What do you think?
Rate this book
The M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies Counting Board Book
Uses M&Ms to introduce the youngest readers to the world of colors as they count up to ten, using the lovable M & Ms characters and the new blue M&Ms to prove that learning to count can be fun.
Board Book
First published January 1, 1994
3 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 16, 2019
This book encourages children to use M&M candies--in specific color patterns--to practice counting from 1 to 12, and then to form the sets of 12, in different ways, as well as the shapes of a square, circle, and triangle. This book rhymes and is very repetitive which is good for little ones. The book ends with a lesson in subtraction, in which children are encouraged to eat the pieces, color by color until there are none left!
I absolutely loved reading this book, even at age 21! It is absolutely adorable and I could definitely think of a few activities my kiddos would love to do with this book! It would be good for younger elementary grades, in particular. Five stars!
I absolutely loved reading this book, even at age 21! It is absolutely adorable and I could definitely think of a few activities my kiddos would love to do with this book! It would be good for younger elementary grades, in particular. Five stars!
May 6, 2015
Personal Reaction:
One reason I enjoyed this book was because they used m&m's to do math and I love m&m's! I really like doing math and learning with materials that I personally enjoy because it makes me want to learn and like learning a lot more. This reminded me of when I was younger and my teacher would bring in candy or treats for us and incorporate them in learning because it definitely engages students more. I liked how the book was very self explanatory and easy to comprehend, which is important for students using this to learn about simple addition math. That is the best way for students to be introduced into math, so they like learning and they understand and want to keep learning. This book did that very well.
Purposes/Use in the Classroom
Read aloud to make a curricular connection
-This book would definitely be used to teach students about math and introducing them to addition and counting.
-It incorporates colors, numbers, shapes, colors, and sets very well and further explains them in the back as a review.
Independent reading
-If students are having a difficult time grasping the concepts of addition and sets, they can use this book to help them understand further.
-This is for 1st grade levels
For nonfiction
-The nonfiction conventions that were used in this book were mostly in the back of the book. It has a good review to go over and confirm colors, numbers, sets, and shapes.
-This book also has pictures of m&m's with addition problems set up near by and text explaining how to do them.
Other as Appropriate: Comments on language
-This book has very simple language and vocabulary that young students are able to comprehend. That is important for this book because the main point of this book is to learn how to count and eventually add numbers, so the author did not use difficult vocabulary to explain the concept. It did not take away from the real point of the book.
One reason I enjoyed this book was because they used m&m's to do math and I love m&m's! I really like doing math and learning with materials that I personally enjoy because it makes me want to learn and like learning a lot more. This reminded me of when I was younger and my teacher would bring in candy or treats for us and incorporate them in learning because it definitely engages students more. I liked how the book was very self explanatory and easy to comprehend, which is important for students using this to learn about simple addition math. That is the best way for students to be introduced into math, so they like learning and they understand and want to keep learning. This book did that very well.
Purposes/Use in the Classroom
Read aloud to make a curricular connection
-This book would definitely be used to teach students about math and introducing them to addition and counting.
-It incorporates colors, numbers, shapes, colors, and sets very well and further explains them in the back as a review.
Independent reading
-If students are having a difficult time grasping the concepts of addition and sets, they can use this book to help them understand further.
-This is for 1st grade levels
For nonfiction
-The nonfiction conventions that were used in this book were mostly in the back of the book. It has a good review to go over and confirm colors, numbers, sets, and shapes.
-This book also has pictures of m&m's with addition problems set up near by and text explaining how to do them.
Other as Appropriate: Comments on language
-This book has very simple language and vocabulary that young students are able to comprehend. That is important for this book because the main point of this book is to learn how to count and eventually add numbers, so the author did not use difficult vocabulary to explain the concept. It did not take away from the real point of the book.
April 15, 2019
This book is an instructional counting and colors book. It uses M&Ms to show addition and subtraction of simple numbers. The book also incorporates colors when talking about each M&M and the mixture of numbers of a specific color. The language is simple and applies math and reading skills.
I gave this book 4 stars because it would be a great book to do an extension activity with. You could actually get M&Ms and have kids follow along with the book. The graphics in the book are decent but it is a little old so they are a bit outdated, they could be brighter or more engaging. The language is good for many ages to have them read independently or as a class.
I gave this book 4 stars because it would be a great book to do an extension activity with. You could actually get M&Ms and have kids follow along with the book. The graphics in the book are decent but it is a little old so they are a bit outdated, they could be brighter or more engaging. The language is good for many ages to have them read independently or as a class.
October 6, 2018
Concept book, 2005
This book is such an incredible way to connect colors and math concepts! I would recommend it for a K-1st grade classroom.
This book is such an incredible way to connect colors and math concepts! I would recommend it for a K-1st grade classroom.
September 20, 2025
What a great book!
Why?
and why a 5-star?
Because I can't think of a better way to learn to count than by eating m&m's!!
First you use them to count and add, make shapes, and finally subtract.
Subtracting is the best because if you make it to the end of the book, you should get to eat them!
And I did!
Yum!
(I do have one worry in our "advanced" world. With so many food colors being cancelled, I hope we get to keep some of these favorite colors in m&m's. Or at least find an adequate replacement)
Why?
and why a 5-star?
Because I can't think of a better way to learn to count than by eating m&m's!!
First you use them to count and add, make shapes, and finally subtract.
Subtracting is the best because if you make it to the end of the book, you should get to eat them!
And I did!
Yum!
(I do have one worry in our "advanced" world. With so many food colors being cancelled, I hope we get to keep some of these favorite colors in m&m's. Or at least find an adequate replacement)
June 15, 2020
Fiction
Early Primary Grades (K-1)
This is a counting book. This would be great to use in a Kindergarten classroom to use with real M&Ms!
Early Primary Grades (K-1)
This is a counting book. This would be great to use in a Kindergarten classroom to use with real M&Ms!
January 1, 2022
What a tasty, fun way to do simple math - counting, adding, subtracting, and also making some shapes with the same 12 M&Ms.
April 21, 2019
The M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies Counting Book by Barbara Barbieri McGrath is a counting book using the candies m&m's. Teaching kids the basic adding and subtracting rules and colors. Using the candies to make basic shapes. The m&m characters counting from 1 to 12.
I gave this book 4 stars because it teach skids important life lessons. Of the basic counting the basic colors and the basic shapes using the candies for teaching these lessons. I would read this book to my kids when they are learning colors, shapes, counting, and even the basic adding ad subtracting methods.
I gave this book 4 stars because it teach skids important life lessons. Of the basic counting the basic colors and the basic shapes using the candies for teaching these lessons. I would read this book to my kids when they are learning colors, shapes, counting, and even the basic adding ad subtracting methods.
September 23, 2019
SUMMARY from bookjacket: This yummy little counting book teaches the numbers 1 through 12, six colors of the"M&M's" (c) Chocolate Candies, including the new blue, and three primary shapes: the circle, square, and triangle. Beginning scholars also learn the sets of twelve. What's more, children are introduced to simple math! Hungry learners are rewarded in the last section of the book, where they learn simple subtraction by eating the learning tools, twelve "M&M's" (c) Chocolate Candies! The review page at the end ties it all together and reinforces newly learned concepts and skills.
It is interesting that in 1994 when this book was written, "M&M's" got the new color of blue -- which I think is standard now -- NOTE: I will have to go buy a bag of "M&M's" and see if there are still the basic six colors.
There is a note on the verso page: The exact number of pieces of each color of "M&M's" (c) Chocolate Candies may vary from package to package. As a result, there may be insufficient quantities of each color of "M&M's" (c) Chocolate Candies in each package to match the quantity of colors required for play in this book. NOTE: That's simple, just buy two bags...or maybe even three (just to be on the safe side).
Simple math concepts are introduced to the reader with the help of the "M&M's". Just open an individual sized pack of "M&M's" and follow along in the book to match colors and the exact number of each candy represented on the page. Goes from number 1 to number 12. Number 1 is represented by one blue "M&M's" The page has the text surrounded by the border...in bold it says "One blue" and shows the image of a real blue "M&M's" in the middle...the lower right has the number word in large font along with a handwritten numeral one made with a blue crayon.
One through six is represented by single colors. After six you start mixing colors together. Reader learns to sort and organize so that their example matches the one in the book.
Once there is twelve "M&M's" then the text instructs the reader on how to make sets starting with six group of two each -- again the page has the illustrations that the reader can match. Then on the side there is the math formula that shows how to add up the sets to get the total of 12. Several more samples of sets are shown -- always adding up to a total of twelve.
Then the text asks the reader to form the 12 "M&M's" into three shapes, that of a square, circle, and triangle. NOTE: Could ask the reader to do this own their own before showing that part of the book to see if they can do it own their own. ADVANCED: Have them make their shape with the exact colors and their exact places that are shown in the book.
At the end is added some simple subtraction -- which may be the best part of the book, because as you remove "M&M's", you get to eat them!
Lots of fun...re-read, re-d0....or create your own fun. NOTE: Had to buy myself a copy of this one.
This title became my MATH focus in LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE (A Homeschool Curriculum for the Whole Family) and I added MORE MATH....by the same author to continue the math lessons to include sorting and graphs.
It is interesting that in 1994 when this book was written, "M&M's" got the new color of blue -- which I think is standard now -- NOTE: I will have to go buy a bag of "M&M's" and see if there are still the basic six colors.
There is a note on the verso page: The exact number of pieces of each color of "M&M's" (c) Chocolate Candies may vary from package to package. As a result, there may be insufficient quantities of each color of "M&M's" (c) Chocolate Candies in each package to match the quantity of colors required for play in this book. NOTE: That's simple, just buy two bags...or maybe even three (just to be on the safe side).
Simple math concepts are introduced to the reader with the help of the "M&M's". Just open an individual sized pack of "M&M's" and follow along in the book to match colors and the exact number of each candy represented on the page. Goes from number 1 to number 12. Number 1 is represented by one blue "M&M's" The page has the text surrounded by the border...in bold it says "One blue" and shows the image of a real blue "M&M's" in the middle...the lower right has the number word in large font along with a handwritten numeral one made with a blue crayon.
One through six is represented by single colors. After six you start mixing colors together. Reader learns to sort and organize so that their example matches the one in the book.
Once there is twelve "M&M's" then the text instructs the reader on how to make sets starting with six group of two each -- again the page has the illustrations that the reader can match. Then on the side there is the math formula that shows how to add up the sets to get the total of 12. Several more samples of sets are shown -- always adding up to a total of twelve.
Then the text asks the reader to form the 12 "M&M's" into three shapes, that of a square, circle, and triangle. NOTE: Could ask the reader to do this own their own before showing that part of the book to see if they can do it own their own. ADVANCED: Have them make their shape with the exact colors and their exact places that are shown in the book.
At the end is added some simple subtraction -- which may be the best part of the book, because as you remove "M&M's", you get to eat them!
Lots of fun...re-read, re-d0....or create your own fun. NOTE: Had to buy myself a copy of this one.
This title became my MATH focus in LEARNING WITH CHOCOLATE (A Homeschool Curriculum for the Whole Family) and I added MORE MATH....by the same author to continue the math lessons to include sorting and graphs.
November 28, 2011
Genre: Picture Book- Counting
Summary: The M&M characters take you through a lesson in sorting and counting m&m’s. The reader is rewarded for all of their hard work by being able to eat the m&m’s through subtraction.
Critique- Rhyme
I thought the rhyming used in the book actually took away from the lesson. It was very remedial and unoriginal. It made the book seem childish and silly. Also I felt that the concepts jumped around a lot. Children of a younger age learn their shapes, but the sets of twelve are more of a fourth or fifth grade concept relating to multiplication. The positive aspect of this book is that it makes learning engaging and fun. This book would be a great tool to use as a teacher’s resources to help plan a lesson using m&m’s. It might also be effective for the teacher to skip certain passages if they are reading it aloud to their class. The concept of counting with candy is great, but there is simply nothing special about the book itself. It’s simplistic illustrations along with the dull rhyme make this a book I would leave on the shelves.
Curriculum Connection: There are many things you could use m&m’s for in the math classroom. They are simply another form of a manipulative. Students could estimate the numbers of each color before opening the bag. They could use probability to guess what colors will be in each bag. Students could graph each color using a variety of methods. They could be used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, counting, sorting, and almost any other math concept
Summary: The M&M characters take you through a lesson in sorting and counting m&m’s. The reader is rewarded for all of their hard work by being able to eat the m&m’s through subtraction.
Critique- Rhyme
I thought the rhyming used in the book actually took away from the lesson. It was very remedial and unoriginal. It made the book seem childish and silly. Also I felt that the concepts jumped around a lot. Children of a younger age learn their shapes, but the sets of twelve are more of a fourth or fifth grade concept relating to multiplication. The positive aspect of this book is that it makes learning engaging and fun. This book would be a great tool to use as a teacher’s resources to help plan a lesson using m&m’s. It might also be effective for the teacher to skip certain passages if they are reading it aloud to their class. The concept of counting with candy is great, but there is simply nothing special about the book itself. It’s simplistic illustrations along with the dull rhyme make this a book I would leave on the shelves.
Curriculum Connection: There are many things you could use m&m’s for in the math classroom. They are simply another form of a manipulative. Students could estimate the numbers of each color before opening the bag. They could use probability to guess what colors will be in each bag. Students could graph each color using a variety of methods. They could be used for addition, subtraction, multiplication, counting, sorting, and almost any other math concept
February 28, 2014
(1 beginning books) counting and also from StoryPlace (http://www.storyplace.org/preschool/p...)
This book is great for children that are starting to count, distinguish different colors and shapes. This book educates reader’s numbers from one through twelve, six colors by using the M&M chocolates, and three main shapes (triangle, circle, and square). Because the illustrations in the book only focus on six colors, there isn’t a lot of mixture or diversity of colors. The M&M colors to stand out on a white blank space background. The illustrations expressed a lot more than the text because readers have to start counting the number of candies in the book. The book teaches reader simple math problems and they can also apply that to real M&M candies.
Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Illustrator: Roger Glass
Title: The M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies Counting Book
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Year of Publication: 1994
ISBN: 978-0881068535
Genre: Counting
Award: 1994 Teachers' Choice Award
Age: 4 years old and up
This book is great for children that are starting to count, distinguish different colors and shapes. This book educates reader’s numbers from one through twelve, six colors by using the M&M chocolates, and three main shapes (triangle, circle, and square). Because the illustrations in the book only focus on six colors, there isn’t a lot of mixture or diversity of colors. The M&M colors to stand out on a white blank space background. The illustrations expressed a lot more than the text because readers have to start counting the number of candies in the book. The book teaches reader simple math problems and they can also apply that to real M&M candies.
Author: Barbara Barbieri McGrath
Illustrator: Roger Glass
Title: The M&M's Brand Chocolate Candies Counting Book
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Year of Publication: 1994
ISBN: 978-0881068535
Genre: Counting
Award: 1994 Teachers' Choice Award
Age: 4 years old and up
May 1, 2015
Personal Response - This is a very good book for young children. I was intrigued with the colors and the way they tried to teach the lesson from counting 1 - 12. I feel like children will be visually attracted to this book and it will teach them as they are entertained.
Purpose - This would make for an interesting book to help demonstrate a lesson for young children learning to count. This book could be involved in a lesson while the teacher uses real M and M's to follow the book. This is also great for independent reading as well. Children make a real life connection to this book so they are more interested in it. This book is also visually pleasing to children because of the colors and the way the text and pictures portray the message and lesson. The fact that the book tries to teach children how to split up 12 different ways is a great idea for younger children.
Other - This could help children get more familiar with numbers if they are just starting out counting. I would use this in a lesson!
Purpose - This would make for an interesting book to help demonstrate a lesson for young children learning to count. This book could be involved in a lesson while the teacher uses real M and M's to follow the book. This is also great for independent reading as well. Children make a real life connection to this book so they are more interested in it. This book is also visually pleasing to children because of the colors and the way the text and pictures portray the message and lesson. The fact that the book tries to teach children how to split up 12 different ways is a great idea for younger children.
Other - This could help children get more familiar with numbers if they are just starting out counting. I would use this in a lesson!
May 5, 2015
Personal reaction,
I really enjoyed reading this book because it teaches children how to count numbers and about different shapes like square. Also, it teaches to arrange a set and read it. I really like how the author teaches children number by put them in long line, or in sets.
Purpose/use in the classroom,
Read aloud for children whose in preschool and kindergarten. From this book children can learn about numbers and how to count to twelve, different shapes, and learn about colors like green, orange, and yellow.
Children at age seven and up can read it by themselves. The children will be able to learn simple math problems like adding and subtract.
Also, this book is good for teacher to have to teach students about grouping, adding, subtracting, and counting.
The illustration is beautiful and it grabs the child attention to read it and learn form it. There are lots of white pages and it use M&M to explain the math concept. The language is easy and simple to understand.
I really enjoyed reading this book because it teaches children how to count numbers and about different shapes like square. Also, it teaches to arrange a set and read it. I really like how the author teaches children number by put them in long line, or in sets.
Purpose/use in the classroom,
Read aloud for children whose in preschool and kindergarten. From this book children can learn about numbers and how to count to twelve, different shapes, and learn about colors like green, orange, and yellow.
Children at age seven and up can read it by themselves. The children will be able to learn simple math problems like adding and subtract.
Also, this book is good for teacher to have to teach students about grouping, adding, subtracting, and counting.
The illustration is beautiful and it grabs the child attention to read it and learn form it. There are lots of white pages and it use M&M to explain the math concept. The language is easy and simple to understand.
November 28, 2015
The M&M’s counting book is one of my favorite books dealing with math. As a teacher I think this could give the perfect math assignment while also letting your kids have fun and have a little treat. In this counting book children don’t only learn their numbers but they also learn about colors, shapes, sets of twelve, and subtraction. The best part is the way the book works is that it ends with subtraction and each time they get rid of an M&M they get to eat it. This book is written in a nice rhyme that keeps you listening to what will be said next. And not only does it have a visual of the M&Ms but it also shows numbers and words that go with the picture. I think this is a great book and can be very fun for children, helping them learn some basic math skills.
April 22, 2012
I like this book, and I believe that it would be great for a Kindergarten math lesson. It used m&m's as a hands on activity to teach about colors, shapes, counting, and sorting. As a teacher, I can implement a math lesson about sorting, grouping, adding, subtracting, and counting by twos. In addition, I can use this book to teach a science lesson about m&m's, and how long it takes to loose the colored m on the chocolate candy. This would be a fun integrated lesson for math and science. Overall, I like how the book rhymed and it can be fun and engaging to students.
Read
February 16, 2015This is a very fun concept book because it can not only be used for identifying colors, but students can can work on counting items on the page. This book is suggested for 3 to 5 year olds. M&Ms actually has a sort of series of counting and color books for all ages. With their fractions edition, a fun activity was to have students make the fractions with M&Ms. With the counting book, students can also count out M&Ms while they are reading. I think that sort of hands on activity with the big colorful pictures means a really good learning experience.
April 27, 2016
This book uses the beloved chocolate candy, M&Ms, to teach math to young readers. I remember reading this when I was a kid. This book includes the counting of the candies, and it introduces shapes to the reader in a fun way.
I love this idea for a book because it uses something really appealing to children to engage them in learning. It also contains lots of fun, delicious-looking pictures. I would use this in my lower-elementary classroom to practice counting and introduce various math concepts.
I love this idea for a book because it uses something really appealing to children to engage them in learning. It also contains lots of fun, delicious-looking pictures. I would use this in my lower-elementary classroom to practice counting and introduce various math concepts.
July 18, 2012
While this book isn't the most fascinating in terms of its writing or its illustrations, it definitely would keep kids engaged. Candy is a great motivator and IF the kids didn't eat their math manipulatives right away, they would have a great little lesson incorporating addition, subtraction, and some beginning geometry. I would probably use this as a whole group lesson and start with maybe grade 2 or 3.
April 14, 2013
This book is a fun and sweet way of using M&M's as a manipulative. As you turn each page, it reinforces concepts of colors, shapes, and numbers. It also touches on sets of 12 which can be translated into "ways to make 12" or it can help a child visualize multiplication problems (with 12 as the product) as sets or groups. Although it lacks a plot, the pages can be used as math placemats for students.
April 14, 2013
I love any math activity that incorporates food! This is another great hands-on activity for students to practice their counting, this time with M&Ms. I would implement this book for my students to practice making shapes, counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, grouping, sorting, and graphing. Students can practice all these skills with the help of this book and have tons of fun while doing math!
April 14, 2013
This book is great way to make learning math fun with using M&M's as manipulatives. As you turn each page it shows different colors, shapes and numbers. The book focuses on sets of 12, so the students could practice grouping or multiplication. Using the M&M's gives the students a chance to use fun manipulatives, for grouping making the shapes they see in the book, in the activity and get a treat in the end.
April 15, 2013
This book helps children start to learn different ways to see 12. 12 is a difficult for students to become familiar with. Not only does this book show you different ways to make 12, it actually uses M&Ms as a manipulative. I would use this book to create a fun lesson introducing the kids to 12. What kid wouldn't want pick up book and learn? Making Math fun is one way to make sure that students learn to love Math at an early age.
February 21, 2016
This book does not only introduce concepts of counting and recognizing shapes, but also subtraction and addition. This book also features the classic m&m brand figures.
I liked this book. I think it could be a great asset to some teachers and can be used as a segway into instructional algorithms.
I would use this book during math time. I think teachers could build off of concepts shown into the book and move their kids to use manipulatives in the classroom.
I liked this book. I think it could be a great asset to some teachers and can be used as a segway into instructional algorithms.
I would use this book during math time. I think teachers could build off of concepts shown into the book and move their kids to use manipulatives in the classroom.
October 7, 2016
I read this book immediately after seeing it in class, and boy did I like it!
This book teaches kids their numbers, even a few shapes, with the help of M&M's. And lets be honest, who wouldn't love learning with some M&M's? The book involves the candy and their colors to give kids a fun way to learn with the book. The candies can be used then tangibly to enhance the kids understanding and give them a treat after they complete the book. McGrath has wrote such a fun book!
This book teaches kids their numbers, even a few shapes, with the help of M&M's. And lets be honest, who wouldn't love learning with some M&M's? The book involves the candy and their colors to give kids a fun way to learn with the book. The candies can be used then tangibly to enhance the kids understanding and give them a treat after they complete the book. McGrath has wrote such a fun book!
April 18, 2012
I would have loved this book when in my early school years, M&M's are a great way to learn how to count, and how to do simple math. This book however does not go into math, it is good for learning to count and it teaches simple shapes all with the color of the delicious chocolate. I would recommend this book to any teacher, but it is an interactive book that could get out of hand.
February 24, 2016
This book uses the classic M&M figures to show counting and different shapes! This book also shows subtraction and addition!
I think this book is so cute! Students would love that it is M&Ms and the teacher could even let them have a few M&Ms when the read it to count along!
I would love to use this in my library or even my math lesson! Very cute and fun but also productive!
I think this book is so cute! Students would love that it is M&Ms and the teacher could even let them have a few M&Ms when the read it to count along!
I would love to use this in my library or even my math lesson! Very cute and fun but also productive!
February 24, 2016
This book introduces counting, addition, subtraction, and shapes such as squares, triangles, and circles with M&Ms which just makes it so fun!
I loved this book because it is a fun interactive book.
I would definitely use this book in a kindergarten class to introduce subtraction or shapes. I could even use this in a preschool setting.
I loved this book because it is a fun interactive book.
I would definitely use this book in a kindergarten class to introduce subtraction or shapes. I could even use this in a preschool setting.
September 26, 2008
This is a fun book to help teach kids numbers and sorting. The kids love it because they get candy. I use the tiny M&M's so they don't get as much sugar. You could also use colored chips of paper. It is a good book for younger grade classrooms. The kids I have read it to have enjoyed it.
June 28, 2011
This is not my favorite book, but my girls would definitely give it 5 stars! It is asked for multiple times a day - we have never read it the 'right' way, using actual M&Ms for counting, but they love it just the same. Teaches colors and a few basic shapes as well as counting from 1-12.
Read
July 22, 2011The M&M's Counting Books is great book for helping kids with counting, colors, and shapes. It is a fun interactive book and the kids get to play with their M&M's throughout the book. I love this book and you get to eat while going through it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews