Lynda Colgan, one of Canada’s leading experts in math education, will share her unique approach to the topic at the 15th annual National Book Festival, a major event hosted by the Library of Congress.

Dr. Colgan (Education) was invited to the Sept. 5 event in Washington, D.C., by the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute of America and the Children’s Book Council after her book Mathemagic: Number Tricks was named an Honor Book this year.

“I’ve been asked to do a mathemagic show at the event,” explains Dr. Colgan. “I’ll be doing magic tricks and explaining the math behind them. I’m then hoping the children will take the tricks and do them with their friends. Anything to teach them more about math.”

More than 75,000 people are expected to attend the National Book Festival and Dr. Colgan is hoping to reach a wide range of children to show them math can be fun. Another highlight of the event will be the official opening attended by national event chairs President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. “I’m also hoping to meet other math authors so we can share ideas” says Dr. Colgan. “This is my passion and I want to share it. Math is very important for everyone.”

Along with her trip to Washington, Dr. Colgan is putting the finishing touches on her new TVO/TFO show MathXplosion. The television program features three minute fun math segments that include unique math magic tricks.