Mathematics is a subject that is all around us, from the patterns in nature to the shapes of our homes. However, understanding mathematical concepts can often be a challenge for children. To make learning math enjoyable and engaging, books can be a valuable tool. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a selection of the best math books for kids, categorized by different math subjects and age groups. These books will not only teach children important math skills but also foster a love for the subject. So, let’s embark on a math adventure and discover the wonders of learning through books!
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Traditional math textbooks can often be seen as dull and intimidating. However, math books for kids have the power to transform complex concepts into fun and engaging stories, riddles, and visual journeys. By presenting math in an accessible and enjoyable way, these books help children develop a sense of wonder and appreciation for mathematics. Whether it’s counting to ten, understanding the concept of shapes, or exploring advanced mathematical theories, there’s a book on this list for every child. Moreover, these books can be used as valuable resources for homeschooling or as supplements to the existing curriculum.
Picture Books: Introducing Basic Math Concepts
Picture books are a wonderful way to introduce young children to basic math concepts such as counting, shapes, and measurements. These books combine colorful illustrations with captivating stories to make learning math a delightful experience.
“Counting Crocodiles” by Judy Sierra
“Counting Crocodiles” is a delightful and humorous picture book that follows a monkey living on a small island. The monkey’s desire for bananas from a neighboring island is hindered by crocodiles in the sea. This book not only entertains children but also teaches them how to count and problem-solve. It is perfect for children aged 4 to 7 who are learning to count to ten.
“100 Bugs!: A Counting Book” by Kate Narita
“100 Bugs!: A Counting Book” is a fun and educational picture book that takes children on an adventure to discover different species of bugs. From 10 bugs to 100 bugs, children will learn how to count while exploring the fascinating world of insects. This book is suitable for children aged 5 and up, who are ready to take on new counting challenges.
“Sir Cumference and the First Round Table” by Cindy Neuschwander and Wayne Geehan
“Sir Cumference and the First Round Table” is a unique picture book that introduces children to the world of geometry through an exciting medieval story. Join Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius as they help King Arthur build the perfect round table. This book not only teaches children about different shapes but also enriches their vocabulary with puns and wordplay. It is recommended for children aged 8 to 12 who are ready to explore the wonders of geometry.
“Fractals, Googols, and Other Mathematical Tales” by Theoni Pappas
“Fractals, Googols, and Other Mathematical Tales” is a collection of captivating stories that introduce children to various mathematical concepts. From magic turtles to number lines, each story focuses on a different mathematical concept and engages children through imaginative storytelling. This book is suitable for children of various ages and is a great resource for parents and educators looking to make math learning fun and exciting.
Counting Books: Developing Numerical Skills
Learning to count is a fundamental skill that lays the foundation for more advanced mathematical concepts. Counting books can help children develop numerical skills while keeping them engaged with colorful illustrations and interactive storytelling.
“Count to Love!” by Andrea Davis Pinkney and Brian Pinkney
“Count to Love!” is a charming board book that makes counting adorable. Through rhyming text and precious baby illustrations, this book encourages even the youngest children to love learning how to count. It is also part of the Bright Brown Baby publishing program, which celebrates Black and brown families and babies.
“Each Orange Had 8 Slices: A Counting Book” by Paul Giganti Jr. and Donald Crews
“Each Orange Had 8 Slices: A Counting Book” is a colorful and engaging book that helps children grasp the concept of counting and basic addition. From oranges to pizzas, children will learn how to count in a fun and interactive way. This book is suitable for children who are just beginning to count and those looking to improve their addition and multiplication skills.
“One is a Snail, Ten is a Crab” by April Pulley Sayre and Jeff Sayre
“One is a Snail, Ten is a Crab” is a delightful book filled with beach themes and counting creatures. Through the help of friendly snails, crabs, and other characters, children will transition from counting ones to counting tens. This book is ideal for children aged 5 to 8 who are ready to explore counting in a unique and engaging way.
Telling Time Books: Mastering the Art of Reading Clocks
Reading clocks and telling time is an essential life skill. Telling time books can help children understand different aspects of time, from seconds to hours, while making the learning process enjoyable and interactive.
“Telling Time” by Jules Older and Megan Halsey
“Telling Time” is a comprehensive book that teaches children how to read time on both digital and analog clocks. From the elements of time to why people need to tell time, this book covers all the essentials in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. The vivid clock illustrations alone make this book worth exploring. It is suitable for children aged 5 to 8 who are eager to learn the art of telling time.
“Telling Time with Big Momma Cat” by Dan Harper
“Telling Time with Big Momma Cat” follows the daily adventures of Big Momma Cat as she navigates her activities based on the time of day. This interactive book features a clock with movable plastic hands, allowing children to practice telling time in a hands-on way. With its engaging storyline and interactive elements, this book is perfect for children aged 4 to 7 who are ready to dive into the world of telling time.
“What Time is It Mr. Crocodile?” by Judy Sierra and Doug Cushman
“What Time is It Mr. Crocodile?” is a humorous and informative book that introduces children to the concept of telling time and scheduling. Through mischievous monkeys and a crocodile, children will learn about the importance of telling time and the value of friendship. This book is a favorite among children and is sure to make learning about time enjoyable.
Measurement Books: Exploring the World of Size and Quantity
Understanding measurements is an important skill that children will use throughout their lives. Measurement books can help children grasp the concepts of length, height, volume, and more, in a fun and engaging way.
“Inch by Inch” by Leo Lionni
“Inch by Inch” is a whimsical book that follows the journey of an inchworm who is built to measure. From a toucan’s beak to a robin’s tail, the inchworm measures various objects in a captivating story. This book also poses the intriguing question of whether a song can be measured. Children will be entertained while learning about different measurements. It is a classic book recommended for children of all ages.
“How Big is a Foot” by Rolf Myller
“How Big is a Foot” is a fascinating story that not only teaches children how to measure but also explores the concept of measurement itself. When the King wants to give the Queen a bed as a birthday present, he realizes that he doesn’t know how big a bed should be. This book takes children on a journey to discover the measurements of a bed and the importance of accurate measurement. It is also a great way to comprehend the concept of social distancing and standing six feet apart.
“Measuring Penny” by Loreen Leedy
“Measuring Penny” is an engaging book that follows the adventures of Lisa and her dog, Penny, as they embark on a mission to explore the world of measurement. Using everyday objects like measuring tape and paper clips, Lisa learns about length, width, height, volume, and more. This book combines humor and education to make learning about measurement enjoyable for children of all ages.
Addition and Subtraction Books: Mastering the Fundamentals
Addition and subtraction are fundamental mathematical operations that children should master early on. Addition and subtraction books can help children develop essential problem-solving skills while enjoying entertaining stories.
“Pigeon Math” by Asia Citro and Richard Watson
“Pigeon Math” is a hilarious and fun book that combines math with storytelling. The narrator of the story is faced with the challenge of counting flying pigeons, which proves to be quite complicated. Through the use of math, the narrator keeps track of the ever-changing situation. This book is a must-read for children aged 5 to 10 who want to learn math while laughing along with the entertaining story.
“Rooster’s Off to See the World” by Eric Carle
“Rooster’s Off to See the World” is an enchanting book that combines animal adventures with addition and subtraction. As the rooster sets off on a journey, other animals join him, resulting in a vibrant exploration of addition and subtraction concepts. Through humorous text and colorful illustrations, this book makes math concepts fun and accessible for young children.
“What’s New at the Zoo?” by Suzanne Slade and Joan Waites
“What’s New at the Zoo?” is a delightful book that combines animal adventures with addition. Children will join the characters as they learn about zoo animal diets and discover what real-life animal babies are called. This book is suitable for children in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade who are eager to explore math while enjoying an engaging story.
Multiplication Books: Exploring the World of Multiplication
Multiplication is a key mathematical concept that children encounter as they progress in their learning journey. Multiplication books can help children understand the principles of multiplication while engaging them with entertaining stories.
“Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dreams” by Cindy Neuschwander
“Amanda Bean’s Amazing Dreams” follows the story of Amanda, who discovers that multiplication is the fastest way to count. As Amanda’s love for counting grows to include the ease of multiplication, children will be introduced to the concept of multiplication in a relatable and engaging way. This book is a classic children’s story that combines funny illustrations with insightful text.
“Anno’s Mysterious Multiplying Jar” by Masaichiro Anno and Mitsumasa Anno
“Anno’s Mysterious Multiplying Jar” is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces children to multiplication and factorials. Through captivating images and words, this book teaches both the abstract and concrete elements of multiplication. It is an excellent resource for children who want to explore multiplication and delve into the world of numerical relationships.
“Multiplying Menace: The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin” by Pam Calvert and Wayne Geehan
“Multiplying Menace: The Revenge of Rumpelstiltskin” combines the classic character of Rumpelstiltskin with multiplication, creating a clever and entertaining adventure. As Rumpelstiltskin seeks payment after ten years, children will embark on a fun-filled journey of multiplication and fairytale fun. This book is a perfect blend of storytelling and mathematics, captivating children while teaching them the principles of multiplication.
Division and Fractions Books: Exploring Dividing and Fractional Concepts
Division and fractions are essential mathematical concepts that children encounter as they progress in their math education. Division and fractions books can help children understand these concepts while engaging them with intriguing stories.
“Fractions in Disguise: A Math Adventure” by Edward Einhorn and David Clark
“Fractions in Disguise: A Math Adventure” takes children on a thrilling adventure with Dr. Brok and George Cornelius Factor (GCF) as they tackle the disguise that Dr. Brok has placed on fractions. Through an exciting storyline and creative storytelling, children will learn about fractions in their truest form. This book is a great resource for children exploring the world of fractions.
“Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!” by Marilyn Burns
“Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!” is a book that combines real-life math scenarios with a delicious recipe. Mr. and Mrs. Comfort are preparing their famous spaghetti and meatballs for a family reunion, but they face a seating problem. This book not only teaches children about fractions but also provides ample opportunities to practice math skills. It is a witty and humorous book that makes math concepts fun and accessible.
“The Lion’s Share” by Matthew McElligott
“The Lion’s Share” is a captivating book that introduces children to the concept of division through a clever storyline. When Ant is invited to a dinner, the other guests become greedy, leaving Ant and the King with only a crumb. This book ponders how many cakes are truly needed to feed the King, turning the event into a contest. “The Lion’s Share” is a perfect blend of fairytale and mathematics, engaging children while teaching them about division.
Geometry and Shapes Books: Discovering the World of Shapes
Geometry and shapes are fascinating areas of mathematics that are both abstract and tangible. Geometry and shapes books can help children explore different shapes, lines, angles, and concepts while enjoying captivating stories.
“Sir Cumference and the First Round Table” by Cindy Neuschwander and Wayne Geehan
In “Sir Cumference and the First Round Table,” children will journey back to medieval times and join Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius in building the perfect round table for King Arthur. This book not only introduces children to different shapes but also teaches them about their properties through an exciting story. It is an ideal resource for children aged 8 to 12 who are ready to explore geometry.
“The Greedy Triangle” by Marilyn Burns
“The Greedy Triangle” follows the story of a dissatisfied triangle who wants to be more than just a triangle. With the help of a shapeshifter, the triangle transforms into different shapes, only to realize the importance of its original form. This book not only teaches children about different shapes but also instills the value of self-acceptance and uniqueness. It is a captivating book suitable for children of all ages.
“What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras?” by Julie Ellis and Phyllis Hornung
“What’s Your Angle, Pythagoras?” combines puns and wordplay to introduce children to angles and the Pythagorean theorem. Join young Pythagoras as he embarks on a journey to Find the mysteries of this fundamental mathematical equation. Through imaginative storytelling and creative illustrations, this book engages children while teaching them about angles and the Pythagorean theorem. It is recommended for children who want to explore math and test their skills.
Conclusion
Math books for kids are powerful tools that can transform the way children perceive and learn mathematics. By presenting complex concepts through captivating stories, colorful illustrations, and interactive elements, these books make learning math enjoyable and accessible. From counting to fractions, and geometry to multiplication, the books mentioned in this guide cover a wide range of math subjects and cater to different age groups. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply someone interested in fostering a love for math in children, these books are a valuable resource that will nurture young minds and help them develop essential math skills. So, let these books take your child on an exciting math adventure and inspire a lifelong love for learning!