Product Description

Likable, clever, and inventive sixth-graders Rufus Mayflower and Kate Mackinstrey develop and sell toothpaste to become millionaires in just one year! This fun, breezy story includes many real-life mathematical problems which the characters must solve to succeed in their budding business.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #211138 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-23
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .40" h x 5.40" w x 8.20" l, .35 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 144 pages

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-With hard work and ingenuity, even a middle school student can make a million dollars. At least that's what happens to Rufus Mayflower, the hero of Jean Merrill's novel (HM, 1974) that takes place in a racially mixed neighborhood in Cleveland, Ohio. The Toothpaste Millionaire recounts how the young entrepreneur, dismayed over the high price of toothpaste, decides to make his own inexpensive alternative which he sells door to door. Eventually this leads to a television appearance which increases demand for his product. He gets involved in an all out battle between top toothpaste brand manufacturers worried about market share. All of these fictional but almost believable events are chronicled by Rufus' good friend and business associate, Katy. Concerns about possible racial discrimination are mentioned, but the main focus of the book is on clever problem solving and how it can lead to great rewards. Narrator Julie Dretzin presents the story in a well-paced and youthful style. The caricature cover art showing a jaunty Rufus sitting on a pile of money adds eye appeal to the sturdy plastic case. Young listeners with an interest in making money will learn that teamwork and a willingness to keep trying are key elements for success.
Barbara Wysocki, Cora J. Belden Library, Rocky Hill, CT
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Rufus devised a toothpaste formula for a fraction of what the big companies charge. He opens for business in his garage and quickly evolves into the Toothpaste Millionaire. Amazingly, Rufus is only 12! This tale starts believably but becomes quite farfetched by the second tape. Dretzin reads all characters in the same voice, so it does not provide enough imagery for the recommended age group. She sounds 20-something, clearly older than the characters she represents, which is another impediment to engaging young listeners. The text is enjoyably silly, but this audio version would be more successful for an older audience. A.G.H. (c) AudioFile 2000, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Ingram
Merrill's engaging story follows the rising success of sixth grader Rufus, who develops and markets his own toothpaste before retiring at age 13. ". . . functions both as a light story and an explication of free enterprise mechanics."--Booklist. Black-and-white illustrations.