Children’s books about math can be a valuable resource for parents who want to help their children improve their math skills while promoting literacy. By combining math and reading, kids can better visualize mathematical concepts, learn in a fun and whimsical way, and even spark curiosity in math lessons. These books can create a bridge for kids who “don’t like math” but love stories, or help those who love math but aren’t so fond of reading get buried in a book.
The math books listed below are mainly for younger children but a few are appropriate for older kids as well. Each book has a different focus, with math skills concepts highlighted in the story. Some books integrate math into stories, while others provide riddles and games to make math come to life and pique kids’ interest in mathematical concepts. Have fun exploring some of the best math book resources for kids.
A Very Improbable Story
One morning, Ethan wakes up with a talking cat named Odds on his head. Odds challenges Ethan to win a game before he will get off his head. The two engage in a series of probability games, where Ethan tries everything to win. The story highlights the concepts of probability and chance in a fun and engaging way. The unlikely scenario of a cat on someone’s head adds to the humor of the story. Overall, the story is a creative way to teach mathematical concepts to children.
Spaghetti and Meatballs for All!
Mr. and Mrs. Comfort’s dinner party turned out to be a math lesson in disguise. With 32 guests and eight tables that seat four people each, Mrs. Comfort thought she had enough seats for everyone. However, as guests arrived, they had different ideas on how to arrange the seats. Despite Mrs. Comfort’s protests, the guests and Mr. Comfort didn’t listen. In the end, Mrs. Comfort was proven correct that there wouldn’t be enough seats for everyone. This scenario highlights the math concepts of counting and geometry.
Go Figure!
This section delves into the fascinating world of numbers and their significance in different cultures. From the origins of counting to the modern-day use of math in our world, this book covers a wide range of numerical concepts. Some of the featured math concepts include prime numbers, infinity, and shapes. The book provides a comprehensive overview of how numbers have shaped our world and continue to do so.
A Second, a Minute, a Week with Days in It: A Book about Time
This book is a fun and interactive way to introduce children to the concept of time. The book covers various measurements of time, including seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, and decades. It also showcases different devices used to measure time, such as watches, calendars, cell phones, computers, and clocks.
The book starts with seconds and explains what activities can be done within each measurement of time. For example, it highlights that you can sing the birthday song four times in a minute. The book also emphasizes that riding a bike for a full hour would require a lot of strength.
One of the featured math concepts in the book is telling time. This is a crucial skill that children need to learn and master. The book provides a fun and engaging way to teach children how to tell time.
Fractions, Decimals, and Percents
Children attending the county fair will have the opportunity to learn about fractions, decimals, and percents and how they are related. This will be done through interactive activities and games. The featured math concepts include fractions, decimals, and percents.
Some possible ways to teach these concepts include:
- Using a pie chart to explain how fractions, decimals, and percents are related.
- Creating a game where children have to match fractions, decimals, and percents with their corresponding values.
- Using real-life examples, such as discounts at the fair, to demonstrate how percents are used in everyday life.
Seeing Symmetry
Symmetry is a fundamental concept in geometry that can be found in both man-made objects and nature. It can be seen in words and numbers as well. This book encourages kids to explore and create their own symmetrical designs, helping them develop their understanding of geometry and symmetry.
7 x 9 = Trouble
Wilson Williams struggles with math, particularly with timed multiplication tests. Despite his parents’ efforts to help him, Wilson finds it challenging to improve his math skills. Wilson’s friend Josh and class hamster Squiggles provide him comfort during this difficult time. However, Wilson’s struggles persist until an unexpected source comes to his aid.
This story highlights the importance of perseverance in overcoming academic challenges. It also emphasizes the significance of having a supportive network, whether it be through friends or family.
Parents can use this story as a tool to teach their children the value of perseverance and the importance of seeking help when needed. It can also serve as a reminder to be patient and understanding when their child faces academic difficulties.
Math Fables
In this book, children are introduced to numbers through a series of sing-song tales that correspond with illustrations. Each fable focuses on counting up to ten, making it an excellent way to teach young children basic math concepts.
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table
In this story, Sir Cumference faces a challenge when King Arthur’s knights cannot hear him due to the rectangular table. Sir Cumference tries various shapes until Lady Di suggests a round table. This solution allows everyone to be heard equally. This story introduces geometry concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Math Curse
In the book “Math Curse” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith, Mrs. Fibonacci tells her math class that almost everything can be thought of as a math problem. The main character wakes up late and starts to see how numbers and math are everywhere. He wonders how many quarts are in a gallon while taking out milk for his cereal. This book shows that numbers and math are a part of our daily lives and can be fun.
The Grapes of Math
“The Grapes of Math” is a book that features a series of counting rhymes with accompanying pictures. It challenges kids to find patterns that help them visualize numbers and count faster. The book’s primary math concept is counting, and it uses math puzzles to aid in the learning process.
Counting Crocodiles
In “Counting Crocodiles,” a monkey on an island with only lemons to eat spots a banana tree across the sea. However, the water is infested with crocodiles. To determine how many crocodiles there are, the monkey begins counting them, utilizing the math concept of counting up to ten.
Ten Apples Up On Top!
In this story by Dr. Seuss, three animal friends balance apples on their heads while practicing counting up to ten. As they continue to balance apples, they learn they can do different things while counting. However, they must be careful, as someone is coming along to try and knock down the apples.
Sir Cumference and All the King’s Tens
In “Sir Cumference and All the King’s Tens,” Lady Di and Sir Cumference organize a surprise birthday party for the king. However, they are overwhelmed by the number of guests who show up, making it impossible to fit everyone in their castle. To determine the exact number of guests, they use different strategies until they discover the usefulness of grouping people into tens and combining those groups to form larger groups. This approach allows them to count the guests accurately and erect tents for everyone. The math concept featured in this story is number groupings and place value, which can help in counting large numbers by breaking them down into smaller units.
Why Pi?
Why Pi? is a book that explores the historical accounts of how people discovered the principles behind measurement. This book takes the reader on a journey from ancient times up to present day to help bring greater understanding to how certain concepts and theorems came about. Featured math concepts in Why Pi? include measurements.
The Chicken Problem
Peg and Cat, along with their friend Pig, face a math problem when they discover the chicken coop open and chickens running everywhere during their farm picnic. They embark on a math adventure to solve their problem, with the featured math concept being addition.
Fraction Fun
This section explores the concept of fractions, using relatable examples such as dividing a pizza. The book also provides engaging activities to help kids deepen their understanding of fractions.
Pigeon Math
The narrator in this suspenseful story uses math to keep up with the constantly changing numbers of pigeons. The featured math concept is counting.
Summary
Math books for kids are a great way to introduce children to the world of numbers and problem-solving. These books come in various forms, including storybooks, activity books, and textbooks. They are designed to make math fun and engaging for children, while also helping them develop critical thinking skills. Math books for kids cover a wide range of topics, from basic arithmetic to geometry and algebra. With the right math book, children can learn to love math and develop a lifelong passion for learning.