25+ Exciting Counting Books for Kids

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25 Counting Books for Kids

1. Peekaboo Pop-Up Numbers by DK

This interactive pop-up book brings numbers to life through bright illustrations and engaging peekaboo flaps. Each spread reveals a fun surprise to help children count objects and practice number recognition. The pop-up features make it especially appealing to toddlers and preschoolers who are developing one-to-one correspondence skills. This is one of those picture books for counting that kids beg to read again and again.

2. Each Orange Had 8 Slices by Paul Giganti Jr.

This clever children’s book for counting goes beyond basic number skills and introduces early multiplication and grouping concepts in a playful, real-world way. Through questions like “If each orange had 8 slices, and you had 2 oranges…?”, kids are invited to explore math thinking with food, toys, and more. It’s a great counting book for kids who are ready to stretch their brains a little and begin noticing patterns and repeated addition. The illustrations are clean and inviting, perfect for modeling one-to-one correspondence during a read-aloud.

3. Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr. & Michael Sampson

A favorite follow-up to the classic Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, this rhyming read-aloud takes kids on a colorful counting adventure up a tree! The energetic rhythm and fun illustrations help young learners practice number recognition as the numbers race and tumble. This is one of the most engaging picture books for counting up to 100, and kids can’t help but chant along. It’s fantastic for building early numeracy and exploring one-to-one correspondence.

4. How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten? by Jane Yolen

Dinosaurs meet numbers in this hilarious and engaging counting book for kids. Rhyming text and silly dinosaur antics help reinforce number recognition and counting to ten. It’s ideal for little ones who love prehistoric creatures and enjoy rhythm and repetition. Children’s books for counting like this one are great for making math fun and memorable.

5. 1, 2 to the Zoo by Eric Carle

With Eric Carle’s signature collage-style illustrations, this counting book captures the excitement of a train ride to the zoo. Each page introduces new animals to count, encouraging one-to-one correspondence and number recognition. There’s no written text, which makes it ideal for young children to explore independently or with a grown-up. One of the most visually captivating picture books for counting.

6. Billions of Bricks by Kurt Cyrus

Perfect for construction-loving kiddos, this counting book for kids uses rhythmic text and bright illustrations to count building bricks. The book gradually increases in difficulty as the numbers get higher, offering opportunities for skip counting and estimating. It’s great for incorporating math vocabulary and introducing large numbers. A unique option among children’s books for counting that builds excitement for STEM learning.

7. How Much is a Million? by David M. Schwartz

This book helps children visualize really large numbers by comparing them to real-world examples. It’s ideal for older preschoolers or kindergartners who are starting to ask big number questions. The illustrations are playful and educational, showing one million stars, kids, or fish in fun and relatable ways. A great extension after mastering one-to-one correspondence and basic counting.

8. Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews

This creative picture book for counting asks the question, “What can you do with ten black dots?” From making a sun to building a train, each page adds more dots to the illustrations. It’s a fun way to build number recognition and foster creativity at the same time. Great for reinforcing one-to-one correspondence and visual discrimination.

9. Counting to Bananas: A Mostly Rhyming Book by Carrie Tillotson

This quirky book will have preschoolers giggling as they count through a series of fruits—until a banana tries to steal the show. It’s perfect for introducing counting and rhyming together, with playful illustrations that encourage repeated reading. The humor keeps kids engaged while reinforcing early number concepts. One of the silliest and most fun children’s books for counting!

10. Ten Wriggly, Wiggly Caterpillars by Debbie Tarbett

This tactile book uses 3D caterpillars to help kids count from 10 to 1, making it perfect for backward counting practice. The rhyming text and engaging visuals make it ideal for circle time or sensory exploration. It supports number recognition and one-to-one correspondence with a fun, nature-inspired twist. A great pick for spring themes or bug lovers!

11. One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root

Stuck in the muck, one little duck quacks for help—and as the animals arrive, kids count right along with them! This rhythmic, repetitive story is perfect for preschoolers working on one-to-one correspondence and number recognition. The bold illustrations and predictable pattern make it easy for children to chime in. A must-have counting book for kids that works beautifully in circle time or one-on-one.

12. Butterfly Colors and Counting by Jerry Pallotta

This beautifully illustrated book combines two early learning skills: color identification and counting. Each page features a different butterfly with vibrant wings that will captivate young readers. A perfect picture book for counting that naturally invites discussion and vocabulary building. It’s ideal for springtime themes or butterfly lovers.

13. Counting on Fall by Lizann Flatt

This seasonal favorite explores how numbers appear in nature during the fall months. From migrating geese to falling leaves, each page offers a new opportunity for number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. The illustrations are rich and engaging, making this a wonderful children’s book for counting during autumn units. It’s part of a full series, so you can count through every season!

14. Anno’s Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno

This quiet, almost wordess book gently builds counting concepts through detailed landscape scenes. Each page adds one more element to a growing town, which invites close observation and counting practice. It’s perfect for teaching one-to-one correspondence and number recognition in a calm, thoughtful way. This book has been a classroom classic for decades

15. 1, 2, 3s of Art by Sabrina Hahn

Perfect for combining art appreciation and math, this book features famous artworks to help kids count elements within each masterpiece. Each number corresponds to objects, shapes, or themes in the painting. It’s a great way to bring creativity into your math time! A unique twist on counting books for kids that teachers and parents love.

16. TouchThinkLearn: 123 by Xavier Deneux

This board book is perfect for sensory learners! With raised numbers and cut-out shapes, children can explore number recognition through both touch and sight. It’s an excellent tool for reinforcing one-to-one correspondence during early math exploration. A favorite among picture books for counting in toddler and preschool classrooms.

17. Numbers Everywhere by Elliott Kaufman

This photographic book showcases numbers found in everyday objects and settings—from signs to shapes in nature. It encourages children to recognize numbers in the world around them, building early number awareness in real-life contexts. Great for sparking conversations and math talk. Perfect for classrooms, homeschool, or even road trips!

18. Numbers by John Reiss

A bold and classic book that uses bright illustrations to explore numbers 1–10 with familiar objects. Each page helps reinforce number recognition and vocabulary development. It’s simple enough for toddlers, but engaging for preschoolers as well. A perfect early introduction to children’s books for counting.

19. The Crayons’ Book of Numbers by Drew Daywalt

The beloved crayons from The Day the Crayons Quit are back—this time helping kids count! Each crayon takes a turn showing off something fun that matches their color. It’s playful, clever, and a great way to tie storytelling into number recognition. An excellent addition to your shelf of counting books for kids.

20. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle

This classic is more than just a story—it’s a hidden gem for teaching numbers and days of the week. As the caterpillar eats his way through the pages, kids practice counting fruits and learning number order. It’s great for one-to-one correspondence and early sequencing. A favorite among picture books for counting that never goes out of style.

21. Richard Scarry’s Best Counting Book Ever

This classic from Richard Scarry features Busytown characters in delightful, number-packed scenes. Kids count everything from pigs on a slide to cars in traffic, with hidden math opportunities everywhere. The detailed illustrations are great for encouraging conversations and reinforcing number recognition. An excellent children’s book for counting during quiet time or circle time.

22. 123 by Roald Dahl

This board book introduces numbers through Roald Dahl’s lovable characters. Each number is paired with silly objects or creatures from the world of Wonka and beyond. The rhymes and bold artwork make it a fun, engaging counting book for kids. Great for introducing Dahl’s whimsical world to preschoolers.

23. Havoc in the Hammock by Kelly Russell Jaques

A humorous, tropical-themed counting book featuring animals causing chaos in a hammock! Each page adds another animal until… things get a little crowded. Perfect for teaching one-to-one correspondence and number sequencing in a silly, laugh-out-loud way. Kids will beg to read it again.

24. Dots by JS Pfeiffer

This bold and graphic book introduces kids to early dot counting and subitizing. Simple visuals paired with high-contrast colors make it easy for children to quickly recognize quantities. A great choice for introducing number sense to visual learners. A modern addition to your collection of counting books for kids.

25. Bear Counts by Karma Wilson

Join Bear and Mouse as they walk through the forest counting everything they see. The rhyming text and gentle illustrations are calming and delightful for preschoolers. Perfect for reinforcing number recognition and one-to-one correspondence. A sweet and snuggly story to end the day with math.

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Encouraging you child to enjoy learning may be important yet can be very difficult. These fun and colorful books can work wonders for assisting you in teaching your child!

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