Pebbles and the Biggest Number
Pebbles and the Biggest Number is a children's book by author Joey Benun.
Contents
Synopsis
The book follows Pebbles the butterfly as he travels the world in search of the biggest number. The story begins with Pebbles feeling bored with counting the same small number of objects in his garden. Eager for a change, he embarks on a quest to find bigger numbers. Along the way, he visits a variety of different ecosystems and encounters diverse animals, including a camel, an electric eel, and a frog. These creatures introduce him to larger and larger numbers related to their respective habitats, such as the temperature of the sun or the voltage in a lightning bolt. Despite facing several natural disasters such as an earthquake, an avalanche, and a tsunami, Pebbles perseveres with the help of his animal friends. The story concludes with Pebbles discovering that there is no "biggest number," as numbers are truly infinite. Fun facts about numbers and nature are included throughout the book, along with a glossary and number chart at the end.
Development
Benun has had a lifelong fascination with numbers. From a young age, he was drawn to big numbers and was particularly interested in learning what came after a trillion. As soon as he could, he turned to Google to satisfy his curiosity and discovered numbers such as quadrillion, quintillion, sextillion, and beyond. Fascinated by his findings, Benun copied down the numbers, color-coded them, and arranged them by size, creating a rudimentary book.
His love for large numbers was further fueled at the age of 10 while watching the TV game show 1 vs. 100. While the contestant was unsure, Benun confidently identified "nonillion" as the “real” number, not dubrillion. His passion for numbers continued into adulthood. In the summer of 2022, while having lunch with his niece and nephews, he noticed their excitement while discussing the biggest numbers they knew. This sparked the idea for his debut book. Benun was aware that not many books existed on the topic and that research might be difficult, but he was up for a challenge. He looked for a fun, creative way to teach children about numbers in the world around them. To connect with young children, he decided to create a character that loved to learn and explore. Thus, Pebbles was born.
Benun’s inspiration for using a butterfly as the main character came from The Very Hungry Caterpillar. At the end of his journey counting small numbers, that caterpillar becomes a BIG, beautiful butterfly. Why can’t he continue to count big numbers? Benun thought. He had planned to contact the author, Eric Carle, to discuss a possible collaboration. Unfortunately, Carle passed away before they could connect.
Illustration
Pebbles and the Biggest Number was illustrated by Laura Watson, who is ranked #1 by the online editorial website Reedsy in their recommendation list for children's book illustrators.
Growing up, Laura Watson loved to draw, paint, and craft. This led her to study art and illustration at York University and Sheridan College, respectively. Today, she specializes in creating lighthearted and whimsical illustrations for children's books, magazines, and various other platforms. Watson is renowned for her work with bright, textured swatches of color, using a digitally compiled method that looks fresh and hand-painted. With over 35 books to her credit, her clients include Scholastic, Capstone, and Cambridge University Press. More info.
Publication
Pebbles and the Biggest Number was released on January 24, 2023. The book is available in the United States, through Amazon, and internationally through Benun's website.
Critical Reception
Pebbles and the Biggest Number was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release in January 2023. With over 500 consumer reviews on Goodreads, the book recorded a 5-star average rating, where it was universally described as “well-written”, “fun, engaging, and educational” with “gorgeous illustrations”.
Among the 24 editorial reviews received to date, critics voiced similar opinions. Dr. Jen Harrison from Children’s Book Review praised Pebbles and the Biggest Number for introducing early readers to "the abstract ideas of magnitude and predictability—core concepts for both math and science". This view was supported by Booklife by Publishers Weekly who featured Pebbles and the Biggest Number as an Editor’s Pick, lauding it as an excellent addition to any STEM bookshelf. Former Montessori teacher Leigh Kimberly Zoby from Reader Views Kids agrees.
She believes the book contains an “impressive wealth of knowledge with numerous teachable moments” making it “the perfect addition to any homeschool, daycare, or family library.” Sarah Poulette from the US Review of Books and Jordan Ehmann from Indies Today were both impressed that the book “simplifies complicated mathematical concepts and makes learning about them fun.” But what really makes this book stand out is how things are explained. The Book Review Directory felt that Benun “carefully considered how best to articulate math and science so a child comprehends but is also entertained and involved”, while Feathered Quill Book Reviews liked how “the increasingly large numbers are also explained visually for children who might learn better that way.”
The book’s illustration received equal praise. Blue Ink Review described Watson’s artwork as “playful and filled with color and feeling”, while the San Francisco Book Review felt the “bright and lively illustrations really bring the story to life.” Independent Book Review noted that each page transports you to “a completely different location,” and that the “variety of gorgeous scenery will keep readers anxious to turn each page.” Literary Titan suggested that the full-color illustrations and exquisite details make it “a delight to look through the artwork alone.” They also loved the design layout that sees Number Notes and Science Spots treated as “separate illustrative elements so as not to be confused with part of Pebbles’ story.” Theresa Kadair from the San Diego Book Reviews also acknowledged that the formatting of the book “sets it apart as stellar”, highlighting that it has “the perfect balance of extra ‘fun fact’ type information… where little ones will not easily get distracted or confused.”
The addition of science and number facts was well received by all critics. Barbara Miller from Pacific Book Review commented on the “bounty of information”, while Self-Publishing Review described each page as “a learning experience.” Indie Reader believes that “even adults can finish a reading armed with new knowledge.” Children’s Literature noted that “everything about this book deserves a second look—even the endpapers.” Kristi Elizabeth from the Manhattan Book Review agreed, describing the ‘Dig Deeper’ section as a “fun integration … great for little minds!” and the sand infographic as a great way to “put things in perspective.” Online Book Club acknowledged the author's extensive research in coming up with the facts.
The real charm of the book, according to Indie Reader, is that it contains “such an extent of STEM knowledge almost hidden in plain sight,” in a story that contains “all the essential ingredients for massive appeal to children.” Chanticleer Book Reviews agrees, describing it as “the kind of book that kids will sit with for long hours and astound you with the facts they’ve learned.” In addition to the STEM content, The Book Commentary’s review noted that themes of “friendship, discovery, and teamwork…are cleverly developed throughout the narrative.”
According to BookTrib, there’s “something new for kids to learn with every re-read.” Pebbles and the Biggest Number is suitable for children at a “variety of ages and levels of mathematical skill,” according to Kirkus Reviews. Foreword Reviews echoes this sentiment, pointing out that “approachable language, a friendly voice, and an informative glossary make this book age-appropriate and accessible, even in its discussions of mathematical and scientific concepts. Children's Literature recommends the book for pre-K through early elementary collections, while Midwest Book Review goes one step further suggesting that it is also perfect as a “read-with-me introduction to toddler math.”
Read all reviews of Pebbles and the Biggest Number.
Educational Usage and Influence
This book contains ideas that are educational in nature, including but not limited to:
- Predictability: The pattern of numbers continues to grow larger throughout the story.
- Mathematics: Number terminology and visualization.
- Nature/Biology: Descriptions of different animals and habitats.
- Relationships: Explores friendships and connections among a diverse array of other living beings.
- Self-esteem: Never giving up and believing in yourself.
- Continuing Study Materials: Opportunities to utilize links and additional information for continued study.
External Links
Issues and Bans
Vanity Press Scam
In 2021, Benun hired a self-publishing agency to assist with writing, illustrating, marketing, and publishing Pebbles and the Biggest Number. After accepting payment, the company provided subpar services, delivering the manuscript late and riddled with spelling and grammatical errors. Benun requested a revision, but received another poorly written manuscript that did not suit the target age group. Due to the lack of satisfactory work, Benun asked for a refund, but the team was uncooperative and ignored emails and calls. Additionally, the company failed to provide any of the promised marketing services.
Further investigation revealed that the company had provided false information online and was linked to a group scam based in Pakistan. However, no legal action could be taken as the company address provided was fake and only served as a mail center. Despite these setbacks, Benun rewrote the manuscript himself with the assistance of various freelancers sourced from Reedsy and Fiverr (see here).
Chinese Customs Incident
In 2022, Chinese customs confiscated 1,000 printed copies of the first edition of Pebbles and the Biggest Number due to an illustrated map of China that did not include the islands of Taiwan and Hainan. The illustration was intended to portray how many grains of sand could fit in an area as large as China. Neither Benun nor the illustrator were aware of the political sensitivity surrounding the issue, and were subsequently informed that distributing such material in China could result in jail time for the printers. To resolve the issue, Benun decided to produce a revised edition of the book, which featured a map of the continental USA in place of the original China illustration. For the remaining copies of the original version, Benun had the printer place a sticker over the map of China with an amended illustration that included Hainan and Taiwan. Both versions of the book will be in circulation and labeled accordingly.
