10+ Best Number Books for 5-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect way to introduce numbers to your little one? Look no further! Our curated list of Number Books for 5-Year-Olds is tailored to spark the joy of learning in young minds. From engaging illustrations to fun-filled stories, each book is designed to enhance your child's numerical skills while keeping them entertained. Keep reading to discover our top picks that will make learning numbers as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Fun Number Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson, illustrated by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this lively counting book, numbers climb up a coconut tree, creating a fun and rhythmic adventure for young readers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fantastic way to introduce numbers in a playful, engaging manner that captures the attention of young children.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy vibrant illustrations and rhythmic, rhyming text.

• Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book explores what you can do with ten black dots, from making a sun to creating wheels on a bus, encouraging creativity and counting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple counting with the power of imagination, making it a great tool for both learning and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are learning to count and enjoy using their imagination to build stories.

• One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Poetry, Beginner Books
  • Synopsis: This whimsical book features rhymes and colorful illustrations that explore funny creatures and simple concepts through an array of charming vignettes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's perfect for fostering a love for reading through fun rhymes and engaging, imaginative scenarios.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who delight in playful language and whimsical illustrations.

• The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Humor
  • Synopsis: This story follows an alligator who loves watermelon but is terrified after swallowing a seed, imagining the possible consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's not only humorous and relatable but also a great way to introduce the concept of cause and effect.
  • Perfect for: Children who love a good laugh and enjoy engaging, colorful illustrations.

• Zero the Hero by Joan Holub, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: Zero feels like a big nothing compared to other numbers until he discovers that he has an important role to play in addition, subtraction, and more.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches the importance and functionality of the number zero in a fun, accessible way, boosting number recognition and counting skills.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are starting to learn about numbers and their significance in math.

Educational Number Books for 5-Year-Olds

• 123 Peas by Keith Baker
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: Little green peas engage in various activities, counting from 1 to 100 as they go about their fun-filled day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, number recognition, early math skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses colorful, lively illustrations to make counting fun and engaging for young children.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are learning to count.

• Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Nursery Rhymes
  • Synopsis: This popular rhyme is brought to life as five mischievous monkeys jump on the bed and learn a lesson about playing safely.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, basic subtraction, cause and effect
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting and consequences through a fun and familiar nursery rhyme, enhanced with humorous illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Young children who enjoy playful stories and rhythmic, repetitive text.

• Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this suspenseful story, a clever group of mice try to avoid being eaten by a hungry snake by using their counting skills.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, basic math skills, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines excitement and education, teaching numbers through a story that keeps children on the edge of their seats.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like a bit of adventure with their learning.

• How Many Snails? A Counting Book by Paul Giganti Jr., illustrated by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: A series of counting questions invites children to explore the details in the pictures, counting various objects and animals.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, observation skills, critical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages meticulous observation and critical thinking as children count and answer questions about the illustrations.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are developing counting and analytical skills.

• Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book takes readers through a changing landscape as the pages turn, showing the progression of numbers and seasons.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, number concepts, seasonal changes
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique visual exploration of numbers and the environment, enhancing understanding of both math and nature.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy detailed illustrations and learning about the natural world.

Challenging Number Books for 5-Year-Olds

• Infinity and Me by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Conceptual
  • Synopsis: Uma feels small when she looks up at the night sky and starts to ponder the concept of infinity. Through various scenarios, she explores what infinity means in different contexts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces the abstract mathematical concept of infinity, encouraging young readers to think beyond the tangible.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps children grasp a complex mathematical and philosophical idea in a way that is engaging and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds who enjoy exploring deep concepts and big questions.

• The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos by Deborah Heiligman, illustrated by LeUyen Pham
  • Genre(s): Biography, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Paul Erdos, a mathematician who thought about math all the time from a very young age and contributed significantly to the field.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers real-life mathematical theories and the life of a mathematician, which are typically advanced topics for five-year-olds.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's inspirational, showing how passion and dedication to learning can lead to significant achievements.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring mathematicians and children interested in real-life stories of successful individuals.

• Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book presents the fascinating numbers associated with the lives of animals, such as how many eggs a spider lays or how many times a heart beats in a lifetime.
  • Why this book is challenging: It incorporates real scientific data and encourages comparisons and large number comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches about wildlife through the lens of numbers, enhancing both biological knowledge and numerical understanding.
  • Perfect for: Young nature enthusiasts and animal lovers who enjoy learning through numbers.

• Blockhead: The Life of Fibonacci by Joseph D'Agnese, illustrated by John O'Brien
  • Genre(s): Biography, Educational
  • Synopsis: This narrative explores the life of Leonardo Fibonacci, who introduced the famous Fibonacci sequence to the Western world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses the Fibonacci sequence, a mathematical concept that involves addition, sequences, and pattern recognition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines history with mathematics, providing a story that is both informative and motivating.
  • Perfect for: Children who show an interest in math and history, and those who enjoy stories about influential figures in science.

• Really Big Numbers by Richard Evan Schwartz
  • Genre(s): Children’s Literature, Mathematical
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers on a whimsical journey through increasingly large numbers, all the way up to a googol and beyond.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with numbers that are far beyond everyday counting and introduces concepts like powers and exponents.
  • Why we recommend this book: It expands the understanding of the magnitude of numbers and the scale of the universe.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are fascinated by numbers and enjoy challenges that stretch their imagination and understanding.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to introduce your 5-year-old to the magical world of numbers through books, you're in the right place! Here are some engaging exercises that can help develop good reading habits while making learning about numbers fun and interactive. Let’s dive in!

• Number Hunt
  • What it is: A scavenger hunt for numbers in their environment or within the book.
  • How it helps: Enhances number recognition and observational skills.
  • Tips: Use everyday items like clocks, calendars, or grocery items to find numbers.

• Story Summaries
  • What it is: After reading, discuss the story and ask your child to explain it back to you.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention.
  • Tips: Encourage them to mention numbers or mathematical concepts mentioned in the story.

• Number Matching Game
  • What it is: Create cards with numbers and pictures that match (like 5 apples), and have your child match them.
  • How it helps: Reinforces number recognition and counting skills.
  • Tips: Start with small numbers and gradually increase as your child becomes more comfortable.

• Draw the Story
  • What it is: Have your child draw scenes from the book involving numbers.
  • How it helps: Encourages creativity and helps with understanding and remembering numerical information.
  • Tips: Ask questions about the numbers in their drawings to reinforce learning.

• Interactive Reading Sessions
  • What it is: Read together and pause to ask questions about numbers and their significance in the story.
  • How it helps: Promotes active reading and critical thinking.
  • Tips: Make it fun by using different voices for characters or incorporating small props.

These exercises are not just fun but are great stepping stones for developing early numeracy and literacy skills in young learners. Remember, the key is to keep these activities light and enjoyable, so your child looks forward to learning numbers. Happy reading and counting!