Best Counting Books for Toddlers (2026): 5 Compared

A toddler who points at every dog on the walk is already counting. This list compares the best counting books for toddlers across 5 books, by listed reading age, pages and format.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	One, Two, Three! by Boynton	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Let's Learn 123s by Kidsbooks	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Shapes, Colors, Counting by Disney	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Numbers by Wonder House	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	My Very First Book of Numbers by Carle	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

One, Two, Three! by Boynton

Sandra Boynton·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A rhyming board book counting animals from one to ten and back.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Counts animals from one to ten
• 24 pages in board book format
• Age 1 to 3 years stated

Cons

• Age marked as from customers
• Counts only to ten
• No tracing or sound stated

2

Let's Learn 123s by Kidsbooks

Kidsbooks Publishing·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A sound book with 27 buttons counting 1 to 25, plus tracing pages.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• 27 buttons say each number
• Tracing pages, large bold numbers
• Widest range: 1 to 25

Cons

• Age marked as from customers
• Needs a replaceable battery
• Published June 2, 2020

3

Shapes, Colors, Counting by Disney

RH Disney·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A boxed set of four board books: colors, numbers, shapes, opposites.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Four books in one box
• 48 pages across the set
• Plastic travel handle

Cons

• Counting is one of four
• Age marked as from customers
• Published July 23, 2013

4

Numbers by Wonder House

Wonder House Books·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A board book with large font and real-world images, counting 1 to 10.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Large font, real-world images
• Sturdy board pages
• Simple early-learner words

Cons

• Only 10 pages
• No grade level stated
• Described ages 1 to 4, age to 5 years

5

My Very First Book of Numbers by Carle

Eric Carle·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A bilingual counting book matching fruit counts to English and Spanish words.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• English and Spanish words
• Fruit-count matching puzzles
• Colorful fruit illustrations

Cons

• Published January 19, 2006
• Age marked as from customers
• No grade level stated

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• Number Train by EmmettFor lift-the-flap fans: a train-shaped counting book with flaps and wheels.Check on Amazon
• 1 2 3 Count with Elmo by SesameFor Elmo fans: a lift-the-flap counting book with die-cut flaps.Check on Amazon
• Cars and Trucks from 1 to 10 by ScarryFor vehicle fans: a truck-shaped board book counting cars and trucks.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. All 5 books list a reading age, and 2 also list a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best counting books for toddlers

Match the age on the listing

Reading ages run 1 to 3 years on 4 books and 2 to 5 years on the Wonder House book; 4 of the 5 are marked as from customers. See more picture books for the same early years.

Sound, tracing or plain pages

The Let’s Learn book adds 27 sound buttons and tracing pages; the others keep to printed pages and pictures. Browse all kids and teens books for older readers.

Before you buy

• Check the date: Carle January 19, 2006; Boynton June 6, 2023.
• Check the format: Disney is a boxed set of 4 books.
• Check the age: 4 of the 5 ages are marked as from customers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age do these counting books suit?

Reading ages are 1 to 3 years on 4 books, 2 to 5 years on Wonder House.

Which book counts past 10?

The Let’s Learn book counts 1 to 25 with 27 sound buttons; Wonder House and Boynton count 1 to 10.

Which pick is a boxed set?

The Disney pick is a boxed set of 4 books with a plastic handle.

Still deciding? Our top pickOne, Two, Three! by Boynton

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

See every picture book list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: browse young adult books, middle grade books and math workbooks.