10+ Best Counting Books for 4-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect counting books for 4-year-olds to help your little one master those early math skills? You've come to the right place! Whether you're looking for fun stories or interactive pages, we've got a variety of options that will keep your child engaged and learning. Keep reading to discover our top picks for counting books that are sure to captivate and educate your preschooler.

Fun Counting Books for 4-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 vibrant sequel to "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom," numbers climb up a coconut tree in this fun and rhythmic counting adventure.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines lively illustrations with rhythmic text that helps engage young readers and makes learning numbers a joyful experience.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy vibrant stories and are learning to count.

• Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Conceptual
  • Synopsis: This book explores what you can do with ten black dots, from making a sun to a fox or a fish, showing how simple elements can create various imaginative objects.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and helps children understand the concept of counting and using numbers in everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love exploring numbers through art and imagination.

• One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root, illustrated by Jane Chapman
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Animal Stories
  • Synopsis: A duck gets stuck in the mud and various groups of other animals try to help him out in this delightful counting book.
  • Why we recommend this book: The repetitive and rhythmic phrases make it fun to read aloud, and it teaches teamwork in addition to counting.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy animal stories and learning numbers through repetition and rhyme.

• Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed by Eileen Christelow
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Humor
  • Synopsis: This energetic book follows the adventures of five mischievous monkeys who jump on the bed and encounter the consequences one by one.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun way to practice counting backwards and the repetitive, catchy phrases will have kids reading along.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy playful stories with a bit of mischief and humor.

• My Very First Book of Numbers by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive board book allows children to match numbers with corresponding quantities using Eric Carle’s distinctive collage illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a hands-on way for children to explore numbers and counting, with the added appeal of Eric Carle's art.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are just starting to learn about numbers and enjoy interactive reading experiences.

Educational Counting Books for 4-Year-Olds

• 1, 2, 3 to the Zoo by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This engaging counting book takes children on a trip to the zoo, where they count from one to ten as they observe different groups of animals boarding a train.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, number recognition, animal identification
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple counting with the excitement of a zoo visit, all illustrated with Eric Carle's charming and colorful artwork.
  • Perfect for: Young animal lovers and early learners starting to explore numbers.

• Zero the Hero by Joan Holub, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Fantasy, Educational
  • Synopsis: Zero feels like a big nothing compared to other numbers until he discovers that he has an important role in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic math concepts, self-esteem, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a humorous and educational story that helps demystify the concept of zero and its importance in mathematics.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are beginning to learn basic math skills and need a confidence boost in their abilities.

• Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Adventure, Educational
  • Synopsis: In this suspenseful story, a group of mice must outsmart a hungry snake after being captured in jars, using counting as their escape tool.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, critical thinking, problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting in a thrilling context that keeps children engaged and encourages them to think critically.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy exciting stories and are learning to count.

• Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This beautifully illustrated book takes readers through a changing landscape from 0 to 12, showing the progression of the seasons and introducing basic counting and calendar concepts.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, number concepts, seasonal awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It's visually stimulating and offers a gentle introduction to numbers and the concept of time.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who are curious about nature and the environment while learning to count.

• Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This vibrant book invites children to count colorful fish and explore simple math concepts within a deep-sea setting.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, basic addition, color identification
  • Why we recommend this book: The bright, bold illustrations capture attention, making learning numbers fun and visually appealing.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are fascinated by sea life and enjoy learning through visuals.

Challenging Counting Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Gregory, the Terrible Eater by Mitchell Sharmat, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Humor
  • Synopsis: Gregory is a goat who shocks his parents by craving fruits, vegetables, eggs, and fish instead of the usual goat fare of tires and tin cans.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book introduces concepts of healthy eating through a humorous and unconventional approach, which requires understanding of opposites and dietary choices.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and engaging way to discuss nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet, wrapped in a story that captivates children's imaginations.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy funny stories with a meaningful message about health.

• The Water Hole by Graeme Base
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Mystery, Educational
  • Synopsis: Animals from around the world gather to drink from a shrinking water hole, introducing children to the concept of conservation and the diversity of animal life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It combines counting with a deeper understanding of ecological issues and geographical diversity, presented through detailed illustrations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches numbers and counting while simultaneously introducing children to environmental awareness and animal species from various continents.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in animals and nature, and those who enjoy a visual challenge.

• 365 Penguins by Jean-Luc Fromental, illustrated by Joëlle Jolivet
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Humor, Environmental Education
  • Synopsis: A family receives a penguin each day for a year, leading to hilarious complications and ultimately a lesson in environmental impact and animal care.
  • Why this book is challenging: The story integrates math concepts through a daily increasing count of penguins, challenging young readers to think about numbers in a larger scale.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with mathematical and environmental lessons, making it a multifaceted educational experience.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy math, humor, and learning about the environment.

• How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Science, Educational
  • Synopsis: Charlie, a young student, learns about estimation, counting, and the science of pumpkin growth as he and his classmates guess how many seeds are in a pumpkin.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces scientific and mathematical concepts such as estimation and multiplication, which are advanced for preschoolers.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a practical application of math and science through a fun, seasonal activity, encouraging hands-on learning.
  • Perfect for: Young scientists and mathematicians, and any kid who loves fall and pumpkins.

• Two of Everything by Lily Toy Hong
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Folklore, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: A Chinese farmer discovers a magical pot that doubles everything put into it, leading to both amusing and chaotic situations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores concepts of doubling and exponential growth, which are complex mathematical ideas for young children.
  • Why we recommend this book: The story provides a whimsical introduction to multiplication and problem solving, wrapped in a cultural tale.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy stories with magical elements and those beginning to learn about multiplication.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to spice up reading time with your little one, counting books are a fantastic tool. Not only do they introduce numbers, but they can also help develop early reading habits. Here are some fun exercises that can make reading counting books even more beneficial and enjoyable for your 4-year-old:

• Count Along With Fingers
  • What it is: As you read, encourage your child to count along using their fingers.
  • How it helps: This helps reinforce number recognition and motor skills.
  • Tips: Cheer and clap each time they get the count right to keep them engaged.

• Find and Point
  • What it is: Ask your child to find and point to objects in the book as you count them together.
  • How it helps: Enhances object recognition and counting skills.
  • Tips: Start with easy-to-spot objects and gradually move to smaller or less obvious ones.

• Number Hunt
  • What it is: After reading, have a number hunt where your child finds items around the house to match numbers from the book.
  • How it helps: Connects the counting concept from books to real-world applications.
  • Tips: Use toys or colored items to make the hunt visually stimulating and fun.

• Repeat and Recall
  • What it is: After finishing the book, ask your child to recall and repeat the numbers they learned.
  • How it helps: Strengthens memory and number sequencing skills.
  • Tips: Praise them for each number they recall correctly to boost confidence.

• Story Creation
  • What it is: Encourage your child to create a short story using the numbers from the book.
  • How it helps: Fosters creativity and helps in understanding narrative structure.
  • Tips: Help them by starting the story together and let them finish it.

These exercises aren't just educational; they're a great way to bond with your child while turning learning into a playful adventure. Try them out during your next reading session and watch your little one's love for numbers and stories grow!