7 Counting Books We Love
Learning to count doesn’t have to be a bore, and parents can start introducing their kiddos to numbers from an early age with a variety of fun and whimsical books that count everything—from ladybugs and dogs, to kisses and monkeys. Check out our picks for some of the best counting picture books and board books for showing your little ones that 1-2-3 really can be as easy—and fun—as ABC.
Ten Little Ladybugs, by Melanie Gerth and Laura Huliska-Beith
Give your wee ones a tactile counting experience with this adorable and colorful book about a bunch of ladybugs. As kids turn each page, one of the little bugs disappears, counting down from 10 to one with rhyming prose to keep the kiddos entertained and engaged. An awesome read for nature loving little ones.
Doggies, by Sandra Boynton
This super-fun read-aloud from whimsical children’s author Sandra Boynton is all about counting—you guessed it—dogs! Each pup has its own unique look and bark, and kids will love listening to Mom and Dad imitate each one—”Woof!” “Yap yap!” “Ruff ruff! Ruff ruff!” This sturdy board book is sure to be requested again and again before bedtime.
Counting Kisses, by Karen Katz
How many kisses does this fussy little baby need before bed in Karen Katz’s sweet and simply illustrated story? The tale counts down from “ten little kisses on teeny tiny toes” and “nine laughing kisses on busy, wriggly feet” all the way to “one last kiss on your sleepy, dreamy head.” Each page will help your baby learn numbers, give you a chance to get in extra cuddles, and maybe even lull the little one off to sleep.
Ten Black Dots, by Donald Crews
This boldly designed book with its striking graphics is a revised and redesigned version of Donald Crews’s 1968 edition. It takes a simple black dot and shows the many, creative things it can be—”One dot can make a sun or a moon when day is done. Two dots can make the eyes of a fox or the eyes of keys that open locks.” And on goes the counting and creating all the way up to 10. Not only can it help kids with counting but also with their creative thinking—what else can you do with a black dot?
123 New York: A Cool Counting Book, by Puck and Kevin Somers
Take baby on a field trip to the Big Apple in this graphic counting book, enumerating city classics like the Statue of Liberty, taxicabs, subway cars and more. Or select from alternate locales with choices like 123 California, 123 Atlanta, 123 Seattle, and others.
Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, by Eileen Christelow
As soon as these five silly little monkeys say goodnight to their mama, well, you know what happens next: “Five little monkeys jumped on the bed!” And one by one, each of these expressive critters falls off and bumps his or her head, leading Mama to have to call the doctor for his sage advice. It serves as a great lesson in counting down from five to one—and not jumping on the bed.
Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3, by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, and Lois Ehlert
“1 told 2 and 2 told 3, ‘I’ll race you to the top of the apple tree,” begins the delightful companion to the bestselling Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. Vibrant shapes and colors along with the fun rhymes bring this story to life with 99 numbers climbing to the top of the tree. But then little zero asks, “Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 … Will there be a place for me?” Find out in this must-have counting book for kids.
What’s your favorite counting book?