All aboard the number train with counting books
Some of these reads are sweet and some are silly, but all of them will have your children itching to show off their counting skills.
I love a good old-fashioned magazine and, I admit, it had been a very long time since I had read one—until recently.
I had been telling myself that I didn’t need to buy magazines, because I had Pinterest. But let me tell you: It. is. not. the. same.
And as someone who has been endeavoring to spend less time online, I will happily indulge in a glossy magazine and feel absolutely no guilt about it.
My current favorites are: Victoria Magazine, Magnolia Journal, and Country Living.
Do you have receive any magazine subscriptions? What are your go-tos in the grocery check-out line? I could use some recommendations!
Recipe: French toast (This recipe is perfect for a fancy brunch or lazy Saturday morning. It never fails!)
Easy way to be a fun mom: Model the lifestyle you want for your children, particularly when it comes to rest and rejuvenation. I have a hard time allowing myself to not only rest, but partake in restorative hobbies that truly make me feel like I’ve taken a break. I’m trying to get better at this, because I want my children to know that it’s not only OK to take a break, but to prioritize their hobbies, passions and joys. This spring and summer, let’s all give ourselves permission to read that book, start that craft project, or pick up that new skill—and have some fun.
Fun read: The ultimate spring picnic guide (with French flair, of course)
“Number Train” written by Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Recommended age: 2 - 5 years
This book is fun! Flaps, alliteration, animals up to shenanigans, and a giant pull-out at the end—never was there more fun to be had while learning to count to ten! My children particularly enjoyed the page with the “perky penguins” and “lazy lions.”
“The Doorbell Rang” written and illustrated by Pat Hutchins
Recommended age: 3 - 8 years
A brother and sister are about to share 12 cookies when the doorbell rings. It’s their friends! With four children, how many cookies will each get? Then the doorbell rings again. And again! The kids continue to divide the cookies, but what will happen when they run out?
This book is a fun way to introduce division, sharing and the joy of a homemade chocolate chip cookie.
“How to Count to One” written by Caspar Salmon, illustrated by Matt Hunt
Recommended age: 3 - 8 years
Just as a warning, this book gets the giggles going! Part counting lesson, part search-and-find, this book will tickle preschoolers everywhere.
There is a lot of counting to be had in this one, but just make sure that you do not count past one! Every page of this book holds something unexpected—in the very best way. The text is silly, the illustrations are goofy, and my kids couldn’t wait to count to 100 by the end!
“Bear Counts” written by Karma Wilson, illustrated by Jane Chapman
Recommended age: 2 - 4 years
My kids love the Bear series, and this counting book is perfect for the littlest readers. Learn to count from one to five with Bear and some helpful repetition, number recognition and animals a little more interesting than the usual farm suspects. Like all the books in the Bear series, the lyrical text and bright illustrations are a joy.
What is your family reading right now? Please drop your recommendations in the comments!
“When I see that the burden is beyond my strength, I do not consider or analyze it or probe into it, but I run to the heart of Jesus and say only one word to him: “You can do all things.” And then I keep silent, because I know that Jesus Himself will intervene in the matter, and as for me, instead of (worrying) myself, I use that time to love Him.” — St. Faustina
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Counting books are always fun and I really am liking Counting to One:) The bear books are always so sweet too. Thanks for another great selection of books to add to our collection!