Sophisticated mathematics is accessible to all. This book proves it! This is a collection of intriguing mathematical problems and activities linked by common themes that all involve working with objects from our everyday experience. Learn about the mathematics of a bagel, a checkerboard and a pile of laundry for example. Discover for yourself that wheels need not be round, that braids need not have free ends, that it's always best to turn around twice - and more! Mathematics is all around us, we all do mathematics every day. The activities contained in this book are immediate, catchy and fun, but upon investigation, begin to unfold into surprising layers of depth and new perspectives. The necessary mathematics, in increasing levels of difficulty, is explained fully along the way. Mathematics educators will find this an invaluable resource of fresh and innovative approaches to topics in mathematics.