Stories that turn Mathematics into fun 2026

'I'm bored with Mathematics', 'I don't understand this problem', 'I'm very bad at doing accounts', 'I don't understand why I have to learn square roots', 'Mom, what's the point of knowing the multiples of the number 2?' Surely some of these questions sound familiar to you; and it is no wonder. Problems with mathematics are typical in all national and international homes. Although it is one of the most valuable subjects in the classroom, not everyone likes numbers and it shows. In fact, the latest data published by the Department of Education states that at least 40% of 3rd year secondary students fail this subject. Data that is repeated if we attend a subsequent course, in which at least 3 out of every 4 students fail.

Perhaps the secret is to teach them in a more constructive and less boring way from the first levels. Luckily, there are many experts who propose different alternatives: some advocate the benefits of combining them with physical exercise (since it has been proven to improve memory and learning). Thus, they propose obstacle courses in their classes to get beans that the little ones then have to count.

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Others, however, have preferred to combine them with the advantages of the recreational process and present them as daily challenges.

In addition, there are a lot of books that allow adults to understand this subject in a different way and, thus, we can transmit it from another point of view to future generations. This is the case, for example, of 'And I take one' (Ed.Nórdica Libros); written by Cristina Daura, proposes a reckoning with school mathematics. In the case of 'May mathematics be with you!' (Ed.Ariel). In it, the scientific communicator Clara Grima relates different aspects of daily life with numbers.

Although these books are focused on an adult audience, their common thread has also been transferred to children's audiences. There are different playful and entertaining stories that present mathematics from another point of view. We have compiled some of them for you to include in your children's children's library.

Stories and legends of mathematics

Perhaps, the love for mathematics begins after knowing its history and origin. There are few historical notions that we are taught in school about this subject, and the truth is that it is loaded with a multitude of anecdotes. This book compiles different curiosities about the origin of numbers, the invention of chess or about the names that have stood out in this field.

• Author: Vicente Muñoz Puelles
• Publisher: Anaya

White cats, black cats

In the neighborhood that is the protagonist of this story there are only black cats, unfortunately for its inhabitants who think that this color will bring them bad luck. But, everything changes when the first white cat is born... how many more will come? A book designed to familiarize yourself with the concepts of quantity through a story that, a priori, has little to do with mathematics.

• Author: Anna Cerasoli
• Publisher: Maeva Young

Spin and learn multiplication tables

A fantastic idea for learning the multiplication tables: the cover of the book has a spinner that, when turned, makes the multiplication tables appear and change. In addition, the interior is full of flaps with tricks, clues and tips to memorize them. Isn't it perfect?

• Various authors
• Publisher: DK

The Mathemagician

This book is designed for kids ages 12 and up, so it is perfect for high school students to get hooked on mathematical numbers. It is formulated as a novel in which the young protagonist (a math enthusiast) signs up for a summer camp in which he will discover different secrets and curiosities about this subject. Thus, you will realize that many questions that we ask ourselves in our daily lives could not be solved without addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

• Author: Anna Cerasoli
• Publisher: Maeva Young

This is not a math book

What do art and mathematics have in common? Although they may seem like two completely opposite subjects, the truth is that they go hand in hand and this book has set out to demonstrate it. A guide to creating works of art through numbers. To achieve this, the reader will have to follow step-by-step instructions.

• Author: Anna Weltman
• Publisher: Art Blume

The little gluttonous caterpillar

Behind the story of a small, very hungry caterpillar, children will discover the numbers from one to five, the concepts of big and small and, in addition, they can talk about nutrition, colors or the life cycle of the butterfly. The design of the story provides all the clues to consider it perfect for first readers: paste and cardboard sheets, large capital letters and rounded corners to prevent the little ones from getting hurt.

• Author: Eric Carle
• Publisher: Kokinos

The first book of numbers

This story does not have any common thread: it is presented as an activity notebook for young children to learn to trace and draw numbers according to the Montessori Methodology. They will do it through play and in a fun and autonomous way.

• Publisher: Vicens Vives Kids

Program like a genius

Programming is directly related to mathematics and numbers. And it is in this subject where the first concepts are taught and, for that reason, this book is perfect. It teaches little ones some basics about the Scratch programming language and offers some instructions so they can design their own video games.

• Author: Coder Kids
• Publisher: Vicens Vives Kids

What time is it, Perico?

One of the first concepts taught in any self-respecting Mathematics class are the hours and the clock and this issue invites you to investigate it in a very fun way. Includes a clock with moving hands, perfect for little ones to manipulate. In addition, it can be used to teach schedules and routines.

• Author: Beatrix Potter
• Publisher: Beascoa

Blonde Booklets

A basic that cannot be missing in any collection of books to learn mathematics. Rubio has been concerned about children's learning for many years and it is rare to see someone who does not know the mythical problems. At least one of his little books was in every home every summer. Yes, to review. And even today they continue to exist and give their all. They have different difficulties and help all children understand mathematics and strengthen concepts.

• Different authors
• Publisher: Rubio