The Coin Counting Book

Title: The Coin Counting Book


Author and Illustrator: Rozanne Lanczak Williams

Recommended grade level: 1-2

Common Core Standards Addressed:

CCSS.Math.Content.1.NBT.B.2.a
10 can be thought of as a bundle of ten ones — called a "ten."

 CCSS.Math.Content.2.MD.C.8
Solve word problems involving dollar bills, quarters, dimes, nickels, and pennies, using $ and ¢ symbols appropriately. Example: If you have 2 dimes and 3 pennies, how many cents do you have?


Summary: This book starts off with the introduction to pennies and their value. The book soon adds dimes, quarters, and half dollars. The text in the book has simple rhymes and clear vibrant photographs of actual coins. In the book the photographs of the actual coins are arranged in sets with equations demonstrating their math equivalents. The equations are displayed in orderly fashion. Also, the written names of the coins for instance one penny and the number and cent symbols are included under each visual equation. The book shows so many ways of grouping coins. For instance, on how five pennies add up to a nickel, two nickels add up to a dime, twenty five pennies add up to a quarter, five nickels add up to a quarter, and four quarters add up to a dollar, etc.  

Rating: I would rate this book 4 stars. I think it’s a very effective way to introduce children to money. The visuals of the coins are life like which leaves no room for confusion. I appreciate the use of the equations implemented. For example, the coins and number sentences as well as written text equations provided in the book. It displays 3 different equations that all mean the same thing. Therefore, it shows the child multiple ways at looking at it as well as comprehending it. The text is in a rhyming sequence which makes counting coins fun. At the end of the book children are asked to think of the various ways to make a dollar.

Classroom ideas:

This book can be used to introduce the concepts of numbers that are greater than, equal to, and less than. It can teach coin recognition and value. The book can be used to teach children how a group of coins can add up to the value of another coin. The images of the coins is great for visual learners as well as ENLs.