Summer is just around the corner. Before you know it, the kids will be out of school. Schedules will relax, bedtimes will shift, and there will be more sediment in that bathtub. Children will be tired, and happy, and happily tired. Their little minds will be on popsicles and watermelon and cannonballs and fireflies.

The last thing they will be thinking about is math.

The thing is, studies have shown time and time again that summer learning loss, often referred to as brain drain, is a legitimate concern. Depending on the study you read, children lose between one and three months’ worth of math and reading skills over the summer months. This is the reason why many educators advocate for year-round schooling and the reason for summer school programming.

As parents, we tend to place a lot of pressure on our schools when -in reality- our kids spend approximately 900 hours per year in school and 7,800 hours per year outside of school. (I got these stats from my favorite parenting book).

This might seem overwhelming, but there is a simple answer: just read good books. Every morning, pick up a fantastic book and read to your kids. So much learning happens in this way!

Today, I am sharing two new favorite math picture books. When you are finished reading, I’d love to hear your current favorites!

The ‘Peg + Cat’ Series: Stealth Math At Its Best!

*Disclosure: I received two review copies of the new Peg + Cat Level 2 Readers from Candlewick Press at no cost in exchange for a review. I was not required to write a positive review and, as always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. I only choose to share resources that I would use with my own family and those that I believe other families will enjoy.

Stealth summer learning your kids will love

Last summer, my children discovered the Peg + Cat picture books. They are huge fans of the Emmy-award winning television show, and so it came as no surprise that they fell head-over-heels for the books.

When I heard that there were new Peg + Cat leveled readers on the market, I had to check them out.

As usual, Peg + Cat did not disappoint!

In Peg + Cat: The Pirate Problem (Level 2 reader), Peg and Cat must try to keep hungry pirates happy. Hungry pirates get cranky and they sing terribly when they are cranky! In order to keep the pirates happy and quiet-ish, Peg and Cat must divide a pile of peaches equally. This adorable book is a lesson in both division and sharing!

Peg + Cat: The Big Dog Problem (Level 2 reader) teaches children about measurement in a way that will have them belly laughing. Because she is getting older and therefore more responsible, Peg’s mother has given her several important letters to mail. This leads to a conversation about growing taller and height… and, of course, a problem! When they get to the mailbox, there is a big dog blocking their way. How will Peg + Cat solve this conundrum?

These leveled readers are a perfect complement to our Peg + Cat picture book collection. Your children will enjoy the stories so much that they won’t realize they are learning math. Pair these books with a fantastic math game and you have stealth summer learning at its best!

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Do you have a favorite math book right now? Share here.