How to make the most of picturebooks through Talks and Math: Our Review #3.

Picturebooks can open the door to endless conversations, but how do you engage young children throughout the pages? Once a month, Mme Rigolotte and I select five picturebooks from the library, kind of randomly (see Review #1 and Review #2). We give a quick overview of the plot (without spoilers : ), sharing topics one could talk about to engage with young children (3-5 years old, especially), including early mathematics ideas. Yep, math is everywhere—even in books! If you need a refresher on early mathematics, see one of our previous posts or our new series about early mathematics.

The Truth About Dragons, by Julie Leung, illustrated by Hanna Cha

Quick Overview. This vibrant picturebook takes us into the fascinating world of Eastern and Western mythologies, and captivating dragon tales from both cultures. The illustrations are full of color and life, while the text offers plenty of chances to expand a preschooler’s vocabulary with words like “trinkets,” “incense,” and “porcelain.”

Stuff to Talk About… One of the standout features is its exploration of bi-culturalism. The author and illustrator bring a unique perspective to the Easter and Western tales,  showcasing the rich diversity between cultures. I would definitely read this book to Rosie, pointing out the differences she might see between her French and American heritage. It is a great starting point for conversations about cultural identities, and how we can appreciate and celebrate both.

… including Early Mathematics. Beyond cultural exploration, The Truth About Dragons also opens the door (like any books : ) to early mathematical concepts. For instance, as the two parallel tales unfold, children can think about the similarities and differences between them. The young boy’s journey also lends itself to discussions about time and measurement: How long does it take to travel somewhere?  Plus, the rich illustrations provide plenty of opportunities to count objects in a playful way.

Pirates Don’t Take Baths, by John Segal

Quick Overview. In Pirates Don’t Take Baths, a little Pig argues with an older Pig about not wanting to take a bath, insisting that pirates do not bathe. What starts as a simple disagreement soon turns into an interesting back-and-forth, with the older Pig offering playful counterarguments to each of the little Pig’s points.

Stuff to Talk About… Each couple page of this book presents a new argument from the little Pig, and a counterargument, like “Cowboys don’t take baths” followed by “Cowboys don’t mind sleeping on the hard, cold ground, do you?” Such back-and-forth conversation can naturally encourage young audience to engage and think critically. One can also engage young children through the story characters, that often captivate preschoolers’ imaginations—pirates, cowboys, knights, and treasure hunters.

… including Early Mathematics. The pattern of arguments and counterarguments in Pirates Don’t Take Baths align well with the idea of “proof and logical reasoning”—skills that are fundamental to mathematics. While the story is clearly meant to be funny, the underlying structure mimics mathematical proofs, where one makes a statement and then supports or disproves it. Introducing this concept at a young age can help children develop the foundational skills of argumentation and logical thinking.

How to Take Care of Your Dinosaur, by Jason Cockcroft

Quick Overview. How to Take Care of Your Dinosaur tells the whimsical story of a young boy who receives a very unusual pet— a dinosaur. The book offers a series of fun instructions for caring for the dinosaur in different situations, like at home, at the park, and around other children. The illustrations are colorful and engaging, while the large font makes it easy for co-reading with emergent readers, who may want to decipher words on their own.

Stuff to Talk About… The instructions in the book, which describe how to take care of a dinosaur, have a lot of similarities to how one would care for a child. This provides matter to discuss with young readers related to the kinds of things they enjoy doing at the park, their favorite snacks, what makes a good friend, etc. The playful scenario of caring for a dinosaur can also spark conversations about responsibility and empathy, and discuss the needs of others—whether it is a pet or a friend. 

… including Early Mathematics. The story highlights, at some point, the importance of routine, as the boy’s care for his dinosaur follows a regular schedule, from meals to playtime to bedtime. This provides a chance to engage young children about their own daily routines: What do you do first? Then, what happens next? , helping to build early math concepts like sequencing and understanding patterns.

Bird Is Dead, by Tiny Fisscher and Herma Starreveld

Quick Overview. Bird Is Dead tells the story of a group of birds who discover that one of their own has passed away. The book explores their journey through grief, emotions, and the process of mourning, including the preparation for a funeral. The illustrations are absolutely stunning, with intricate, colorful patterns adorning each bird, giving the pages a striking and emotional visual depth.

Stuff to Talk About… I have reviewed many picturebooks over the years, including some addressing the sensitive topic of grief, and I can honestly say I have never encountered one quite like this. Maurice was deeply, thoroughly moved by it. The straightforward approach to death in Bird Is Dead is remarkable. It presents the idea of death factually, which aligns well with young children, who often need concrete explanations. The story embraces the complexity of emotions that arise when a loved one dies—sadness, confusion, and the need for closure. While this directness might feel unique and helpful, I truly leave it  up to you whether you decide to read it to a young child. Some children may benefit from the honesty, while others might find it too heavy. As always, gauge what feels right based on a child’s emotional maturity and readiness to process such a topic.

… including Early Mathematics. Grief is a process that unfolds over time, and the book offers an opportunity to discuss how life passes and the different rhythms of nature. One could talk about how the days pass as the birds mourn and prepare for the funeral, subtly introducing young children to the idea of time and its role in healing. This also connects to measuring time—whether it’s the passing of days, the duration of an event, or counting the days until something happens. 

There by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

Quick Overview. There takes readers on a journey through the imagination of a young girl, who is determined to go to a place called “There.” The illustrations, which look like oil paintings, capture the whimsy and wonder of her adventure as she envisions a variety of different places—towns, weather patterns, nighttime scenes, and even dragons. 

Stuff to Talk About… As the girl embarks on her quest to “There,” she constantly asks questions that the reader can engage with too. One could ask children, “What do you think ‘There’ looks like?” or “Where would your ‘There’ be?” The story also invites readers to consider who they would take on such an adventure, and what they would pack, and what items might be necessary for a journey into the unknown.

…including Early Mathematics. The story naturally embraces multiple early mathematics concepts. “How long will it take to go to ‘There’?” invites children to think about time—how we measure it and how it plays a role in planning an adventure. The story also makes room for discussions about size, as the girl wonders, “How big will ‘There’ be?” This can lead into a conversation about sizes and measurements. Her quest also connects with spatial awareness and thinking about directions, distance, and location. Finally, her wonders about how many people may go to ‘There’ touches on counting and quantity.

—-

By exploring stories, sparking discussions, and connecting to math, picturebooks offer endless opportunities to engage young children’s thinking and imagination. Stay tuned for our next review, where we’ll dive into a new set of books next month. 

In the meantime, the Fellows and I would love to hear from you : ) 

How do you engage young children with picturebooks? What caught your attention in the five books we shared today? What other topics would you discuss with young children?