Counting in the Cold
- Coal Valley Library
- Sep 19
- 4 min read

Bundle up for some frosty fun with these chilly counting tales! The books on this list make early math magical, pairing number practice with snowy scenes, winter animals, and whimsical adventures. Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, reading at the library, or snuggling up at home, these stories will keep little minds warm and busy all winter long.
Counting on Winter by Nancy White Carlstrom
Count along with woodland animals as they prepare for the cold months ahead. Gentle rhymes and soft illustrations make this a perfect cozy winter read. It’s a sweet way to combine early math with nature.
Ten Little Snowmen by Amanda Sobotka
Watch as ten cheerful snowmen disappear one by one in this playful countdown tale. Bright illustrations and simple text make it ideal for preschoolers. It’s a fun, frosty way to practice early number skills.
Downhill Fun: A Counting Book About Winter by Michael Dahl
Bundle up for a snowy sledding adventure that sneaks in counting practice. Each page features fast-flying sleds and bold numbers to count. This energetic book is perfect for wiggly listeners.
The Twelve Days of Winter: A School Counting Book by Deborah Lee Rose
Celebrate the season with a winter twist on the classic carol. From snow boots to sleds, each day adds something new to count. A lively storytime pick that also builds number sense.
Counting on Snow by Maxwell Newhouse
This quiet, beautiful book counts Arctic animals against crisp white snow. The simple words and striking art invite peaceful wintertime reading. It’s both soothing and educational.
Footprints in the Snow by Michael Dahl
Follow a trail of mysterious footprints and count the animals who made them. This interactive winter mystery sparks curiosity and number practice. It’s a perfect blend of science and math.
Sizing Up Winter by Lizann Flatt
Explore how animals adapt to the changing seasons while practicing measurement and counting. This math-based nature book pairs perfectly with classroom lessons. It’s engaging, clever, and informative.
123 Dream by Kim Krans
Soft, dreamlike illustrations count gently from 1 to 10 with magical animal imagery. This calming bedtime book helps children slow down while learning numbers. It’s a visual treat for little readers.
Ten Animals in Antarctica by Moira Court
Count ten chilly creatures from penguins to seals in their icy home. Layered collage art and simple text introduce kids to polar wildlife. It’s a frosty, fun counting adventure.
Stack the Cats by Susie Ghahremani
Whimsical cats stack, tumble, and balance while teaching counting and grouping. The colorful art and silly antics make early math fun. It’s an irresistible story for cat-loving kiddos.
Crash! Boom! by Robie H. Harris
A curious elephant builds towers of blocks while learning about numbers and size. This simple story celebrates persistence and problem solving. It’s perfect for introducing early math concepts.
One Shoe Two Shoes by Caryl Hart
Bounce along with a parade of colorful shoes and playful animals while counting to ten. Rhyming text and bright pictures make this book highly engaging. It’s a lively read-aloud that sparks number talk.
The Hueys in None the Number by Oliver Jeffers
The quirky Hueys explore the concept of “none” in their usual silly, creative way. This book introduces an abstract math idea with humor. It’s both thought-provoking and fun.
7 Ate 9: The Untold Story by Tara Lazar
In this hilarious math-themed mystery, private eye Al F. Bet investigates the rumor that 7 ate 9. Packed with wordplay and number jokes, it’s perfect for older picture book readers. It makes math laugh-out-loud funny.
Double Puppy Trouble by Danica McKellar
When one puppy becomes two—and then four—chaos takes over! This story teaches doubling and exponential growth in a fun, kid-friendly way. It’s playful, silly math learning at its best.
One Fox: A Counting Book Thriller by Kate Read
Tension builds as one fox creeps closer to ten unsuspecting hens. The bold art and suspenseful pace make counting feel exciting. It’s a page-turner perfect for storytime.
Everyone Counts by Judy Sierra
A bustling city comes alive with diverse people and animals to count on every page. The clever seek-and-find style keeps kids engaged. It’s full of number fun and visual surprises.
One Boy Watching by Grant Snider
Follow one boy on his bus ride as he quietly counts the world around him. This lyrical story blends mindfulness with early math. It’s a beautifully calm way to practice counting.
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