Sharing picture books with children is a great way to introduce them to the skills, ideas and concepts they will require in later life. It’s not just about words and reading.
This selection of books will help your children to discover the world of numbers and counting. Once they get the idea from books, you can encourage them to start counting everywhere: in the supermarket, at the park, in the library.
If your child has a favourite counting book, please tell us about it in the comments section. We always love to receive recommendations.
1 2 3 Under the Sea – Martina Hogan & Frankie Jones
This simple, easy to handle board book lets you and your little one count under sea creatures together.
10 Little Circus Mice – Caroline Stills & Judith Rossell
A charming picture book that makes learning to count fun. A group of mice set out to do their morning chores, but one disobedient mouse is more interested in playing. Who wants to sweep the floor when you could be flying high on a trapeze? But, watch out, there’s a kitten lurking nearby.
Fruits – Valerie Bloom & David Axtell
How much fruit can one small girl eat in a day? In turns out, quite a lot! Count from one to ten, learn the names of some Caribbean fruits, and find out what happens after eating a cocktail of mangoes, bananas and more.
Guinea Pig Party – Holly Surplice
Count to ten and back again as you join in the Guinea Pig Party. Like many toddler parties, it all goes a bit wrong. Don’t worry, it all ends happily with party bags all round.
Maisy’s First 1 2 3 – Lucy Cousins
Maisy Mouse is counting her favourite animals. Help her count one, two, three, four, five. Butterflies, tortoises, fizzy fish, swirly snails and one stripy tiger will guide you through your first numbers.
My Granny Went to Market – Stella Blackstone & Christopher Corr
Granny races around the world on a magic carpet, visiting many different countries to do her shopping. A light-hearted counting book with a multi-cultural theme.
One Mole Digging a Hole – Julia Donaldson & Nick Sharratt
This basic one-to-ten counting book is brought to life with zany illustrations and ridiculous rhymes. Sure to make you and your little one giggle as you find parrots pulling up carrots and bears picking pears.
One, Two, That’s My Shoe! – Alison Murray
A simple rhyme introduces the numbers from one to ten as we chase the dog through the books.
Six Little Chicks – Jez Alborough
Hen tries to keep track of her little chicks. You need to keep counting to make sure they are all safe – especially when there is a hairy, scary fox on the prowl.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar – Eric Carle
A small and very hungry caterpillar eats one apple on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, and more food every day until, on Saturday, he has an enormous feast. The caterpillar grows into a beautiful butterfly and at the same time manages to nibble his way through the pages of this book
Hampshire Library Service 