful and the poetry enjoyable.” ―Book Review Digest

“...A wonderful book that makes math fun! My girls really got a kick out of this fun book! Got a child that is struggling in math, likes math or just loves monsters then grab this book.” ―Letters, Numbers and Books blog

“...Not only does the story teach children about the fun that can be had with math, but it also teaches them the importance of choices they make...It's a story that our family will be reading for years to come, not only because we love the illustrations and math but also because of the principles it teaches.” ―There's a Book blog


Illustrators 50 Gold Medal (50th Annual Exhibition) ―Society of Illustrators 2007

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (starred, primary) ―Kansas National Education Association 2008

Illustration Annual ―Communication Arts 2008

Storytelling World Resource Awards (honor, Stories for Young Listeners) ―Storytelling World magazine 2009

25 Books All Young Georgians Should Read ―Georgia Center for the Book 2010