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Math Operations

Lisa Konkol Author Interview

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

Can the number Zero find a pattern?

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.

Children Have Math Anxiety

Lisa Konkol Author Interview

“Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers” is a read-aloud rhyming picture book about counting, math, and inclusivity for children. What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always enjoyed math and spent over 30 years as a technical writer in STEM industries. Recently, I learned that over 50% of children have math anxiety, which often starts in the early years. I wanted all children to love numbers and math.

What are the biggest challenges children face in learning to count?

The concept of amounts is visual, but counting is pure memorization. That is why children need a lot of repetition. “Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers” makes learning entertaining. The children will love the characters and rhyme, which makes memorization easier.

How do you see your book fitting into a parent’s or teacher’s lesson plan?

“Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers” helps visualize the numbers, and the rhyme, colors, and cute characters make the concepts enjoyable. The topic of inclusion and accepting others who don’t always “fit in” is important.   

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

The next picture book in the series is about the addition sign. The addition sign “adds” a lot to the classroom. It will be ready by the end of 2023 or early 2024.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn

Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers is a read aloud rhyming picture book about counting, math, and inclusivity for children.

In a schoolhouse far away, magic blew the fields of hay. Mrs. Wiggles stood alone. Long ago, her class had grown. Then one day, she heard a sound—numbers leaping to the ground.

A read-aloud picture book for children about inclusion and starting a fun relationship with numbers to avoid “math stress.”
At an early age, children have big imaginations and embrace new ideas. Mrs. Wiggles is the best way to introduce children to the world of numbers. Magic comes to Mrs. Wiggle’s one-room schoolhouse when the bulletin board of numbers comes alive. Children are delighted by the rhyming story, humor, and bright illustrations. Children will learn the following:Counting. The rhyming text helps with memorization and recognizing numbers.
Numbers are exciting. Each number has its own friendly personality.
A happy class is a diverse, kind, and inclusive group. The numbers are worth more when working together.
Every number has value, and students in a classroom are important. The other numbers help Zero realize his value.
Numbers solve problems.
This book will keep everyone amused with many subtleties for older children and adults. A book that you will enjoy reading to children as they learn to love numbers.

Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers

When a sweet old teacher stands in her schoolhouse, she realizes she is all alone; her students have long since grown up. There was a breeze of magic that flowed through her schoolhouse, and all the numbers suddenly came to life around her. She once more had a class to teach!

All the numbers one to nine dance around and introduce themselves. When zero comes out, he is worried that no one wants him around, but Mrs. Wiggles and the rest of the numbers all show zero just how valuable and needed he is in the number world.

Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers: Counting Book for Children, Math Read Aloud Picture Book is a whimsical and entertaining children’s book that will delight preschoolers through early elementary level kids. The lyrical prose in the story is told in makes it fun to read out loud, and the illustrations will keep everyone giggling. Each page has its number represented with items; for example, number two has two rubber duckies floating in the sink. Children will have fun searching each page to find the item that represents the number on the page.

Aside from teaching children about counting and numbers, this picture book has a wonderful lesson about how everyone has value and is important. There is a strong message of friendship and helping each other on these pages.

Mrs. Wiggles and the Numbers is a well-written and illustrated picture book for children ages baby to seven years old. It would make a wonderful addition to a classroom or home library.

Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BRHNLL69

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