Books
‘101’ is the first book in a set of three written by Sarah Ogilvie and was published in September 2024.
In a desperate attempt to keep his pupils occupied for an hour, frazzled teacher Mr B sets a particularly challenging maths task. As Carl and his friends settle down to work, Mr B settles down for a well-earned rest. But soon, frustration in the class begins to bubble over, until Carl has a brainwave......
Reviews of 101
101 is a brilliant little book … A great stimulus for discussion, even with my secondary school-aged brother! Really worth having on your shelf as a teacher… and could even be your back up plan if you also forget your planning like poor Mr B!
@missc.reads - teacher and book reviewer
Do you have a child that loves maths? Then this celever rhyming story could just be the book that gets them into reading too. Celebrating creative thinking, overcoming fears, and maths… this story is a whole lot of fun.
Helen Farch, Librarian @fhclibrary Australia
A clever story that proves to children that the key to mathematics is patterns, not panic. Written by an experienced former maths lead who is clearly still passionate about showing children that maths can be fun, rewarding and accessible.
@littlevalleybookclub
101 is a delightful read that brings the brilliance of mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss to life through rhyme and captivating sillustrations.
Ed Express - Home Education Magazine
Absolutely recommend picking up a copy of this book. It’s ideal for all children, especially beneficial for school libraries, tutors and home educators.
@mum_of boys_northeast - home educator and book reviewer
The second book, Pearl Proves a Point, was published in July 2025.
No-nonsense teacher Miss G encourages her class to tackle fraction problems in new and creative ways. Super-confident Dean sticks to his usual written method, while Pearl experiments with drawings to find her own solution. Dean isn’t impressed with Pearl’s efforts, but the class soon discovers there’s more than one way to think like a mathematician…
Reviews of Pearl Proves A Point
A brilliant resource for highlighting the value of resilience, risk-taking and celebrating everyone's strengths. It makes a perfect starter for a maths lesson. A rare opportunity to weave a reading book into a maths session, linking literacy with problem-solving in a super-fun way! A great choice for KS2 teachers looking to motivate, challenge and encourage their pupils.
Alice, KS2 teacher, Cornwall
The second in what will hopefully be an expanded series of fun teaching aids for key stage 2 pupils. Full of rhyme, maths and fun illustrations, aimed at encouraging young learners to be brave, embrace visual learning and step outside of their comfort zone.
@littlevalleybookclub
There's a lot to learn from this book (not just about numbers, but life lessons. My boys absolutely loved this one so l'm choosing it as our factual fiction Friday choice.
@mum_of boys_northeast - home educator and book reviewer
Sarah Ogilvie combines her poet's use of language with her years of experience teaching primar maths. A unique and interesting combination which has led to this refreshing look at a maths classroom. It's fun and accessible due to the recognisable scenarios and appealing use of rhyme.k The fab illustrations by Helen Desai bring the contemporary classroom to life in lovely detail
Nicola - KS2 teacher, Newcastle
A fantastic rhyming story with a message that goes far beyond the classroom
Y6 teacher, Kent
After I'd read it I learnt not to be hard on myself!
Rosie 9
It teaches kids a lesson in a creative way.
Merrie 11
Pearl Proves A Point is very much like a fable.
Aurelian, 12
To sum up: don't judge people who are different.
Joel 11
This book opened my eyes to coming out of my comfort zone. I don't just like this book... I love it!
Dulcie aged 10
The third book of the set has been written and is awaiting illustration.
With the same overarching theme of growth mindsets, and again, a true story straight from the classroom, Taking The Plunge is being developed as you read this!
Illustrator Helen Desai.
Helen Desai’s illustrations bring So Nimble Books to life with warmth and humour. Her playful style complements Sarah’s rhymes perfectly, capturing the heart of every story.