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

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to introduce numbers to your little one? Look no further! Our roundup of the best Number Books for 4-Year-Olds is tailored to make learning as fun as it is educational. Whether you’re looking for a bedtime read or an interactive experience, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to capture the imagination of preschoolers and make the world of numbers exciting!

Fun Number 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 counting book, numbers climb up a coconut tree in rhyming sequences, only to tumble down, creating a fun and engaging way for kids to learn their numbers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses a catchy rhyme and colorful illustrations to make learning numbers a playful and enjoyable experience.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who enjoy rhythm and rhyme 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's eyes, showing how simple elements can create various images and stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages imagination and creativity while teaching basic counting and object recognition.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who like drawing and counting.

• 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 animals try to help him out, introducing young readers to counting and teamwork.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines simple counting with a story of teamwork and community.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy animal stories and learning numbers through stories.

• Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In this suspenseful story, a clever mouse outsmarts a snake that has trapped it and its friends by using counting skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches counting in a fun and thrilling context, which helps maintain the attention of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Kids who like a bit of adventure with their learning.

• My Very First Book of Numbers by Eric Carle
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This interactive book allows kids to match numbers with the corresponding quantities of fruits and other objects illustrated in Carle's distinctive style.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a hands-on approach to learning numbers that engages young readers visually and intellectually.
  • Perfect for: Youngsters who are just starting to learn about numbers and appreciate colorful illustrations.

Educational Number Books for 4-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 day.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, number recognition, understanding sequences
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a playful and lively way to learn counting, with charming illustrations that keep the attention of young readers.
  • Perfect for: Toddlers and preschoolers beginning 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 nothing compared to the other numbers until he discovers that he has an important role in addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Basic math concepts, self-esteem, teamwork
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces mathematical concepts in a fun and engaging story, highlighting the importance of every individual's contribution.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy superhero stories and are learning basic math skills.

• Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On by Lois Ehlert
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: Brightly colored fish introduce young readers to counting and basic addition, using die-cut pages that encourage interactive learning.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, simple addition, visual perception
  • Why we recommend this book: The vibrant, collage-style illustrations and interactive format make learning numbers exciting and visually stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who love animals and interactive reading experiences.

• One is a Snail, Ten is a Crab by April Pulley Sayre and Jeff Sayre, illustrated by Randy Cecil
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This counting by feet book adds a quirky twist to learning numbers, as children count the feet of various beach creatures.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Counting, multiplication basics, animal recognition
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique approach to counting that combines math with fun facts about animals.
  • Perfect for: Young learners who enjoy nature and exploring new ways to learn basic math concepts.

Challenging Number Books for 4-Year-Olds

• Anno's Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book takes readers through a journey of numbers and seasons, where each page represents a number from 0 to 12, depicted through changing landscapes and activities that reflect the seasons.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces concepts of counting in a more abstract way, without using words, encouraging children to think critically about numbers and their representations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully combines art and mathematics, allowing children to explore numbers through visual storytelling and seasonal changes.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy visual learning and those interested in art and nature.

• How Many Snails? A Counting Book by Paul Giganti Jr., illustrated by Donald Crews
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: The book poses various counting questions, encouraging readers to count not just the number of snails, but also to consider attributes such as color and activity.
  • Why this book is challenging: It goes beyond simple counting to include sorting and classifying, which are more advanced cognitive skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It helps develop observational skills and critical thinking in addition to basic counting.
  • Perfect for: Preschoolers who are ready for a more challenging approach to numbers.

• The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang, illustrated by Harry Briggs
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book presents math riddles that encourage children to think about numbers creatively and strategically rather than counting one by one.
  • Why this book is challenging: The riddles require higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills, promoting a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces fun and engaging puzzles that make math exciting and mentally stimulating.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy puzzles and games and are ready to approach math in a playful yet challenging way.

• Gregory's Shadow by Don Freeman
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Gregory the groundhog is worried about losing his shadow in this charming story that subtly incorporates themes of counting and the concept of time.
  • Why this book is challenging: It weaves numerical concepts and time into a narrative, requiring children to follow and understand abstract concepts alongside the story.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a narrative that combines storytelling with educational themes, making learning seamless and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories with a magical element and a gentle introduction to numbers and time.

• Absolutely One Thing: Featuring Charlie and Lola by Lauren Child
  • Genre(s): Children's Literature, Humor
  • Synopsis: Lola and her brother Charlie go on an adventure to buy one thing, leading to various humorous and relatable counting mishaps.
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces math concepts like addition and subtraction in everyday settings, encouraging practical and applied thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It uses humor and familiar characters to make learning numbers relatable and fun.
  • Perfect for: Fans of Charlie and Lola, and children who learn best through stories that relate to everyday life.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you've got a curious 4-year-old buzzing around, diving into number books can be a fantastic way to blend learning with fun. To boost their reading habits and make the most out of these books, here are some engaging exercises you can try:

• Number Hunt
  • What it is: Create a scavenger hunt using numbers found around the house or in a book.
  • How it helps: Enhances number recognition and makes learning interactive.
  • Tips: Use colorful post-it notes for numbers to make the hunt visually stimulating.

• Match and Tell
  • What it is: Match numbers with corresponding sets of objects and then tell a story using the numbers.
  • How it helps: Builds counting skills and encourages storytelling.
  • Tips: Use toys or household items for counting to keep it engaging and relevant.

• Number Drawing
  • What it is: Draw objects corresponding to numbers in the book (e.g., 3 apples, 2 cars).
  • How it helps: Reinforces number recognition and creative expression.
  • Tips: Provide them with plenty of drawing materials and help them label each drawing with the correct number.

• Sing Along Numbers
  • What it is: Sing number songs that are either from the book or well-known children's songs involving numbers.
  • How it helps: Enhances memory and number retention through music and rhythm.
  • Tips: Encourage clapping or dancing along to the numbers to make it more dynamic.

• Flashcard Fun
  • What it is: Use number flashcards to practice identifying and ordering numbers.
  • How it helps: Aids in quick number recognition and understanding of sequence.
  • Tips: Turn it into a game where each correct answer gets a small reward.

These exercises are not just educational, but also a lot of fun, ensuring that your little one enjoys their journey into the world of numbers. By integrating these activities into your reading routine, you're setting a strong foundation for both number literacy and a lifelong love for reading. Happy counting and reading!