Book Reviews

For International Women in Maths Day (12 May), author and illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky introduces her book Women in Science - 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World, which features several great female mathematicians, such as Hypatia, Ada Lovelace, Amy Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani and others.

Book title: Women in Science - 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World
Author & Illustrator: Rachel Ignotofsky
Published by: Wren & Rook

In our latest book recommendation, maths teacher and author Chris Smith introduces his new book That's Mathematics, with the help of nephew Levi. Based on lyrics by US singer-songwriter Tom Lehrer, this fun and informative picture book introduces real-world maths that children use everyday, proving that maths really is fun and everywhere!

Book title: That's Mathematics
Author: Chris Smith, based on lyrics by Tom Lehrer
Illustrator: Elīna Brasliņa
Published by: Mama Makes Books

In the beautifully illustrated "Molly and the Mathematical Mystery", a young girl goes on an interactive adventure - and you're invited! Lift the flaps and solve the clues, to explore there's more to maths than sums and numbers. A great read for children of all ages, and adults too.

Title: Molly and the Mathematical Mystery
Author: Eugenia Cheng
Illustrator: Aleksandra Artymowska
Published by: Templar Books

In celebration of Book Week Scotland, we're launching a new video series with reviews of children's books that have a maths or numeracy focus.First up we have Abigail, by Catherine Rayner, shared by Fiona from National Museums Scotland. This book has a very special connection to the museum, as the author was inspired by the giraffe on display in the animal galleries.

Book title: Abigail
Written & illustrated by: Catherine Rayner
Published by: Little Tiger Press

We continue our Book Week Scotland recommendations with Helena from the Scottish Book Trust sharing why she loves "You Can't Count on Dinosaurs!" by Philip Ardagh & Elissa Elwick

Title: You Can't Count on Dinosuars! An Almost Counting Book
Author: Philip Ardagh
Illustrator: Elissa ElwickPublished by: Walker Books
Published by: Walker Books

Our final Book Week Scotland recommendation comes from Catherine at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, who has chosen to share "Ten Delicious Teachers" by Ross Montgomery & Sarah Warburton

Title: Ten Delicious Teachers
Author: Ross Montgomery
Illustrator: Sarah Warburton
Published by: Walker Books

In our latest book review, author Kjartan Poskitt introduces his book 'The Magic of Maths' which is full of fun maths tricks to keep children busy for hours - from using the power of maths to beat the calculator, to performing amazing card tricks, and even reading minds!

Title: The Magic of Maths
Author: Kjartan Poskitt
Published by: Scholastic

What are you passionate about? The beautifully illustrated book "Count On Me", by Miguel Tanco, celebrates some of the different ways we see the beauty of our world - through art, music or maths - and encourages children to find their own passion. Recommended by Jenni Fuchs from Maths Week Scotland

Title: Count On Me
Author & Illustrator: Miguel Tanco
Published by: Tate

Winter is a perfect time of year to cuddle down with a good book. With plenty of counting books for kids to choose from, it's also a great opportunity to include some maths in your seasonal story time.

(This video was part of our 2022 Christmas Holiday Countdown)

In this video we're sharing three of our favourite spooky counting books for kids (though don't worry if your little ones are easily scared, they're not too spooky).