Where Math Meets Reading: Great Books That Make Numbers Fun!
Encourage a love of math through stories kids will enjoy
Reading and math might seem like two totally different subjects—but they actually go hand in hand! When kids read books about math, they get to explore numbers, patterns, and problem-solving in fun, creative ways. Even better? It helps them see that math isn’t just about worksheets—it’s about curiosity, imagination, and everyday life.
Whether you’re looking for bedtime reads, classroom stories, or fun summer picks, here are some great books that bring math to life for kids of all ages.
Top Math-Themed Books for Kids
The Math Curse by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
What happens when you start seeing math everywhere? This hilarious book follows a student who wakes up to find that everything in life is suddenly a math problem. It’s silly, smart, and helps kids notice math in daily routines.
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table (and series) by Cindy Neuschwander
This clever series turns medieval characters into math heroes with names like Sir Cumference, Lady Di of Ameter, and Radius. Kids learn geometry through fun adventures involving circles, angles, and shapes. Perfect for ages 7–10.
Anno’s Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno
A beautiful wordless picture book that invites young children to count, observe patterns, and notice changes in seasons and scenes. Great for early learners and visual thinkers.
One Hundred Hungry Ants by Elinor J. Pinczes
A rhyming story about 100 hungry ants trying to get to a picnic—should they go in 1 line of 100, 2 lines of 50, or 5 lines of 20? Kids explore multiplication and division without even realizing it!
Tyrannosaurus Math by Michelle Markel
Meet a dinosaur who loves math! This fun picture book blends math concepts with dino facts and includes problem-solving moments throughout the story.
Each Orange Had 8 Slices by Paul Giganti Jr.
A great book for early elementary students to explore addition and multiplication through everyday objects like oranges, windows, and wheels.
Math-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving by Greg Tang
This book combines famous works of art with clever math riddles. Kids are challenged to think in creative ways while also being exposed to fine art and logic puzzles.
Bedtime Math series by Laura Overdeck
Short, silly stories followed by math problems that come in three levels (Wee Ones, Little Kids, Big Kids). These are excellent for family read-alouds and making math a fun part of your evening routine.
Bonus Tip: Math Reading at Home
- Ask your child questions like “What math did you notice in the story?” or “Could you solve that problem in a different way?”
- Encourage drawing or acting out scenes with numbers.
- Look for nonfiction books about famous mathematicians or real-world uses of math in careers, sports, or architecture.
Final Thought
Reading and math together help build stronger thinkers, problem-solvers, and curious learners. Whether it’s counting ants, solving puzzles with a knight, or exploring numbers in nature, books can turn math into an adventure.
So next time you head to the library, grab a few math books along with your storybooks—you might just discover your child’s new favorite way to learn!
