Exploring Math Through Picture Books
Children are naturally curious and love to explore new concepts when presented simply and enjoyably. One of the best ways to get preschoolers excited about learning numeracy skills is through math picture books.
Math picture books are more than just colorful illustrations and catchy rhymes. They are also a great resource to introduce basic math skills naturally through everyday stories kids can easily relate to and enjoy.
Most preschoolers absolutely love story time. Why not integrate some math concepts organically during this special time? It can only serve to peak interest and get your kiddos excited about math! It will also help your preschoolers make connections during math activities and lessons.
Using math picture books helps children build a strong mathematical foundation. Math-themed books can introduce children to mathematical ideas like counting, sorting, shapes, patterns, measurement, etc., while also reinforcing concepts they already know.
Regular reading of math picture books helps develop problem-solving abilities, math vocabulary, and positive attitudes toward math. Books can also help spark curiosity and interest in math.
In addition, picture books help make math more accessible and less intimidating for young children. The illustrations, stories, and characters bring math concepts to life through everyday situations kids can relate to. Books also provide a way for teachers and parents to interact with children around math in a relaxed, playful manner.
Picture books that teach math can fit into any preschool curriculum. I have created a complete and comprehensive preschool mathematics curriculum to help you plan engaging and effective lessons all year long. I have taken the time to highlight several math picture books that coincide with math concepts and lessons in my curriculum. Be sure to pick up some fun picture books and also check out my Daily Lessons in Preschool Mathematics.
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Product on sale*** Daily Lessons in Preschool Mathematics CurriculumOriginal price was: $135.00.$99.00Current price is: $99.00.
Why Add Picture Books to Your Math Lesson Plans?
Picture books can inject fresh and engaging elements into your math lesson plans. The use of stories to teach goes back very far in history. Stories help make ideas and concepts relatable, relevant and fun. Picture books also help children make connections in their brains, which makes the learning stick!
Using math picture books further reinforces concepts like counting, shapes, patterns, sorting, and data analysis in engaging ways through literacy.
The Stay At Home Educator preschool math curriculum I referenced above comes with weekly suggested math picture books that align with topics covered in the lesson plans. I want to make it easy for you to integrate math-themed stories into your teaching!
How to Choose Math Books for Kids?
When selecting math picture books for your preschoolers, consider their age and developmental stage. Look for books with appealing illustrations and simple, engaging storylines. Select books focusing on one or two specific math concepts at a time, and ensure the text is age-appropriate and easy for your child to understand.
When selecting math books for kids, it’s important to keep a few key criteria in mind:
- Age Appropriate- Choose books that match your child’s comprehension level and math skills.
- Aligns to Curriculum- Look for math concepts covered in your curriculum or lesson plans, so kids are building and classroom skills.
- Engaging Illustrations- Kids learn better when they are engaged and interested. Choose colorful books with fun characters and illustrations to capture your child’s attention and imagination.
- Variety of Math Topics-Choose a range of math picture books that explore different math concepts like geometry, measurement, money, telling time, fractions, skip counting, early multiplication/division, and more.
Math Picture Books for Toddlers
Toddlers are just starting to build their awareness of basic numeracy and mathematical concepts. Colorful, fun, engaging books are perfect for making math concepts come alive for toddlers, through the fun art of story!
Here are some of our favorite math books for toddlers. We hope you love them as much as we do:
Ten Little Fingers
This charming book by Annie Kubler uses catchy rhymes and adorable illustrations to introduce toddlers to counting from one to ten using their fingers.
- Kubler, Annie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 12 Pages – 10/09/2024 (Publication Date) – Child’s Play (Publisher)
Mouse Count
This clever book by Ellen Stoll Walsh has brightly colored illustrations of numbered groups of mice and cutouts peeking through die-cut pages. This book introduces counting, grouping, and subtraction concepts.
- Walsh, Ellen Stoll (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 03/27/1995 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
One, Two, Three!: A Happy Counting Book
This interactive lift-the-flap book by Sandra Boynton is filled with humorous, colorful drawings and lively text: One, Two, Three! is an adventure with numbers that kids and their parents will love.
- Boynton, Sandra (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages – 10/01/1993 (Publication Date) – Workman Publishing Company (Publisher)
Ten Apples Up on Top!
This sturdy board book uses engaging illustrations and Dr. Seuss’s characteristic rhyme scheme to introduce young children to counting from one to ten. The narrative encourages repetition, fostering learning and enjoyment for young learners.
- Seuss, Dr. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 64 Pages – 03/31/2022 (Publication Date) – HarperCollinsChildren’sBooks (Publisher)
Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On
Lois Ehlert’s stunning book uses colorful fish to introduce young children to numbers and colors in a fun and visually captivating way.
- Ehlert, Lois (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 08/17/1992 (Publication Date) – Clarion Books (Publisher)
Math Picture Books for Preschoolers
Most preschoolers are used to books being a regular part of their lives, which is exactly what we want! Math picture books are perfect for 3-5 year olds since they are like little sponges, soaking up knowledge all the time. What better way for them to learn new math concepts than through lively picture books?
Here are some of our favorite picture books for preschoolers that teach a variety of math ideas:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle’s classic story follows a hungry caterpillar as he eats his way through the week, introducing numbers and sequencing concepts in a fun and interactive way.
- Now even younger children can follow the little green caterpillar as he eats his way to becoming a…
- Great for early development
- Children will enjoy this delightful tale
How Many Snails?
This interactive counting book by Paul Giganti, Jr. uses colorful, die-cut snails to encourage children to count and compare numbers.
- Giganti Jr., Paul (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages – 09/21/1994 (Publication Date) – Greenwillow Books (Publisher)
Ten Black Dots
This innovative book by Donald Crews uses ten black dots to transform into different shapes and objects, introducing young minds to basic shapes and counting.
- Crews, Donald (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 09/21/1995 (Publication Date) – Greenwillow Books (Publisher)
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
William Steig’s award-winning story follows Sylvester, a donkey who uses counting to achieve his dreams, while subtly introducing the concept of addition.
- Steig, William (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 03/06/2012 (Publication Date) – Little Simon (Publisher)
A Trapezoid is Not a Dinosaur
This delightful book by Suzanne Morris is an amusing, unconventional shape concept book about a trapezoid who wants to be recognized as a useful shape.
- Morris, Suzanne (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 11/05/2019 (Publication Date) – Charlesbridge (Publisher)
Math Picture Books for Kindergarteners
Kindergarteners are typically ready for stories that are a little longer and with more information than their preschool counterparts. There are many fantastic picture books for kindergarteners that explore a variety of math concepts.
Here are some of our favorites that we think your kindergarteners will love:
One Grain of Rice
Demi’s captivating folktale introduces the concept of exponential growth through the story of a clever girl who negotiates a single grain of rice, doubled every day for 30 days.
- Hardcover Book
- Demi (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
The Cat in the Hat
Dr. Seuss’s timeless classic playfully teaches counting and problem-solving skills through the mischievous antics of the Cat in the Hat.
- A classic by Dr. Seuss
- Easy to read, prefect for beginners
- For ages 3-7
Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
This heartwarming book by Joseph Slate uses a relatable story to introduce basic time concepts and sequencing as Miss Bindergarten prepares for the arrival of her new students.
- Slate, Joseph (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 07/09/2001 (Publication Date) – Puffin Books (Publisher)
Two of Everything
This is an interesting book by Lily Toy Hong. It follows an old man, Mr. Haktak, who discovers a magical pot that turns everything into two. This book introduces basic multiplication concepts in a lighthearted way.
- Hong, Lily Toy (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 03/21/2017 (Publication Date) – Albert Whitman & Company (Publisher)
Fraction Fun
This engaging book by David Adler introduces young children to fractions through everyday activities, using clear visuals and relatable examples. It’s a great way to show kindergarteners that fractions indeed are FUN!
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Adler, David A. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
There are many excellent math picture books to choose from. Look for books that align with your child’s age and developing abilities. Select books with engaging stories and illustrations that draw kids in. Interactive books that allow hands-on learning are also beneficial.
Most importantly, make reading math picture books a fun routine and bonding experience with your children. Math-themed picture books are a great way to nurture both math and literacy skills and create a lifelong love for both!
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Product on sale*** Daily Lessons in Preschool Mathematics CurriculumOriginal price was: $135.00.$99.00Current price is: $99.00.
