Ants at the Picnic Counting by Tens (Know Your Numbers) by Michael Dahl

Picture this: a sunny afternoon, a picnic blanket spread out, and a line of industrious ants marching toward a feast. Now, imagine using this charming scenario to teach young children how to count by tens. That’s exactly what Michael Dahl accomplishes in Ants at the Picnic: Counting by Tens (Know Your Numbers)—a vibrant, engaging, and educational picture book that makes learning math feel like an adventure.

As a parent, educator, or simply someone who appreciates well-crafted children’s books, you’ll find this title to be a standout in early numeracy literature. But does it succeed in making math fun and accessible? Let’s dig in.

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The premise is simple yet effective: a group of ants discovers a picnic and begins carrying away food—one item at a time, in groups of ten. Each page introduces a new set of ten, reinforcing counting skills through repetition and visual reinforcement.

From ten juicy grapes to twenty crunchy crackers, the ants’ haul grows incrementally, allowing young readers to follow along and predict what comes next. The story avoids complex twists or conflicts, keeping the focus squarely on the counting concept, which is perfect for its intended audience.

By the end, children have not only practiced counting by tens but also witnessed a whimsical, almost rhythmic procession of ants working together—a subtle nod to teamwork and persistence.

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While the book doesn’t delve into deep character arcs (it is about ants, after all), the ants themselves serve as delightful, industrious guides. Their determination and orderly march make them unintentional role models for persistence and cooperation.

Young readers may not realize it, but the ants’ behavior subtly reinforces:

• Teamwork – Each ant contributes to the larger goal.
• Order & Structure – Counting by tens is presented as a natural, logical progression.
• Curiosity & Discovery – The ants’ exploration mirrors a child’s own learning journey.

For a book with no traditional "characters," these tiny creatures leave a big impression!

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Michael Dahl’s writing is crisp, rhythmic, and perfectly tailored for early learners. The text follows a predictable pattern:

"10 grapes, juicy and sweet.
20 crackers, crunchy to eat."

This repetition is intentional—it helps children anticipate what comes next, reinforcing memory and comprehension. The language is simple yet vivid, with adjectives that make the food items sound irresistible (even to human readers!).

The illustrations, by Todd Ouren, are bright and playful, with exaggerated ant expressions that add humor and warmth. Each group of ten is visually distinct, making it easy for kids to count along.

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While the primary goal is teaching counting by tens, the book subtly introduces broader themes:

The ants work together seamlessly, showing how collective effort leads to success—a great lesson for young kids.

Math is all about recognizing patterns, and the book’s structure reinforces this skill in an organic way.

The ants’ excitement over each new food item mirrors a child’s wonder when learning something new.

These layers make the book more than just a math primer—it’s a celebration of learning itself.

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Reading this with my five-year-old was a joy. She loved pointing at the ants and counting along, and the rhythmic text kept her engaged. The bright illustrations held her attention, and the predictability of the counting sequence gave her a sense of accomplishment.

What stood out most was how effortlessly the book turned a math lesson into a story. She didn’t realize she was "learning"—she just thought she was following a fun ant adventure!

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Many counting books focus on rote memorization (1, 2, 3…), but Ants at the Picnic stands out by:

• Using a narrative structure (rather than just a number list).
• Incorporating humor and personality (the ants’ expressions are priceless).
• Making math feel like a game (kids love predicting the next set of ten).

It’s comparable to Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar in how it blends education with storytelling, though Dahl’s focus is strictly on numeracy.

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✔ Engaging, visual learning – The illustrations make counting tangible.
✔ Perfect pacing – Short, rhythmic text holds attention spans.
✔ Reinforces multiple skills – Counting, teamwork, pattern recognition.

✖ Limited narrative depth – It’s a counting book first, story second.
✖ May feel repetitive to older kids – Best suited for ages 3-6.

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• Parents of preschoolers looking for fun math introductions.
• Early educators needing engaging counting resources.
• Kids ages 3-7 who enjoy interactive, visual books.

If your child loves Chicka Chicka 1, 2, 3 or Ten Black Dots, this is a must-add to their shelf.

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"40 peas, piled up high.
50 chips, reaching the sky!"

The playful language turns numbers into a sensory experience—kids can almost taste the food!

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While not historically rooted, the book taps into a universal childhood experience: picnics and bugs. The ants’ industriousness is a nod to Aesop’s The Ant and the Grasshopper, subtly teaching diligence.

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Ants at the Picnic is a standout in early math literature—bright, engaging, and effective. It doesn’t just teach counting; it makes kids want to count. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian, this book deserves a spot in your collection.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Readers:

• What other everyday scenarios could be used to teach counting?
• How do illustrations enhance learning in children’s books?
• Do you prefer math books that tell a story or focus purely on numbers?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how your little ones enjoyed this charming counting adventure!

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