Tyler and His Solve-A-Matic Machine is a middle reader (ages 8-12) fantasy book. Yet, Tyler’s lack of funds is not fiction. Jennifer Bouani writes a great book to introduce children to the world of business. She starts at the beginning with an idea to the end, the project’s completion. All points between are covered.

Tyler lives in an orphanage. His father was a sea captain and Tyler wants to sail the seas, too. Ah, but where is a poor orphan to get the funds? Bright Tyler decides a Solve-A-Matic machine will help him quickly finish his homework. He will become an entrepreneur and sell the machines to other students. Note to parents and educators, the machine allows children to complete homework faster. It does not do the homework.

True to a fantasy book, a mysterious voice beckons Tyler to leave the orphanage. The voice belongs the Great Spirit of the Entrepreneurs, Sote. Outside the orphanage, Tyler finds a bike. It takes him to one of the high rise office buildings in the business district. His quest is revealed to him, “to realize your dream to own a boat and travel around the world seeing other cultures.”

Tyler’s quest does not have him battling dragons or riding them. There is no evil sorcerer casting spells or longing for world dominance. The pursuit of his dream has him battling something far, far dangerous, the business world.

Jennifer Bouani has our hero solving riddles to move from floor to floor in the high rise building. At dusk, Tyler is in the building’s lobby. By sunrise, he has to reach the top floor to obtain his goal. The floors are not the average office floors. Beyond the elevator doors, there are various places: the Medina of Marrakech, a rainforest and island. Tyler finds a young female to share his adventures. She is a tween like he.

Middle readers use Tyler and His Solve-A-Matic Machine to learn how to create a prototype, borrow money, buy supplies and land. They learn about hiring workers and dealing with unions. At the book’s end, Tyler and his friend, Giselle, sail the blue ocean.

Tyler and His Solve-A-Matic Machine by Jennifer Bouani introduce young adults to standard business practices. It is not dry like a textbook. Plenty of humor and adventures capture and keep tween readers' attention. The majority of middle readers will relate to Tyler not having funds, therefore they will quickly identify with him and want to know how to fund their business ventures.

The fantasy book is the first in the Future Business Leaders' Series. Jennifer Bouani has in development more books where Tyler's peers will become entrepreneurs. They have different skills and talents. The business books will interweave, so we will meet Tyler again, at a later time. I, for one, am looking forward to the next book in the Future Business Leaders' series.





I always imagined Paradise to be a....library. - Jorgelius Borges

Drop in the forum. Share your favorite book! Sign up to receive the Children's Books Review newsletter. Do not miss any future articles.

Picture Books for Children

More Children Books

List of Dr. Seuss Books
Don Freeman's Books
Stan Berenstain's Books
List of Magic Tree House Books
Chronicles of Narnia Books
A Series of Unfortunate Events Books