The Very Big Sum

The Very Big Sum is a clever, heartwarming picture book that shows kids just how powerful their brains can be when they tackle big challenges.

Teddy and Mabel are given a mission: can they add up all the numbers from 1 to 100 before the sun sets? With determination, teamwork, and a little bit of clever thinking, they take on the challenge and discover that big problems can be solved by small people—especially when they don’t give up.

Written by mathematician Adrian W. Dudek and illustrated by Naya Lazareva, this story celebrates curiosity, perseverance, and the joy of learning. Perfect for children aged 5 and up, it’s a wonderful addition to any home or classroom bookshelf.

About the Author

Adrian W. Dudek is a mathematician and father of three who has spent years exploring the world of numbers, both in research and in education. He completed his PhD in pure mathematics at the Australian National University and now splits his time between teaching at the University of Queensland and working in the Education team at Optiver Sydney.

When he’s not working on number theory or graph theory, Adrian can usually be found playing soccer, chess, or chasing his three young children around their backyard in Mothar Mountain, Queensland. The Very Big Sum is his first children’s book—a playful and clever story inspired by his passion for solving problems and making learning fun.