10+ Best Counting Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect counting books for 3-year-olds to make learning numbers fun and engaging? You've come to the right place! Whether you're a parent, guardian, or educator, finding the right book can be a game-changer in a child's early education. Keep reading as we explore a variety of counting books designed specifically for 3-year-olds, each crafted to capture their imagination and help them master the basics of numbers. Let's dive in and discover the ideal counting book for your little learner!

Fun Counting Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, and illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting
  • Synopsis: In this vibrant sequel to "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," numbers climb up a coconut tree in this fun counting adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a lively and rhythmic read that introduces young readers to numbers in a playful and memorable way.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy rhythmic, rhyming stories that make learning numbers fun.

• Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting
  • Synopsis: This book explores the concept of counting through the use of black dots. Each page uses a different number of dots to create an image and tells a story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively teaches counting and encourages imagination by showing how simple dots can form various objects.
  • Perfect for: Young children who are just starting to learn about numbers and enjoy visual learning.

• One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root and illustrated by Jane Chapman
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: A duck gets stuck in the mud and various groups of other animals try to help it get out, with the numbers of animals increasing with each attempt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple counting with repetitive, rhyming text that helps children predict the next numbers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like animals and interactive, repetitive tales that build anticipation.

• Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Humor
  • Synopsis: This energetic book follows the misadventures of five little monkeys as they bounce on the bed and get into a bit of trouble, one by one.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun way to practice counting backwards, and the repetitive phrases encourage children to join in on the reading.
  • Perfect for: Energetic toddlers who enjoy playful stories and can relate to the monkeys' antics.

• Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this suspenseful story, a clever mouse outsmarts a snake that has captured it and its friends by tricking it with counting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting in a suspenseful setting that captivates children's attention while also delivering a message about cleverness and bravery.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy a bit of thrill and learning through stories of adventure and cunning.

Educational Counting Books for 3-Year-Olds

• 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting
  • Synopsis: This book features a train carrying zoo animals, one per car, offering kids a fun way to count from 1 to 10 as they follow the animals' journey.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, animal recognition, early mathematics
  • Why we recommend this book: Eric Carle's distinctive collage illustrations captivate young readers, making learning to count an engaging visual experience.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers who love animals and colorful illustrations.

• Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes young readers through a changing landscape from 0 to 12, showing not only how to count but how numbers relate to the world around us.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, number concepts, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stimulating book that enhances understanding of numbers through beautifully detailed landscapes.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are ready to explore numbers in a more conceptual way.

• Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Picture Book
  • Synopsis: This brightly illustrated book offers a deep-sea journey where children count colorful fish and learn simple arithmetic.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, basic addition, color recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: The vivid, die-cut illustrations by Lois Ehlert make counting and addition visually exciting and accessible.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy vibrant, interactive books that educate and entertain.

• How Many Snails? A Counting Book by Paul Giganti Jr., illustrated by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Observation
  • Synopsis: The book poses various counting questions about snails and other objects, encouraging kids to think about numbers in different ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, critical thinking, observation skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges children to use their counting skills in varied scenarios, enhancing both their numerical abilities and attention to detail.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy interactive question-and-answer books that stimulate thoughtful learning.

• Over in the Meadow by Olive A. Wadsworth, illustrated by Jill McDonald
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Rhyming
  • Synopsis: This classic nursery rhyme book features animals living in a meadow, with the numbers 1 through 10 represented in each rhyming verse.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, rhyming skills, animal habitats
  • Why we recommend this book: The combination of rhyme and repetition makes learning numbers delightful and memorable.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who appreciate stories with animals and enjoy singing along to rhythmic texts.

Challenging Counting Books for 3-Year-Olds

• Zero the Hero by Joan Holub, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Superheroes
  • Synopsis: Zero feels like a big nothing until he discovers that he has an important role in addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces mathematical concepts like addition and multiplication, which are advanced for three-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It presents numbers and math concepts in a fun, superhero-themed narrative that makes learning engaging.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love superheroes and are showing an early interest in math.

• Twenty Big Trucks in the Middle of the Street by Mark Lee, illustrated by Kurt Cyrus
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Transportation
  • Synopsis: An ice cream truck breaks down and causes a traffic jam, leading to a counting adventure with twenty different big trucks.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book includes higher numbers and introduces various types of trucks, which can be complex for young minds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines counting with a fun story about trucks, appealing to children's interests in vehicles and encouraging number recognition.
  • Perfect for: Little ones fascinated by trucks and moving vehicles.

• Apple Countdown by Joan Holub, illustrated by Jan Smith
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Nature
  • Synopsis: Field trip day is here, and the kids head out to an apple orchard, counting everything they see, from the bus ride there to the apples they pick.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves counting multiple items and scenarios, which helps develop observational and numerical skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a great way to learn counting through a fun, real-world activity like visiting an apple orchard.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy outdoor activities and nature-themed learning.

• One Is a Snail, Ten Is a Crab: A Counting by Feet Book by April Pulley Sayre and Jeff Sayre, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Animals
  • Synopsis: This book counts feet to teach counting, using a fun and unique approach by associating numbers with the feet of various beach creatures.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces an unconventional method of counting using the concept of feet, which requires abstract thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creative thinking and helps children learn counting in a novel way that relates to real-world observations.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy the beach and are curious about animals and nature.

• Quack and Count by Keith Baker
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Counting, Animals
  • Synopsis: Seven ducklings play in the pond in this delightful rhyming book that teaches counting and simple addition.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces basic addition within the context of the story, which is a higher-level concept for three-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: The rhyming text and playful illustrations make learning numbers and addition enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Young children who like stories with animals and are ready to start learning simple math concepts.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Sure, here’s how you can turn counting book sessions into fun and educational exercises for your little one!

• Count Along with Fingers
  • What it is: As you read, encourage your child to count along using their fingers.
  • How it helps: This tactile interaction reinforces learning through physical activity, which is great for young kids.
  • Tips: Use colorful finger puppets to make counting more engaging and fun.

• Find and Point
  • What it is: Ask your child to find numbers on the page and point to them as you read together.
  • How it helps: Enhances number recognition and visual tracking skills.
  • Tips: Cheer and clap each time they correctly identify a number to encourage participation.

• Number Hunt
  • What it is: After reading, have a 'number hunt' where you and your child look for objects around the house that match numbers from the book.
  • How it helps: Connects book learning to real-world objects, reinforcing counting skills.
  • Tips: Start with smaller numbers and gradually increase as your child becomes more comfortable.

• Create Your Own Number Book
  • What it is: Together with your child, create a homemade book where each page represents a different number.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps in understanding and memorizing numbers.
  • Tips: Use stickers, drawings, or magazine cutouts to represent numbers visually.

• Sing Counting Songs
  • What it is: Integrate counting books with counting songs or rhymes.
  • How it helps: Musical elements help in memorization and make learning enjoyable.
  • Tips: Try to match the rhythm of the song with the pacing of the book for a seamless learning experience.

These exercises are not just about learning to count; they're about making counting a fun, interactive, and integral part of your child's daily routine. By incorporating these playful activities, you're setting a strong foundation for a love of reading and numbers that will benefit your child immensely as they grow. So, grab your favorite counting book and start exploring numbers in these fun, engaging ways!