Product Description

KenKen is the brilliant successor to Su Doku that's taken Japan by storm selling over one million copies in less than a year. In collaboration with The Times, Collins - the no 1 puzzle publisher - are proud to be bringing it to the UK. KenKen is a new type of brain-training puzzle based on logic and simple arithmetic. Perfect for all ages and highly addictive, KenKen puzzles challenge and entertain in an entirely new way! The puzzle was invented by a charismatic Japanese maths teacher, Tetsuya Miyamoto in 2004. The name comes from 'Ken' which is the Japanese word for clever and KenKen translates as 'square wisdom'. It's a new type of puzzle based on simple arithmetic and each puzzle involves some or all of the following skills: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. As with Su Doku there are clearly defined levels for each type of puzzle from beginner and intermediate to advanced and the puzzles can be on any size grid, from 3 x 3 up to 9 x 9. The puzzles improve numeracy, logical thinking, concentration and perseverance. Can you KenKen?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10454 in Books
• Published on: 2008-05-12
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

About the Author
Tetsuya Miyamoto established his own maths class in 1993 and is the founder and instructor of his own maths class in Yokohama, Japan. He pioneered the national success and popularity of the KenKen puzzle in Japan. He spent years inventing KenKen and other puzzles which he has used in his class to strengthen the 'thinking habits' of his students. He is the author of the Japanse books translated as 'The Art of Teaching Without Teaching Books 1 & 2' which introduce his unique educational methods and beliefs. He has regular columns in several Japanese monthly magazines such as 'Maths for Middle School' and 'Maths for High School'. He regularly lectures to educators and parents in Japan.

Customer Reviews

It's OK but can't beat Killer Sudokus
This is my first experience of KenKen. I started with ordinary sudokus (The Times Series) then gradually got bored and moved on to Killer sudokus (Times Series again). KenKen's idea appears to be interesting to start with but puzzles got too simple after a while. May be 6x6 is not enough but that's all Ken Ken book 1 is offering. How about 8x8 or 9x9 KK's? May be I need to buy more Kenken books or go back to Killers.

I think Kenken is more suitable to children.

Good, but not perfect
A good selection of puzzles, with an increasing level of difficulty. However, the puzzles top out at 6x6 and all puzzles contain mathematical signs as hints. I was hoping for a slightly greater challenge.

Simpler Puzzles
I agree with the other reviewers.

Ken Ken is a puzzle type most suited to teach children mathematics, although admittedly for this it would be very good. However, they are simply not challenging enough nor diverse to occupy most serious mumber puzzle enthusiasts for long. Most puzzles can be solved in 5 to 10 minutes, just enough to last a couple of underground stops only!

The book is well-produced and at £4 is good value for money, if this is what you are looking for.