Picture Books for Math: Fun and Engaging Ways to Teach Math Concepts

Math may seem intimidating to some children, but the right picture books can make math feel fun, engaging, and approachable. Picture books are a wonderful way to introduce kids to mathematical concepts by weaving numbers, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving into exciting stories. These books allow children to connect with math in a visual and interactive way, helping them understand its relevance in the world around them.

In this blog post, we will explore a selection of picture books for math that teach various mathematical concepts, from basic counting and shapes to more complex ideas like patterns, measurement, and even the concept of infinity. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or math enthusiast looking to share the magic of math with children, these picture books will make learning math both fun and memorable!

1. “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle

Though not explicitly a math book, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a great introduction to counting and number patterns. The story follows a caterpillar as it eats different foods, with each food item introduced in increasing quantities. Children can practice counting the foods and track the caterpillar’s growth over the course of the story.

• Why it’s important: It teaches basic counting and number recognition, as well as the concept of growth and change.

• Who should read it: Young children, particularly preschoolers and kindergarteners, who are learning to count.

2. “How Many Snails?” by Paul Giganti Jr.

In “How Many Snails?”, the author presents a series of fun and engaging puzzles where children must count snails grouped in various ways. As the book progresses, kids explore the concepts of grouping, addition, and subtraction through the story.

• Why it’s important: This book helps children understand grouping and pattern recognition, both of which are foundational concepts in math.

• Who should read it: Early elementary children, especially kindergarteners who are learning to count and group objects.

3. “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish” by Dr. Seuss

In “One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish,” Dr. Seuss introduces young readers to the world of numbers through rhyming and imaginative scenarios. Though the book doesn’t provide a structured approach to math, it encourages children to practice counting and recognize number sequences.

• Why it’s important: This book introduces counting, number recognition, and patterns in a playful, rhyming context.

• Who should read it: Kids from ages 3-6 who are just starting to explore numbers, counting, and sequences.

4. “Mouse Count” by Ellen Stoll Walsh

In “Mouse Count,” a snake captures several mice, and children can follow along by counting how many mice are captured and then calculating how many are left as the story progresses. The book provides a simple yet engaging way to introduce children to subtraction and counting backwards.

• Why it’s important: It provides a clear and interactive way to understand the concept of subtraction and counting backward.

• Who should read it: Preschoolers and kindergartners who are beginning to understand counting and subtraction.

5. “The Doorbell Rang” by Pat Hutchins

In “The Doorbell Rang,” a group of children are waiting to enjoy a batch of cookies when the doorbell rings, and more and more guests arrive, forcing the cookies to be divided into smaller and smaller portions. This story helps children understand the concept of division, sharing, and equal groups.

• Why it’s important: It introduces the concept of division and helps children visualize the idea of dividing a set of objects into equal parts.

• Who should read it: Early elementary children, especially those in kindergarten or first grade, who are beginning to understand division and sharing.

6. “12 Ways to Get to 11” by Eve Merriam

“12 Ways to Get to 11” is a creative exploration of addition. The story follows different combinations of numbers that add up to the number 11, using playful illustrations and simple mathematical equations. Each page provides a different way to express 11, making math both fun and interactive.

• Why it’s important: The book helps children learn about addition and how different combinations of numbers can equal the same sum, laying the groundwork for more advanced math concepts.

• Who should read it: Young children in kindergarten and first grade who are learning to understand addition.

7. “Anno’s Mysterious Multiplying Jar” by Mitsumasa Anno

In “Anno’s Mysterious Multiplying Jar,” the book follows a simple jar that appears to contain only one object, but as the story progresses, the number of objects inside the jar multiplies. Through this captivating narrative, children are introduced to the concept of multiplication in a visual and engaging way.

• Why it’s important: This book provides a visual understanding of multiplication and helps children grasp the idea of growing quantities through multiplication.

• Who should read it: Early elementary children who are ready to understand multiplication and its impact on quantities.

8. “The Greedy Triangle” by Marilyn Burns

In “The Greedy Triangle,” a triangle is dissatisfied with its shape and keeps turning into different polygons in search of the perfect form. Along the way, children are introduced to a variety of geometric shapes, including triangles, squares, pentagons, and hexagons.

• Why it’s important: The book introduces geometry and helps children recognize and understand basic shapes, their properties, and how they differ from one another.

• Who should read it: Young children, especially kindergarteners and first graders, who are learning about basic geometry and shapes.

9. “Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!” by Marilyn Burns

In “Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!”, a family sets out to arrange tables for a party. The math problem they face involves figuring out how to seat everyone at the right number of tables. The book encourages children to think about spatial reasoning, patterns, and arrangements as they help the family make decisions about the seating.

• Why it’s important: It helps children understand patterns, measurement, and arrangements in a fun, practical context.

• Who should read it: Kindergarteners and first graders who are beginning to learn about spatial relationships and patterns.

10. “The Cat in the Hat Learning Library” (Various Titles)

The “Cat in the Hat Learning Library” series by Dr. Seuss includes many books that introduce math concepts in a fun, accessible way. Titles like “One, Two, Three!” and “The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library: Great Big Flap Book of Numbers” teach children how to count, recognize numbers, and understand basic arithmetic concepts through Dr. Seuss’s signature fun and playful approach.

• Why it’s important: The books cover various mathematical concepts, such as counting, number recognition, and patterns, all in a way that is engaging and memorable for young children.

• Who should read it: Children from preschool to early elementary who are exploring basic math concepts in an engaging and interactive way.

Conclusion

Picture books are an excellent tool for introducing young children to the world of mathematics. By combining math concepts with colorful illustrations and engaging stories, these books make learning math both fun and meaningful. Whether you’re teaching basic counting, exploring shapes, or introducing the concepts of addition and subtraction, these books offer an interactive way to make math come alive for children.

The beauty of picture books for math is that they encourage children to visualize math concepts, helping them see that math isn’t just a set of numbers or equations, but a language that helps explain the world around us. The more children interact with math in a creative, fun way, the more confident and enthusiastic they will become as they continue to explore mathematical ideas in school and beyond.