Sbagliando s’impara. La matematica della vita

Comment:

The meaning of existence cannot be expressed in a maths formula. One plus one does not always make two. In order to introduce children into this process of awareness, the book invites readers to invent a “poetic calculus” by playing with language and mathematical errors. The book invites readers to play with the unpredictable by deliberately and playfully making mistakes. It also encourages them to explore the forbidden territory of error, transforming it into fertile ground for imagination and creativity. The book thus deals with complex and different themes and moods. The magic of life lies precisely in the fact that it cannot be inscribed in predetermined schemes, and that only through fantasy and creativity it is possible to understand complexity and appreciate the beauty of one’s existence (from the author’s website). The book is a good descendant of Gianni Rodari, who on error has created a hymn to fantasy. We are faced with the maths of life, where things do not always go as we would like, and it is a lesson as important as those of additions or divisions. Illustrated with coloured pencils, ink, tempera and collage, the book speaks of emotions, affections and human relationships, and uses poetic and creative maths to prepare children to deal with numbers that do not add up and with the impossibility of controlling everything.