Maths Themed Picture Books for Preschoolers
Maths doesn’t have to start with worksheets, in fact, some of the best early maths learning happens when it feels like play. When my two were toddlers and preschoolers, we found that counting, sorting, and pattern spotting came alive through stories and games. Whether you’re snuggled up at bedtime or exploring numbers in your day, picture books make early maths feel joyful and fun. So I’ve put together my favourite early learning Maths Picture books just for you.
Picture Books That Bring Maths to Life
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These maths-themed picture books introduce core concepts like counting, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving in ways that are easy for young children to grasp. With bold illustrations and playful storytelling, they help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of maths, no pressure, no drills, just natural learning through books.
Read Next: Maths Games for Preschoolers
Tally O’Malley
In Tally O’Malley, everyday activities like car journeys and beach walks turn into tally-marking adventures. It’s a great story for introducing counting and early data skills in a relatable, story-based way.
- This award-winning series by Stuart J. Murphy teaches math through stories and visual models|63 books divided into three levels with 21 books in each|Fun activities kids will love are included to help parents and teachers emphasize the lessons|Engaging and relatable stories with each story revolving around practical applications of the math concept presented|Lively art from top-notch illustrators|Charts and other visual representations help children understand how the math works and promote deeper comprehension
- Murphy, Stuart J. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 09/14/2004 (Publication Date) – HarperCollins (Publisher)
On the Launch Pad: A Counting Book About Rockets
Blast off into numbers with On the Launch Pad! Preschoolers count backwards from 10 to 1 while exploring rockets and space , ideal for maths and science fans alike.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Dahl, Michael (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 24 Pages – 12/31/2004 (Publication Date) – Picture Window Books (Publisher)
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers uses charming storytelling to help children understand numbers and their order. It’s an engaging way to introduce numerals and counting in a storytime setting.
- Konkol, Lisa (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 33 Pages – 02/01/2023 (Publication Date) – Lisa Konkol Gallery, LLC (Publisher)
Ten Black Dots
A wonderfully creative look at numbers, Ten Black Dots turns simple dots into animals, objects, and scenes, encouraging visual thinking and early number sense.
- Crews, Donald (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 09/21/1995 (Publication Date) – Greenwillow Books (Publisher)
Read Next: Counting Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
10 Fat Turkeys
This silly countdown book, 10 Fat Turkeys, mixes rhyme, rhythm, and laughter. Great for introducing the concept of subtraction or just enjoying a giggle while practising numbers.
- Tony Johnston (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 10/01/2004 (Publication Date) – Scholastic (Publisher)
Stack the Cats
Perfect for cat lovers and little mathematicians, Stack the Cats uses visual patterns and groupings to teach counting, comparison, and basic addition, all in a toddler-friendly board book format.
- Hardcover Book
- Ghahremani, Susie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 05/02/2017 (Publication Date) – Abrams Appleseed (Publisher)
Bedtime Math: A Fun Excuse to Stay Up Late
Turn bedtime into a playful learning moment with Bedtime Math. Each page features a short story and a set of maths problems with different levels, ideal for siblings or mixed-ages.
- Hardcover Book
- Laura Overdeck (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 96 Pages – 06/25/2013 (Publication Date) – Feiwel & Friends (Publisher)
Read Next: ABC Books for Toddlers and Preschoolers
I Spy and Count the Trains Book
A fun twist on the classic “I Spy” game, this book encourages children to spot and count different types of trains, sharpening observation and quantity recognition in an interactive way.
- Williams, Monica Mirabelle (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 40 Pages – 08/26/2023 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
Ten Little Sandpipers
Count down from ten as sandpipers explore the beach. Ten Little Sandpipers uses rhyme and rhythm to support early counting, while gently introducing seaside vocabulary and sequencing.
- Ann, Kim (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 31 Pages – 08/18/2021 (Publication Date) – Lucky Four Press (Publisher)
Where’s Albert?
This interactive hide-and-seek book, Where’s Albert?, challenges children to find a mouse across different scenes while practising counting and visual discrimination.
- May, Eleanor (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 32 Pages – 01/01/2017 (Publication Date) – Kane Press (Publisher)
Hands-On Maths Ideas to Match
Pair these stories with simple maths play ideas that make learning stick:
- Number Hunt Around the House – Look for numbers on signs, doors, and everyday objects
- Count & Clip Cards – Use pegs to match numbers to sets (fine motor boost too!)
- Dot Sticker Patterns – Create and extend simple patterns using coloured dot stickers
- Build-a-Tower Counting Game – Roll a die, count blocks, and stack to the sky
Preschool Maths Printables to Explore
If you’d like to build on these stories with playful print-and-go resources, try these:
- Summer Count & Clip Cards (Free + Full Set) – Great for building 1–10 recognition
- Spring Roll & Cover Game – Roll the dice, match the number, and cover your board
- Coming soon: Pattern Play Strips + Shape Tracing Sheets
- Explore the Rainy Day Science Book Club » – Includes monthly maths + STEM play ideas