Over at our little homeschool in this corner of the world, we are currently obsessing about numbers. While I introduced the alphabet as early as age 2, I admittedly overlooked teaching numbers to the Energizer Bunny.
We learned how to rote-count and one-to-one correspondence was a breeze, but number recognition is a whole other thing. So, to make it less painful and more fun, we have been reading A LOT of books featuring numbers. Here is a list of our favorite books that introduce numbers.
1. Ten Nine Eight
This book by Molly Bang is a wonderful goodnight book that also teaches counting backwards. I struggled reading this aloud at first, but after careful study of the book, I realized that it was meant to be a lullaby. I sang this to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” and it has been a favorite ever since! Molly Bang’s illustrations, as always, are a feast to the eyes and her poetry delightful to hear.
2. Ten Black Dots
We truly enjoyed Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews. It is a unique counting book featuring black dots in various numbers and what you can do with it. I love how it inspires creativity as well!
3. When Zero Left Number Land
This is a fun book about how the folks at Number Land realized how important Zero was. The Energizer Bunny loved this book so much that we read it three times the first time I gave it to her. The illustrations by Iori Espiritu are also note-worthy. The best part? It’s from a Filipino publisher!
4. My Number Book Series by Jane Belk Moncure
My friend Mariel introduced us to Jane Belk Moncure’s books and I have been in a mad hunt for them ever since. The number books series features Little Kid numbers that also introduces one-to-one correspondence. I like how it focuses on one number per book. For a book lover like my daughter, Moncure’s books have been very valuable tools in teaching numbers and letters!
5. Spot Can Count
Spot is an absolute favorite in our house! The text is simple enough for young listeners and beginning readers. The stories are engaging and Spot’s adventures are always funny. In Spot Can Count, he proudly tells his dad the knows how to count and goes on to count all the animals in the farm. The lift-the-flap guessing game had my daughter hooked!
6. Tagu-Taguan
Two things that make this book a winner: 1. It is by Jomike Tejido. 2. It is written in Filipino!
While these next two books do not feature numbers, I feel it worthy to mention these two wonderful books that can be used to teach counting.
7. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
If there is just one book that you have to have in your library, THIS IS IT! It is a wonderful springboard to discussing numbers, colors, fruits, the life cycle of a butterfly, eating healthy, and days of the week. Eric Carle’s art can inspire young artists to explore watercolor, tissue paper art, and making collages. Oh, and it can also be sung too! This book is a classic for a reason.
8. Ten Apples Up on Top
This was one of our first Dr. Seuss books and although it did not get us hooked, the Energizer Bunny enjoyed this counting book featuring a lion and a dog. FUN!
Have fun!
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