Books Lists
10+ Best Math Books for 3-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)
Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce numbers and basic math concepts to your little one? Look no further! Our roundup of the best Math Books for 3-Year-Olds offers a variety of fun, engaging options that are tailor-made to capture the imagination of toddlers while easing them into the world of mathematics. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will not only entertain but also educate your preschooler!
Table of Contents
Fun Math Books for 3-Year-Olds
- First 100 Numbers by Roger Priddy
- Genre(s): Educational, Board Book
- Synopsis: This board book introduces young children to numbers 1 through 100 using clear, colorful photographs and simple words.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a visually engaging way to help toddlers start recognizing and learning numbers. The format is very kid-friendly, making learning feel like fun.
- Perfect for: Toddlers who are just starting to explore books and numbers.
- Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
- Genre(s): Counting, Picture Book
- Synopsis: This book uses simple text and vivid illustrations to show how one can use black dots to create various objects and scenes, counting from one to ten.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and introduces basic math concepts in an imaginative and accessible way.
- Perfect for: Young children who enjoy drawing and counting.
- Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh
- Genre(s): Counting, Animals
- Synopsis: In this suspenseful story, a clever mouse outsmarts a snake that has captured it and its friends, using counting as a key element of the escape plan.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines a thrilling narrative with educational content, making counting a crucial part of the story's resolution.
- Perfect for: Kids who love animal stories and learning through adventures.
- My First Counting Book by Lilian Moore, illustrated by Garth Williams
- Genre(s): Educational, Picture Book
- Synopsis: This classic book features charming illustrations and rhyming text to teach children the numbers from 1 to 10.
- Why we recommend this book: Its rhythmic and rhyming approach makes learning numbers delightful and memorable.
- Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy stories with rhythm and rhyme.
- One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Jane Chapman
- Genre(s): Counting, Nature
- Synopsis: A duck gets stuck in the mud and various groups of other animals try to help him out, with the numbers of animals increasing each time.
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting in a fun and interactive way, with repetitive and catchy phrases that engage young readers.
- Perfect for: Children who like nature and animals, and enjoy participating in reading aloud.
Educational Math Books for 3-Year-Olds
- Counting Kisses by Karen Katz
- Genre(s): Counting, Board Book
- Synopsis: A heartwarming book that counts down the kisses a tired baby receives from members of the family until she falls asleep.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Numeracy, family bonding
- Why we recommend this book: It combines the comforting ritual of kissing the baby goodnight with learning basic counting skills.
- Perfect for: Babies and toddlers who enjoy bedtime stories and need a soothing book before sleep.
- Peek-A Who? by Nina Laden
- Genre(s): Mystery, Board Book
- Synopsis: This engaging book uses rhyming and a simple peek-a-boo format to entertain and surprise young readers.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Sensory skills, prediction, and recognition
- Why we recommend this book: Its interactive format encourages participation and excitement, keeping little ones engaged.
- Perfect for: Toddlers who love interactive and playful reading sessions.
- 123 Count with Me by Tiger Tales, illustrated by Georgie Birkett
- Genre(s): Counting, Board Book
- Synopsis: This book guides toddlers through counting one to ten with fun illustrations and interactive flaps to lift.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, motor skills
- Why we recommend this book: The lift-the-flap design makes learning numbers interactive and fun, perfect for keeping young children entertained while they learn.
- Perfect for: Young learners who enjoy interactive books and are just beginning to learn numbers.
- Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr., Michael Sampson, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
- Genre(s): Counting, Alphabet
- Synopsis: Numbers climb up the apple tree in this vibrant and rhythmic sequel to the classic "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom."
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Numeracy, alphabet recognition
- Why we recommend this book: It's a lively and colorful way to introduce numbers and counting, with the same catchy rhythm as its beloved predecessor.
- Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy vibrant, rhythmic stories and are learning their numbers and letters.
- Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
- Genre(s): Counting, Picture Book
- Synopsis: This humorous story follows five mischievous monkeys as they jump on the bed and fall off one by one.
- Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, cause and effect
- Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting in a fun and memorable way, with repetitive phrases that engage young listeners.
- Perfect for: Young children who enjoy playful stories and learning through repetition and rhyme.
Challenging Math Books for 3-Year-Olds
- Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
- Genre(s): Counting, Picture Book
- Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book explores numbers and counting through detailed landscapes that change with the seasons.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex concepts of counting, not just in sequence but within various contexts and environments, enhancing cognitive connections.
- Why we recommend this book: It offers a visual feast that captivates and educates, encouraging deeper understanding and observation skills.
- Perfect for: Visual learners and young mathematicians who appreciate detailed illustrations and nature.
- How Many Snails? A Counting Book by Paul Giganti Jr., illustrated by Donald Crews
- Genre(s): Counting, Picture Book
- Synopsis: The book presents a series of counting questions that challenge children to count not only the number of objects but also to consider their characteristics.
- Why this book is challenging: It requires children to use categorization and critical thinking skills in addition to basic counting.
- Why we recommend this book: It encourages attention to detail and critical thinking, fostering both numerical skills and cognitive development.
- Perfect for: Curious kids who enjoy puzzles and problem-solving activities.
- Each Orange Had 8 Slices: A Counting Book by Paul Giganti Jr., illustrated by Donald Crews
- Genre(s): Counting, Picture Book
- Synopsis: Through vibrant illustrations and engaging scenarios, this book presents multiple layers of counting challenges involving multiplication and addition.
- Why this book is challenging: It introduces early concepts of multiplication and addition, encouraging advanced mathematical thinking.
- Why we recommend this book: It's a playful yet educational approach to developing arithmetic skills from an early age.
- Perfect for: Young learners who are ready to explore beyond basic counting into more complex math concepts.
- Gregory's Shadow by Don Freeman
- Genre(s): Picture Book, Fantasy
- Synopsis: This story follows Gregory the groundhog and his shadow. The narrative cleverly integrates concepts of geometry and spatial awareness as Gregory loses and searches for his shadow.
- Why this book is challenging: It subtly introduces geometric concepts and the relationship between objects and their spaces.
- Why we recommend this book: It combines a charming story with educational themes, making it a delightful way to introduce spatial reasoning.
- Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories with a bit of mystery and learning about shapes and space.
- Zero by Kathryn Otoshi
- Genre(s): Number Concepts, Picture Book
- Synopsis: This is a story about the number Zero, who feels empty inside but eventually discovers her value. It introduces concepts of self-worth and basic mathematics.
- Why this book is challenging: It personifies numbers as characters, which can help children grasp abstract mathematical concepts and understand the importance of zero in math.
- Why we recommend this book: It's not only educational from a numerical standpoint but also offers a valuable lesson in self-esteem and finding one's place.
- Perfect for: Kids who are beginning to learn about numbers and those who benefit from emotionally engaging stories.
Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit
Introducing math concepts to 3-year-olds through books can be a delightful and educational experience. Here are some fun and effective exercises to enhance their reading habits and make learning math engaging:
- Picture Counting
- What it is: Look at pictures in math books and count the objects together.
- How it helps: Reinforces number recognition and early counting skills.
- Tips: Use your fingers to point at each object as you count to help them visualize the numbers.
- Shape Hunt
- What it is: Find different shapes in the illustrations of the math book.
- How it helps: Helps children identify and differentiate between shapes, a basic math skill.
- Tips: Celebrate when they correctly identify shapes to make it exciting and rewarding.
- Color Sorting
- What it is: Sort objects in the book by color, such as all red items or all blue items.
- How it helps: Introduces concepts of categorization and sorting, which are foundational for math.
- Tips: Start with primary colors and gradually introduce more complex colors and shades.
- Number Stories
- What it is: Create simple stories around the numbers in the book, like "Three little ducks went out one day."
- How it helps: Enhances number sense and connects mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Tips: Use toys or fingers to act out the stories for better understanding and engagement.
- Matching Pairs
- What it is: Find pairs of matching numbers or objects in the book.
- How it helps: Boosts memory and recognition skills, important for early math learning.
- Tips: Praise them for each pair they find correctly to keep them motivated.
These exercises are not only educational but also a lot of fun. They provide a wonderful opportunity for you to bond with your child while laying down the foundation for their mathematical understanding. Remember, the key is to keep the activities light and enjoyable, so your little one always looks forward to their math book reading time!