Number Shapes

by Nigel Tetley, Simon Goodway (Illustrator)

A vibrantly illustrated rhyming text that describes the shape of each of the first ten cardinal numbers as written in Arabic numerals. An innovative EYFS resource for teaching number recognition.

24 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2018

About the author

Since qualifying as a Religious Studies teacher in 1989, Nigel Tetley has worked in a variety of schools, spanning middle and secondary age groups in both the State and independent sectors. At the beginning of his teaching career, he also spent a year in Greece teaching English. In 2001, he started writing children's poetry at the suggestion of a colleague. Full details of all of his writing projects can be found on his website.

Reviews

[Joe Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five year old daughter, Rory, says, “I like this book that I wanted to do it a million times. I like it soooo muuuuuuuch. And um, good days, bye.”

My two year old son, ARTHUR, says, “nap time now. Read the book.”

What a great book for learning to read and write the numbers 1 to 10. The rhythm and pictures work excellently in unison to help kids learn the numbers.

On our first night, we read through it three times. The second time, we read it much slower so my kids could absorb the succinct pages. The third time, my five year old grabbed some paper and a marker, and drew the numbers as we went along.

I received a copy of the book from the author for free.

[Hanna Kowalewska · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Delightful Way to Learn Numbers

This charming little rhyme is a wonderful way to introduce young children to the world of numbers. Each number is given its own unique simile, and the playful comparisons will surely engage and delight children as they learn to count.

The rhyming scheme is simple and easy to follow, which makes it perfect for young readers. The accompanying illustrations are colorful, vivid, and perfectly capture the essence of each simile. Parents and educators will appreciate the playful and imaginative approach to teaching numbers, and children will have fun as they learn.

This book is like a gentle and fun introduction to counting. Highly recommended for parents, educators, and anyone looking for a playful and imaginative way to teach children about numbers.

[Christine Calabrese · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is EXCELLENT for little ones. Children cannot see the numbers enough, nor can they have access to good rhyme enough. The author has a real knack for rhyming making it seem easy but it is not. I can think of many little ones who would benefit from this book, the illustrations and the rhyme are perfect. Children reverse numbers, have a hard time with 3, 5, 8, 2. They have a hard time writing them and visualizing them. Get this book for your little one!

[Joari Creates · Rating 4 out of 5]

This vibrant counting book encourages children to explore numbers in creative ways, using both everyday objects and imaginative concepts. Through colorful illustrations, it prompts kids to discover numbers hidden in plain sight, fostering a keen eye for observation. By engaging with the book, children learn to look closer, developing their ability to identify and appreciate numerical patterns in their surroundings.

[Kevin Fan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Numbers Shapes" is a clever counting book that takes young readers on an imaginative journey from 1 to 10. The colorful illustrations and creative examples of numbers in everyday life make learning numbers a fun and engaging experience.

[Ashley]

I received a copy of the book from the author for free. This book allows me to show my child different ways numbers can be used in the world around us. I appreciate the drawings that accompany each photo along with the verse. It kept their interest.

[Brandon Detwiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Number Shapes" is a cool introduction for children to learn counting, shapes, and the ability to see the numbers and shapes in illustrations. A fun story that will keep kids turning the page to find out what's next!

[A Eden]

I adored the imaginative numerical illustrations. The text is straightforward, crisp, and enjoyable. I highly recommend it for children who are learning to read

[Jkatusyagmail.com]

This was a nice reading ....well paced and the story flows

[Ziyoda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book. It is easy to remember with illustrations.

[Abby Ferns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful picture book that teaches children number recognition in a delightful way.
The rhyming text and accompanying illustrations will engage any child.

[Steven Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well illustrated and fun pictures help teach little ones to count from one to ten. Good choice for a first counting book!

[Millie Donofrio · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got a copy of the book for free. It was a really good book to teach kids to recognize and learn their numbers.

[Hanna Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

My five year old daughter Rory says "I love this book and I like that the worm rolled up onto a pea."

It's so fun to see the numbers appear out of the picture!

I received a copy of the book from the author for free.

[Rochelle Pieterse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from the author for free for an honest review.

"Number Shapes" by Nigel Tetley is a delightful addition to the world of children's literature. With a well-deserved rating of 5 stars, this book seamlessly combines education and entertainment to create an engaging learning experience for young readers. Through colorful illustrations and clever storytelling, Tetley introduces children to the enchanting world of numbers in a way that is both fun and educational. The book's interactive approach not only helps children grasp the concept of numbers but also fosters their creativity and imagination.

Tetley's ability to make learning enjoyable is truly commendable, as he skillfully weaves mathematical concepts into an engaging narrative that keeps young minds captivated from start to finish. "Number Shapes" is an invaluable resource for parents and educators seeking to instill a love for numbers and learning in children. With its vibrant illustrations and well-crafted content, this book is a definite must-have for any young reader's library. Nigel Tetley's "Number Shapes" is a resounding success, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to make learning an exciting adventure for their little ones.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have had the privilege of reviewing all of Nigel Tetley's books. I am so happy to be able to give an enthusiastic shout-out for his newest creation - " Number Shapes". This vibrantly coloured educational book has rhyming text which is something that kids always love. When concept words are spun into fanciful rhymes they are much easier to understand and to remember. The illustrations mirror the shape of each of the first ten cardinal numbers as written in Arabic numerals.

Young kids will appreciate that the numbers and illustrations are big and that the pages are uncluttered so they can focus on the author's mission... to offer an innovative resource for teaching number recognition. I highly recommend this book.

[Marin . · Rating 4 out of 5]

NUMBER SHAPES is a cute counting book for very young readers who have just learned their numbers from one to ten or are about to embark on that lesson. Every number is cleverly explained in two lines. In order to create short and memorable verses, the lines are seamlessly weaved together with objects that readers are familiar with.

A book with easy rhymes is a valuable tool in parents’ hands as it can help them teach their little ones to learn number formations in a unique way. It is also beneficial for early learners who have difficulties correctly writing numbers. The gentle and childish illustrations create lots of opportunities for learning, but also for fun.

[Happy Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this counting book with its beautiful illustrations that will surely capture kids attention and help them to learn numbers and counting.

[Jade Willemse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful and Clever Introduction to Numbers for Young Learners!

Number Shapes by Nigel Tetley is a beautifully written and illustrated book that turns learning numbers into a magical experience for children. Each number is introduced with a charming rhyme and paired with a relatable visual analogy—turning numerals into fun, familiar shapes like a candle, a swan, or a fishing hook. This poetic and visual approach makes abstract number concepts accessible and memorable for young readers.

Simon Goodway’s illustrations complement the text wonderfully, bringing warmth and personality to each number. The playful imagery and rhyming lines are perfect for read-aloud sessions, early numeracy activities, or simply sparking a child's imagination.

The layout is clean and child-friendly, with enough repetition and rhythm to reinforce learning while keeping it engaging. I also appreciate the gentle humor and the imaginative comparisons, which help children associate numbers with real-world objects in a way that feels natural and fun.

[Adam Swain · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from the author for free. Beautifully illustrated, I think it's a wonderful way to introduce numbers and counting to small children. However, I wish the book had a bit more substance; it counts to 10 and then ends... while I'm sure this is not uncommon in picture books, I think the reader would benefit from some sort of introduction and closing. It might also be helpful to see the numbers quantified in some way - for example: we see the number 2 and how it can be shaped like a swan, but it would help children understand the concept of the number a bit better if there were 2 swans in the pond to count. Overall, I'm happy to share this with my little one.

[Ing Ndolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of the book from the author for free for a review.

"Number Shapes" by Nigel Tetley is a charming gem in children's literature. This book blends education and entertainment, providing an engaging learning experience for young readers. Vibrant illustrations and clever storytelling in the book introduce children to the world of numbers - that's both enjoyable and educational.

The book's interactive style not only aids children in understanding numerical concepts but also sparks their creativity and imagination.

I highly recommend it as it makes learning exciting and adventurous for children.

[Ms. Kimms · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a creative book! Counting to ten has never felt so adventurous. Within these pages you will find bold and stimulating illustrations. Within those illustrations you will find hidden numbers. Kiddos are going to love engaging with this book. I am stoked to have received this book as a gift from the author and cannot wait to share it with the young little ones in my life.

[Beverley Reichman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number Shapes is not only a fun and educational book for early readers learning their numbers, but it also helps in developing phonological awareness using rhyming. I especially enjoyed the author's use of similes to compare the formation of numbers, shown in 3D, to objects. The illustrations are exquisitely done.

[Harry Fabler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This engaging book, filled with colorful illustrations and expertly written content, is a perfect addition to any young reader's bookshelf. Nigel Tetley's "Number Shapes" makes learning numbers a fun adventure, and I highly recommend it for parents and educators looking to ignite a passion for learning in their little ones.

[Liezl Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great way to introduce children to the shape of numbers in a fun way. The rhyming is easy to follow and ideal for younger readers. This will be a great resource for preschool teachers. I really enjoyed reading it and recommend it for parents with children between 1 and 3 years old who want to teach their children about numbers.

[Kristina Sheldon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how the numbers are incorporated into such well done illustrations! This is a simple counting book perfect for introducing little ones to counting.

I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Children's Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous little book.

So original and it is not easy to make an original number-learning book. There are so many on the market but this one really stands out.

Great for teachers and parents alike.

[Ashley Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a unique way to introduce numbers 1-10 to little ones. My 6-year-old enjoyed the way the numbers appeared in the illustrations. My 2-year-old doesn't yet understand numbers, but was enthralled by the images as well.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing counting book. The poetry and illustrations are gorgeous. It's easy to understand for little kids (5 and 2), and keeps them amused while they're learning their numbers. This book is totally a win.

[J.W. Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a nice book! Children will like the pictures. This book will help children to see numbers in nature and remember how to write them more easily.

I received a copy of the book from the author for free.