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One of the things I love most about the Literati Partners program is discovering the incredible people behind the products that make such a difference in our schools, libraries, and homes.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Melon Rind, a company creating award-winning math games that make learning feel like play. I recently had the chance to chat with founder Jeanie Mehran about the inspiration behind Melon Rind, how her games are designed and tested with real kids, and why creating joyful learning experiences has been at the heart of her work for more than a decade.
I know you'll enjoy getting to know Jeanie and discovering why Melon Rind has become such a wonderful addition to the Literati Partners programs.
Hi, Jeanie. I am so excited to talk to you today and learn all about Melon Rind. Let's start by having you introduce yourself.
I'm Jeanie Mehran, founder of Melon Rind. Early in my career I was an illustrator and art director for Apple. Years later, when I stepped away from that career to raise my son, I found myself frustrated that I couldn't find a single well-designed math game — and my son had plenty of math potential but very little math motivation. That frustration led to the creation of Melon Rind.
I love that Melon Rind is one of the Literati Partners. For those who don't know about Melon Rind, tell me about Melon Rind to start.
Melon Rind creates math games designed to be genuinely fun, not just "educational." We've been at it for twelve years and now have 15 games in our portfolio, including our flagship, Clumsy Thief (an adding game), and the 10-game Jump Series (an introduction to multiplication).
Every game has to pass three tests before it leaves my desk, or it lands in the trash (and there's a lot in that trash):
● Easy to learn — everyone is short on time.
● Genuinely enjoyable — or it won't get played.
● Reinforces the math skills that matter most.
The math part is the easy part, and where most math games stop. Making something anyone can pick up in minutes is harder. But designing a game so fun that kids beg to play it again — that's gold!
How do you create the games?
I work once a week in a local school, playing math games directly with kids — that's where a lot of ideas get tested. Last year I also started a game-based math club with 4-year-olds, introducing progressively harder games and tracking how far they could advance. We documented it on video, and it was eye-opening how quickly young kids improve when they're genuinely engaged.
Young kids are the best critics — they don't sugarcoat anything. If they're confused, I see it on their faces. If they're bored, they'll tell me outright. I'm always watching for that, because so much competes for kids' attention today. I aim for games that feel great to play and create happy interactions between the players, not just correct answers.
I am sure your family gets involved too! That is such a special connection when creating something like Melon Rind. Tell us about that.
I created and tested game after game with my son. My earliest games were way too complicated, and he got bored. After a few false starts, we hit on something that clicked. He really loved it. His classmates loved it. Teachers started asking for samples. Twelve years ago, I printed the first run of Clumsy Thief, a card game where kids add to 100 to take cards from each other. I had a good feeling about it, so I entered it in every game contest I could find. Winning dozens of awards got us the visibility we needed to start selling. It's still my best seller today.
What was your first game?
Clumsy Thief, twelve years ago — a card game where kids add to 100 to take cards from opponents. It's still our biggest seller.
Do you have a favorite Melon Rind game?
Again, Clumsy Thief! It will always be my favorite — it's the one that started everything.
How are games selected? Can you share this process? Do you get feedback from librarians and teachers? Kids?
We have about 20 different game ideas we’re testing at any one time. Selecting which games to work on next is tricky. There are many hurdles. The mechanics? The theme. The illustrations. The cost. The math skills needed.
I get a lot of specific math skill requests from teachers and math specialists. We take every request into account when we plan new games for the following year.
Our overarching goal is to have a complete system that satisfies everything you’d need from K-3rd grade. It will take time, so we’re working on the most pressing math skills first.
Are the games tested by kids?
Yes — constantly. Testing happens weekly in a real school and through the math club with 4-year-olds. Kids are the most honest testers there are: no sugarcoating, no diplomacy. If a game is confusing or boring, you know within minutes.
Tell us how Melon Rind works with teachers?
Many schools use the Jump Series as a classroom tool — ten games (Jump 1 through 10), so kids can play with whichever multiple they're currently working on. Teachers use it as a reward for early finishers or downtime. It gives them something differentiated without extra prep.
I also do classroom visits on request. Classroom visits include game time where I introduce the game of the day, and kids break into groups to play. Afterwards, I explain how I design games and answer kids’ questions.
Does Melon Rind also have a place in the library? Or other content areas of the school community?
The Melon Rind games are in school and public libraries. The good thing about a card game is its longevity. As kids grow out of it, new kids pick it up. I get the occasional email asking if I’d replace one ripped card. Beyond that, they seem to last forever.
How does Melon Rind support families?
Parents can buy a single game when a child needs extra practice with just one skill, rather than a whole set. We also sell directly to after-school clubs and homeschooling families.
Parents want to be involved in their kids’ education. A fun family night game not only boosts math skills, but also creates connection and long-lasting memories.
Knowing most parents are short on time, we keep our games easy, rules are illustrated and simple, and we provide “how to play” videos for parents who don’t want to read rules.
What is one of the most impactful projects you have worked on within a library or school?
Using our games as a classroom staple is an undeniable asset to many teachers. One teacher from a school in Michigan stands out. She reached out to me. I have never met her, but she mentioned the impact our games had on her classroom. She was kind enough to send me this video thanking us for the impact we had.
When teachers reach out with messages like this, it’s a huge motivation to keep creating more wonderful things.
Does Melon Rind have other resources besides card games?
This fall we're launching a YouTube channel for parents and teachers. It’s a resource built around what we’ve observed when kids play: why certain games click, which ones work best, and what that tells us about how kids learn. When my own son was in grade school, I never felt clear on what he needed to know or how to help — and I know a lot of busy parents feel the same way. The channel is meant to answer exactly that.
What does this mean to Melon Rind to be part of the Literati Partners program with others like Ozobot, Capstone, Mrs. Nelson’s, etc?
I'm honored to be part of it. We share the same underlying goal — providing quality products that build skills for lifelong success — and everyone I've met through Literati has been genuinely positive and passionate about education.
What does Melon Rind have to offer Literati book fair customers focusing on bringing more to their classrooms with book fair funds?
Melon Rind offers a range of products that meet kids where they’re at.
A big issue is teachers’ time. If games are easy to learn, teachers don’t have to spend much time explaining; kids play on their own, providing a feeling of independence and choice.
The games are also designed in series. So, once you learn how to play Clumsy Thief in the Candy Shop, Clumsy Thief Money Game has the same game mechanics, just a different theme and math skill.
Teachers and librarians are our future. I don’t mean that lightly. The role they play is unbelievably important in laying the groundwork for the next generation. Anything I can do to add to their success and encourage them is a privilege.
What exciting things are coming up from Melon Rind?
Our YouTube channel launches this fall, focused on helping busy parents and teachers understand how kids actually learn math through play. We also have a few new games in development, launching around the 2026 holidays — details still under wraps.
Thank you so much for joining me today, Jeanie. I can't wait to bring Melon Rind to my school community and students. We will be adding new math games to our library after our Literati Book Fair in the fall. These are at the top of my list!
You can learn more about hosting a Literati Book Fair and book fair rewards here.
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