Writing a children’s counting book requires a mix of simple storytelling, engaging visuals, and a strong educational foundation.
Here are the key guidelines to follow:
#1. Choose a Clear Counting Structure.
– Decide on the number range (e.g., 1–10, 1–20, or skip counting like 2s, 5s, 10s).
– Consider whether you want to count up (1 to 10) or count down (10 to 1).
– Example: Ten Black Dots by Donald Crews counts up to ten and uses a creative visual structure—each number of dots becomes part of a larger illustration.
#2. Use Simple and Engaging Language.
– Keep sentences short, rhythmic, and repetitive.
– Use fun, playful words to capture a child’s interest.
– Rhyme and alliteration can make the text more memorable.
– Example: Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 by Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson uses lively rhyming language and a familiar alphabet-book rhythm to make counting fun.
#3. Incorporate a Theme or Story.
– A strong theme (e.g., animals, nature, space, adventure) makes counting more engaging.
– A simple narrative can tie the numbers together (e.g., “Ten little fish swimming in the sea…”).
– Example: Anno’s Counting Book by Mitsumasa Anno presents counting through seasons and scenes in nature, encouraging observation and storytelling without words.
#4. Encourage Interaction.
– Ask questions: “Can you count the stars?”
– Include prompts like “Find the missing butterfly!” to engage readers.
– Example: Count the Monkeys by Mac Barnett and Kevin Cornell turns counting into a full-on adventure, breaking the fourth wall to get readers involved on every page.
#5. Balance Repetition and Variety.
– Repetition helps reinforce learning (e.g., each page following a similar pattern).
– Introduce slight variations to keep it interesting (e.g., different animals, colors, or actions).
– Example: Mouse Count by Ellen Stoll Walsh uses repetition in both text and visual structure while building suspense as a snake counts mice into a jar—and then counts them back out again.
#6. Test for Readability.
– Read it out loud to ensure it flows smoothly.
– Ensure it’s appropriate for the target age group (board books for toddlers, picture books for preschoolers).
– Example: One Duck Stuck by Phyllis Root is a great read-aloud with a sticky, rhythmic refrain and clear counting cues perfect for toddlers and early preschoolers.
#7. Incorporate a Learning Takeaway.
– Reinforce concepts beyond just numbers (e.g., colors, shapes, emotions).
– Consider adding a bonus activity at the end (e.g., a counting game or a seek-and-find challenge).
– Example: Counting Kisses by Karen Katz mixes counting with affection and emotional connection, making it as much a bedtime routine as a numbers lesson.
When in doubt, head to the children’s section at your local library or bookstore and read a stack of counting books aloud.
Pay attention to what feels natural to say, what gets a giggle, and what holds your interest.
Then go write your own version—just as fun, just as smart, and all yours.
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