Blog Archives
Math Operations
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Patterns follows a group of number characters who are out at recess and get invited by their teacher, Mrs. Wiggles, to play an “I Spy” game—but with patterns! What was the inspiration for your story?
A few things inspired the story. First, children told me they wanted Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers to count to 100. (Infinity, actually, but that would be difficult even for Mrs. Wiggles.)
Second, teachers asked for a fun, read-aloud, rhyming picture book about patterns with a storyline.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
First, children must understand the concept of patterns to learn how to read and perform math operations.
Second, teachers often use a 1-100 number chart in the classroom to illustrate math patterns. I wanted to help them by incorporating a number chart in the story.
What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
They were all fun! If I had to pick one, I’d say having Mrs. Wiggles ride the cow. I live in Wisconsin, and one day while writing the story, I went past a farm with a herd of cows that formed a pattern.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Mrs. Wiggles and the direction of the next book?
I have lots of ideas for Mrs. Wiggles. It’s exciting planning out the next adventure!
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A fun and educational adventure comes from the creator of the award-winning Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers! Join Mrs. Wiggles as she introduces her classroom to the fascinating world of patterns. Number Zero doesn’t quite understand at first, but everything clicks when he discovers the most exciting pattern of all! SPOILER ALERT: He paints a vibrant 1-100 number chart and exclaims, “We are patterns on the wall. Numbers are the best of all!”
Learning about patterns is a key part of the kindergarten curriculum, and this charming story is a perfect tool for introducing young learners to this essential concept. Patterns help children build foundational math and language skills, making this book a valuable early-education resource.
Bright, playful illustrations invite kids to explore patterns in everyday things-flowers, animals, and even on the farm! Whether used in the classroom or at home, the book encourages children to spot patterns everywhere they look.
A 1-100 number chart is included to help children visualize number patterns, and a bold two-page spread shows the numbers together to help little ones count by tens. The delightful rhyming text is ideal for read-aloud sessions, and young readers will love spotting Number Nine, who can often be found napping throughout the story. Onomatopoeia adds an extra layer of fun, keeping kids engaged and enhancing the visual experience.
The rhyming scheme also introduces children to poetry and rhyming words, making it an excellent tool for early literacy. With easy-to-read text, this book is perfect for beginning readers, creating an enjoyable experience for teachers and children alike.
“Books like this give young children a wonderful head-start at developing an essential life skill. All families should be reading this book to their children by the time they are two years old and beyond.” Richard Schramm, MD, American Psychiatric Association Fellow
Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers stories are the perfect learning books for preschool and kindergarten, ages 3-6.
The World of Children’s Literature
Dogs: A Counting & Comparing Book introduces beginning readers to popular dog breeds while teaching them numbers and the skill of making comparisons. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I have always loved dogs, well any animal really! As a child we always had animals around us – dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chickens. My grandfather had a farm – so there were even more animals there. My first picture book was a counting book about Monsters (Monster Counting Book 1 to 20) and it remains a best seller for me – so I thought it would be great to complement this book and create another counting book about my favourite animal – dogs.
How has your experience as a teacher influenced your writing?
My experiences as a teacher have greatly influenced my writing career. Being a teacher enabled me to explore the world of children’s literature and to experience first-hand how children react to stories and what they enjoy most. So when I started writing my own books I wanted to make sure they were educational in some way – but most importantly – that they were fun to read.
The illustrations in your book make me smile. Can you tell us a little about your illustration process?
I am not an illustrator. I wish I was! So I have to rely on finding illustrators that match the vision for my books. I tend to choose illustrators that create funny images. I want the children as well as the adults to get a giggle out of my books.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
My next book is a non-fiction book about the smallest animals in the world. It will have information about each featured animal as well as a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) activity to encourage children to become problem-solvers and creators.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This book is a delightful parade of comical pooches bounding through a world of numbers; crafted to captivate the eager minds of 2 to 5 year-olds. This is where learning feels like play, and every page turn unfurls a new layer of fun.
Dogs of all breeds and sizes leap from the pages, teaching your child to count from one to ten. But it doesn’t stop there—the loveable canines bring comparisons alive: long versus short, young versus old, tall dogs juxtaposed with short ones, happy pups with sad ones, and energetic dogs sprinting past those drowsy and dozing.
Your challenge? Find all the dog breeds listed at the back of the book!
Whether snuggled up for bedtime stories or learning in early years’ classrooms, this book promises to be a treasure trove of giggles and learning. Prepare to watch your little one’s understanding of numbers and comparisons blossom, hand-in-paw with their newfound four-legged friends. So, ready for the pawfect count-along? Let the tails begin!
Dogs: A Counting & Comparing Book
Dogs: A Counting and Comparing Book, by Frances Mackay, emerges as a delightful and educational experience for children, cleverly intertwining the joy of canine companions with fundamental counting skills. This book transcends the typical format of a counting book and engages young readers in more than just number recognition by bringing an array of dogs to life on each page. From Dachshunds to Pugs and Shar Peis to Terriers, young readers will find Mackay’s book a delight.
Mackay’s approach is far from a mundane enumeration. Instead, each page overflows with vibrant energy as a variety of dog breeds playfully guide children through numbers. The book’s structure, alternating between counting and comparing the different breeds, maintains reader engagement and adds an educational layer, encouraging observations about the dogs’ diverse characteristics. The art style in this book is both friendly and contemporary, resonating well with modern young readers. It successfully captures the essence of classic children’s literature, reminiscent of authors like P.D. Eastman, yet it stands out with its own unique flair. One particularly memorable moment is the depiction of an “extremely long dog” stretching across an entire page, showcasing the book’s creative and humorous side. The book is accessible and enjoyable for early readers and their families, fostering a fun environment for learning.
Dogs, A Counting & Comparing Book is an excellent choice for young readers who have a fondness for dogs and learning. It skillfully blends entertainment with education, making it a noteworthy addition to children’s literature in the genre of counting and comparison.
Pages: 34 | ISBN: 0646890042
Write a Children’s Book Was on My Bucket List
Ten Precious Pigs follows a family of piggies as they finish eating and head off on their own adventures, eventually all coming back together at bedtime_._ What was the inspiration for your story?
I knew I wanted to write a children’s book, and of course I love numbers and counting (I’m an accountant). I have loved anything to do with cute little pigs since I was a little girl. So, I decided to write a book about counting and cute pigs who go on exciting adventures.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
I had so much fun creating each pig’s adventure scene, but I think my favorite scene in the story is when all the pigs come home. They are all exhausted from their fun escapades and they pile up together by the fireplace to sleep.
What inspired you to become a children’s author?
A long time ago, I was in college studying for a degree in Elementary Education. One of the assignments in my Children’s Literature class was to use any means available to create artwork for a scene of a children’s book. I enjoyed this assignment so much that I decided to add “write a children’s book” to my bucket list.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
Actually my husband, Bill, and I are working on a book together. It’s going to be a series of books. The series is going to be focused on a variety of everyday life events which cause children to be nervous or have anxiety. The first in the series is about a brother and sister going to daycare for the first time. I am hoping we will have it ready to publish by the end of 2022.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram
Ten Precious Pigs is an adorable picture book for children ages 3-5 years. It tells a story full of the fun and silly adventures of ten pigs. By using rhymes and repetition, the story teaches young children how to count to ten.
If you like counting, pigs who do funny things, and adventures, this book is for you!
To complement learning, ask your child the name of each animal in the farmyard.
Count and Play with K Dot
Count and Play with K Dot, The Little-Bitty Learning Ladybug: Learning Numbers 1-10 is More Fun with a Friend! by author Kimberly Becker is a colorful and fun way to introduce the concept of counting to children. K Dot the ladybug wants to be your friend and together you go on an adventure to learn to count from one to ten. How many new friends can you make as you learn the numbers 1- 10?
This engaging picture book is filled with bright colors and K Dot is a welcoming and friendly character that children will be drawn to right away. Each page has a simple illustration, perfect for babies and toddlers. From the beginning of the story, young readers will be asked to engage in the story as K Dot asks what their name is and if they want to be friends. This makes the book an active reading story from the start and encourages children to do more than sit and listen.
The story’s rhyme is a classic children’s song that the author has turned into an imaginative story. Adults will recognize the nostalgic rhyme while giving children a fresh look, thanks to K Dot’s jovial personality. Becker has done a great job bringing this classic to the next generation of children. I am happy that she kept the last line, “sit on a big fat hen,” which has always been my favorite part.
Count and Play with K Dot, The Little-Bitty Learning Ladybug: Learning Numbers 1-10 is More Fun with a Friend! is an excellent book for preschools and one of a child’s first books. The creative illustrations and musical rhymes will provide entertainment, and with so many new friends joining K Dot, the story will never get old or boring to read. Children will enjoy counting the bugs sounding each number as K Dot signs her song.
Pages 42: ASIN : B09Z2733SZ
Ten Precious Pigs
Ten Precious Pigs by Cindy Van Rooy is a delightful and educational children’s book. It takes place on a farm, showing ten precious piggies in their pen. Over time, they slowly leave one by one to do their own thing. From beach days, and car rides, to yoga in the forest, these pigs do it all! Eventually, it becomes time for the piggies to get into their pajamas and prepare for bed. Their long day comes to an end, and now it’s time for them to huddle up and rest by the fire!
Author Van Rooy provides children with a charming and colorful story that also educates kids on counting and rhyming. As the pigs leave one by one, children are asked to count how many pigs are left in the pen. The rhyming scheme also gets young readers engaged while making it fun. The author provides multiple educational tools to children from rhyming, counting, and learning colors all in one book. The art in the book is beautifully illustrated and pleasing to the eye as it looks like watercolor painting. With vibrant colors and playful animals, this book is sure to entertain young readers. Van Rooy includes a riddle in the short story and made this book an interactive read which allows little ones to immerse themselves into the story. It’s definitely a must-read for young children!
Overall, Ten Precious Pigs is an inviting story that I would recommend all parents to get for their young children. Especially those who are just learning to read, rhyme, or count! The aesthetic of the book is appealing and cute, and all the vibrant colors and fun illustrations would keep any child interested! All the characters look so lively and enthusiastic, you can’t help but smile! So, if you’re looking for a fun book to read as a bedtime story, or to practice reading, this is definitely the best choice.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B09V4G2LX7
A Learning Experience
Dr. Qooz Author Interview
From Tree to Twelve is a counting book that follows a boy and his animal friend as they count from one to twelve on a fun road trip adventure. What decisions went into the scenes for each number?
Each scene was constructed to be a learning experience partially from the knowledge the child has at reading with the intent to get the child to associate the image with the number.
My favorite scene is the bed time scene of the bedroom because of the cute toys. Do you have a favorite scene from the book?
My favorite scene is making mud pies with fingers, toes and the hose as this was a fun time of my youth.
This is book one in your Nick and Millie series. What plans do you have for this series in the future?
The next Dr. Qooz book will be a companion book to this Counting book. The book will be an ABC’s book with underlying references to preservation of the world’s ecology, with Nick and Millie and will be complete this Fall.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Dr. Qooz introduces Nick and Millie the monkey, that shares a new approach to counting for the new schoolers. A Trip to Twelve is an inter-reactive counting book with symbols that are immediately understood and remembered. From noses to toes-es are combined with items commonly identified by the new schoolers.
LITERARY TITAN 