Learn how to make math fun with picture books! Discover the best math books for kids — perfect for kindergarten and elementary school children.
My kids have been asking about math concepts I’ve had to explain in creative ways.
When one asked the answer to 3 x 5, I gave the example of three kids jumping five times. Fractions are explained with dividing a pizza into slices. Even and odd numbers are compared to sharing between the twins and whether they have equal pieces or if one has more than the other.
They compare how many more “heads” they need to be as tall as me or my husband and ask how many more hours until dinner. And, of course, they apply math concepts to toys and their play time.
You see, math isn’t just about numbers, or adding and subtracting. And while we hear about the benefits of daily reading to our kids, we don’t always know clear and easy ways to talk about math.
That’s why I love combining the two: reading children’s books about math.
We’re not talking workbooks or drills, either. Children’s books give kids the chance to talk about math concepts without solving a problem or coming up with an answer. They simply introduce these concepts in an entertaining and easy-to-understand way.
I’ve listed my recommendations for children’s books about numbers. Now, I share our favorite math books for kids. Many of these take kids through counting, while others share concepts like shapes, numerals, and real-life math applications. Some even introduce historical figures important to math.
Take a look at these math books for kids for your next trip to the library or bookstore:
Math books for kids
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Maryam’s Magic by Megan Reid and Aaliya Jaleel
Even Steven and Odd Todd by Kathryn Cristaldi
12 Ways to Get to 11 by Eve Merriam
How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara
How Much Is a Million? by David M Schwartz
The Cookie Fiasco by Mo Willems
Millions, Billions, & Trillions by David A. Adler
Spaghetti and Meatballs for All! by Marilyn Burns
Fractions in Disguise by Edward Einhorn
A Place for Zero by Angeline Sparagna LoPresti
A Hundred Billion Trillion Stars by Seth Fishman
The Greedy Triangle by Marilyn Burns
If You Were a Quadrilateral by Molly Cece Barlow Blaisdell
The Boy Who Loved Math by Deborah Heiligman
The Girl with a Mind for Math by Julia Finley Mosca
On a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne
Counting Crocodiles by Judy Sierra
The Grapes Of Math by Greg Tang
Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford
Seeing Symmetry by Loreen Leedy
Equal Shmequal by Virginia Kroll
Read these next:
- How to Create a Math Rich Environment at Home
- 6 Techniques to Teach Your Child to Love Math
- Easy! 12 Ways to Teach Preschoolers about Money
- Best Building Toys to Nurture Creative Play
- How to Raise Kids Who Love to Learn
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