10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1… We are fast-approaching the season of the countdown. Children are getting more and more excited counting down the days, lighting candles, opening advent calendars of all shapes and sizes—my family will be having a book-a-day for our advent season. Parents are getting more and more frantic to get organised as the days disappear. It’s the time of year that everyone practices counting.
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10… A study several years ago by researchers from the Institute of Education in London found that children who receive bedtime stories from their parents as infants perform better in vocabulary and spelling but also in maths. Reading supports numeracy. Books are full of numbers and images for counting.
A special thanks to Kim from BookBairn for our November @kidlitpicks them
Counting with Barefoot Critters, by Teagan White
“Each rhyming verse leads on to the next. 1 through to 12 and a sweet goodnight.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
I Know Numbers!, by Taro Gomi
“If you have a little learner that’s getting digit-curious, check this book out.” — Katie from @afriendlyaffair
365 Penguins, by Jean-Luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet
“As with all the best learning opportunities, it’s done in such a clever way that children will barely notice that they are learning.” — Claire from @alittlebookhabit
Eight Jolly Reindeer, by Ilanit Oliver and Jacqueline Rogers
“Young readers will love counting down from eight to one in this adorable board book featuring Santa’s famous reindeer! .” — Leah from @astoryaday
10, 9, 8 … Owls Up Late!: A Countdown to Bedtime, by Georgiana Deutsch and Ekaterina Trukhan
“It is engaging for little ones –– with peep-through cut-outs and cheeky little owls to count as well as repetitive text that they will soon be able to join in with reading the story.” — Kim from @bookbairn
Numerical Street, by Antonia Pesenti and Hilary Bell
“It’s quintessentially Australian and nostalgic through the architecture and details in the story, such as the myna birds throughout and the lamingtons/caramel slice/jam rolls and custard tarts at the bakery.” — De from @books_and_babycinos
Roar, by Stuart Lynch
“I couldn’t resist the cute little dinos in this board book that introduces little ones to counting from 1-5.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
One Leaf, Two Leaves, Count with Me!, by John Micklos Jr. and Clive McFarland
“Fun fall counting book!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore
Joey Counts to Ten, by Sally Morgan
“Not just a counting book, this picture book can be used to discuss concepts of time of day, weather, sounds and sights.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
One Minute, by Somin Ahn
“Young children counting down seconds and minutes will come to understand how relative time can be.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
Grandma’s Tiny House: A Counting Story!, by JaNay Brown-Wood and Priscilla Burris
“This counting and rhyming book is by far the cutest thing I’ve seen all day!.” — Charnaie from @hereweeread
Cats Night Out, by Jon Klassen
“Dance through the night with some fabulous felines whose numbers increase two at a time.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader
William’s Winter Nap, by Linda Ashman and Chuck Groenink
“This bedtime tale and it’s kind cast of characters is sure warm your winter chilled heart.” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits
One Family, by George Shannon and Blanca Gomez
“This book works on so many levels: it’s a simple counting story, a little bit of seek and find, and (my favorite!) a lovely introduction to and celebration of diversity in families.” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts
Let’s Count Kisses, by Karen Hull
“This is a gentle bedtime story incorporating a lift-the-flap design, Australian animals and counting from 1 to 10.” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday
One Big Turkey, by Anne Vittur Kennedy
“It’s simple and sweet rhyming text gets children counting everything they have to be thankful for, including food, friends, and full bellies!” — Michelle from @the.book.report
“The book introduces us to a myriad of crazy critters turning up to a party with a varying number of legs and asks us “How many legs?”.” — Fiona from @fee_loves_
