MIAMI, March 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The recently published math edutainment book, Mama Says, "Money Doesn't Grow on Trees!" is turning heads across the country in a response similar to the widely promoted Hooked on Phonics, that improved children's reading skills. Dr. Iris Mack -- CEO of Phat Math, Inc., is 'delivering the goods,' and since its January release, her unique approach to math has become Xlibris Publisher's top children's picture book royalty earner.
Dr. Mack is a former consultant, investment banker, professor and Enron Energy trader. As a professor she emphasized the importance of proficient math skills. With her former employer's current problems with fuzzy math, as President Bush calls it, she believes her book will help kids learn the value of money and develop a worthy respect for the almighty dollar. She designed her book to make math fun, interesting and entertaining for children, by capturing their imagination--and mom and dad are getting as much out of it as the kids.
"To many young people, math is a four-letter word and a boring, difficult subject that causes unspeakable fear," Mack says. "Let's face it--math is not always as easy as pie. My book is looking to change all that by making the subject not only fun and interesting, but presented in a way kids can relate by helping them understand--among other things--how it can be instrumental in their financial success."
The popular book was written with the goal of helping kids understand and embrace mathematics by using hip multicultural characters and real life applications involving simple investment and profit. Dr. Mack hits a real hot button with children when she demonstrates the rewards of (saving) money, and at the same time giving children a unique introduction to the world of investments. The book's animated characters take kids on many adventures through the World of Dr. Mackamatix. Educators and parents are calling it a hip-hop version of Sesame Street.
A big appeal of the book is that it shows kids how math is APPLIED in the REAL world, as opposed to simply dwelling on esoteric concepts. For example, one of the students, Ma$, asks Professor Zero to teach her how money grows in a savings account, ultimately giving her the ability to purchase something she wants. Not only does Ma$ learn the rewards of saving money, but she also learns that money is to be respected, defraying the axiom we have all heard from our parents . . . money doesn't grow on trees!
About the Author Iris Mack, MBA/PhD received a doctorate in applied mathematics from Harvard and a Sloan Fellows Masters from the London Business School. She has been an astronaut semifinalist, one of Glamour Magazine's top ten college students and workingwomen, an investment banker with BNP Paribas in London, Charles Schwab and Salomon Brothers, an Enron Energy Trader, and a professor at MIT, USF, and CAU. These days, Dr. Mack plans to educate children about the wonders of math. A percentage of her book sales will go to the Mackamatix Foundation for Kids. Please visit Dr. Mack's internet press kit www.aimpress.com/irismack.htm and her website: www.phatmath.com.
Mama Says, "Money Doesn't Grow on Trees!" -- By Dr. Iris Mack
Publication Date: January 14, 2004
Trade Paperback; $18.99; 48 pages, ISBN: 1-4134-0891-5
To request a complimentary paperback review copy, contact the publisher at (215) 923-4686 x. 165. Tear sheets may be sent by regular or electronic mail to Marianne Bellesorte. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (215) 599-0114.
Xlibris is a strategic partner of Random House Ventures, LLC, and a subsidiary of Random House, Inc. For more information, contact Xlibris at (888) 795-4274 or on the web at www.Xlibris.com.