21 of the Best Counting Books for Preschoolers

Counting is one of the first math skills preschoolers learn, and what better way to introduce numbers than through books? Counting books for preschoolers bring numbers to life with fun stories, colorful illustrations, and engaging activities that help little learners develop early math skills.

Whether your child is just starting to recognize numbers or is ready to count higher, there’s a perfect book to match their learning stage. From silly animal adventures to interactive lift-the-flap surprises, these books make counting fun, hands-on, and memorable!

In this post, we’ll share our favorite counting books—perfect for reading at home or in the classroom. These books teach numbers and encourage problem-solving, pattern recognition, and a love for learning. Grab a cozy spot, and let’s dive into some exciting books that will have your little one counting with joy!

No early learning environment is complete without a wide variety of counting books for preschoolers. Here’s a great list to get your collection started.

Little Owl’s 1-2-3

Little Owl flies through the night forest, visiting his friends. One friendly fox says hello, two beavers wave, three skunks nibble berries. And when Little Owl finally reaches his own tree, he sees Raccoon who has gathered ten acorns.

1, 2, 3 to the Zoo

Early learners will find the whimsical pictures appealing as they learn the beginning rudiments of numbers and counting.

Numbers

From kites, cakes, and candy kisses, young readers can count from 1 to 1,000 using illustrations of fun, familiar objects.

Edible Numbers: Count, Learn, Eat

Juicy apples! Plump, ripe pears! Twisted mushrooms! Counting your way through the farmer’s market has never been so much fun.

Goodnight Moon 123

Count all the way to one hundred stars and look for the familiar things from Goodnight Moon, everyone’s favorite bedtime story.

Goodnight, Numbers

As children say goodnight to the objects all around them—three wheels on a tricycle, four legs on a cat—they will connect with the real numbers in their world while creating cuddly memories, night after night.

Zero

Zero is a big round number. When she looks at herself, she just sees a hole right in her center. Every day she watches the other numbers line up to count: “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 . . . !” “Those numbers have value. That’s why they count,” she thinks. But how could a number worth nothing become something?

1-2-3 Peas

From 1 to 100, every number is a roly, poly thrill!

The Crayons’ Book of Numbers

Can you count up all the crayons that are missing from his box?

Ten Black Dots

What can you do with ten black dots? One dot can make a sun, two dots can make the eyes of a fox, and three dots can make a snowman’s face. And that’s just the beginning in this unique counting book!

Steam Train, Dream Train 1-2-3

Little train enthusiasts will love counting from one to ten along with the dreamy train cars!

Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3

As the numerals pile up and bumblebees threaten, what’s the number that saves the day? (Hint: It rhymes with “hero.”)

Toasty Toes: Counting by Tens

Introduces counting by tens by counting the number of toes on the beach.

Ten Flashing Fireflies

Counting down from ten to one, a girl and a boy empty the night sky of fireflies as–counting up from one to ten–they fill their jar with them.

One Is a Snail, Ten is a Crab

If one is a snail and two is a person, we must be counting by feet! Just follow the sign to the beach, where a bunch of fun-loving crabs, lounging dogs, gleeful insects, and bewildered-looking snails obligingly offer their feet for counting in a number of silly, surprising combinations – from one to one hundred!

Duck & Goose, 1, 2, 3

One goose. Two ducks. Three friends. As the characters illustrate from numbers 1 to 10, children will love to follow along.

Mouse Count

This book introduces the concept of counting forward and backward in a suspenseful story that will keep young readers guessing.

How Many Snails?: A Counting Book

A series of simple questions directs young readers to determine the differences between seemingly similar objects, encouraging them to develop powers of observation, discrimination, and visual analysis. There are plenty of opportunities to practice counting, too (but that’s just the beginning!).

My First Counting Book

The rhythmic text, paired with heartwarming animal illustrations by Garth Williams, have made counting from one to ten a joy for nearly 60 years. A must for every toddler and preschooler library.

10 Little Rubber Ducks Board Book

“Ducks overboard!” shouts the captain, as a giant wave washes a box of 10 little rubber ducks off his cargo ship and into the sea. In addition to counting, kids will be introduced to ordinal numbers (1st, 2nd, etc), as well as directions – east, west, etc.

Little Quack Counts

Join Little Quack and his sister Widdle as they learn their numbers during their exciting adventure!

What’s your favorite counting books for preschoolers? What would you add to this list?

Tara

Tara is the brains behind Homeschool Preschool, where her journey from preschool and public school teacher to homeschooling mom of three fuels her passion for early childhood education. With a blend of expertise and firsthand experience, Tara’s writings offer practical tips and engaging resources to support families in creating meaningful learning adventures at home.