How to make the most of picturebooks through Talks and Math: Our Review #5.
- Frédérique and the Wooden Fellows
Ducks!, by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by T.L. McBeth
Quick Overview. Ducks! by Deborah Underwood, illustrated by T.L. McBeth, is the story of a young duck who gets momentarily distracted and misses his family walking away. A playful and determined journey follows as the little duck tries to reunite with his flock, meeting other animals along the way. The simple text and the expressive illustrations make this story engaging even for the youngest audience.
Stuff to Talk About… This book provides a natural way to discuss safety with children when walking outside with family or in a group. It opens up conversations about what to do if you get separated and how to stay aware of your surroundings.
…including Early Mathematics! As the duck searches for its family, children can be introduced to early spatial concepts, such as direction, distance, and position. The idea of finding your way back, recognizing landmarks, and navigating space is all part of developing spatial sense in early childhood.
About our reviews
Picturebooks can open the door to endless conversations, but how do you engage young children throughout the pages?
Once again, Mme Rigolotte and I selected five picturebooks from the library, kind of randomly (see our series for more).
We give a quick overview of the plot (without spoilers : ), sharing topics one could talk about to engage with young children, including early mathematics ideas (need a refresher? Check our series on early mathematics!).
Hug by Jez Alborough
Quick Overview. This sweet board book follows a little monkey as he sees various animals hugging, realizing he wants a hug too, but where is his mommy? With minimal text and expressive illustrations, Hug tells a touching story about longing, connection, and love, perfect for even the youngest listeners.
Stuff to Talk About… The story gently explores feelings and how Bobo transitions from sadness and longing to joy upon being reunited with his mother. It is a great opportunity to discuss emotions, empathy, and the comfort of being close to someone you love.
…including Early Mathematics. There are several spatial elements to notice: animals are on trees, beside each other, and in different positions. You can also count the animals, even counting by twos or identifying matching pairs.
The I LOVE YOU Book by Todd Parr
Quick Overview This quite colorful book by Todd Parr offers affirming statements that begin with “I love you when…” – a thoughtful read-aloud to celebrate love in all its everyday forms.
Stuff to Talk About… This book opens the door to all kinds of feelings—feeling proud, feeling brave, feeling loved. Children can reflect on the different ways they feel loved and the many ways we can show love to others.
…including Early Mathematics. One can count how many different ways love is expressed throughout the book, sorting and categorizing the examples—when you’re silly, serious, messy, etc.
The DON’T WORRY Book by Todd Parr
Quick Overview In the same style as The I LOVE YOU Book, Todd Parr brings comfort with a book about worries. Through colorful illustrations and simple language, children learn that it is okay to feel worried and nervous and that there are many ways to feel better.
Stuff to Talk About… This book invites open conversation about things that might worry young children, and how to name and manage those feelings. It also provides an opportunity to discuss what makes us feel safe and supported.
…including Early Mathematics. As you read, count the different ways the book suggests to help manage worries. Make a list together.
This Is How We Play by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp, illustrated by Kayla Harren
Quick Overview This beautifully inclusive book celebrates play in all its forms—showing how children with diverse physical and medical abilities join in and have fun. With a gentle narrative and a helpful guide for adults, it encourages understanding and inclusion.
Stuff to Talk About … The story is a meaningful way to discuss disability, adaptation, and courage with children. It fosters empathy and helps children see the many ways we can connect, move, and play together.
…including Early Mathematics Even though mathematics is indeed all around, sometimes, a powerful message just deserves our full attention too. Let’s embrace mathematics in another book, shall we? : )
By exploring stories, sparking discussions, and connecting to math, picturebooks offer endless opportunities to engage young children’s thinking and imagination. Next month, we will review our reviews! We have delivered 25 picturebooks so far, it will be helpful to pause and reflect.
In the meantime, the Fellows and I would love to hear from you : )
What caught your attention in the five books we shared today? What other topics would you discuss with young children?
Math is indeed all around. If you want to know more about “mathematizing”, you can start with
- Hintz, A., & Smith, A. T. (2023). Mathematizing Children’s Literature: Sparking Connections, Joy, and Wonder Through Read-alouds and Discussion. Taylor & Francis.
- Hynes-Berry, M., & Grandau, L. (2019). Where’s the Math? NAEYC. Washington, DC.
