Families who loved 12 Ways to Get to 11 by Eve Merriam often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing that numbers aren't just rigid symbols, but can be broken apart and rebuilt like blocks. It is perfect for the moment a preschooler or kindergartener begins to transition from simple counting to the more complex world of addition and number composition. Through a series of vibrant, cut-paper collage scenes, the book explores twelve different ways to arrive at the number eleven, using everyday objects like circus snacks, garden creatures, and boat gear. The story transforms math from a classroom chore into a creative scavenger hunt, fostering a sense of wonder and intellectual pride. It encourages children to see the world through a mathematical lens, identifying groups and patterns in their own lives. At its heart, this is a book about flexibility and discovery, showing that there is rarely just one way to solve a problem or reach a goal. It is an ideal bridge for children aged 4 to 8 who are building their STEM confidence through visual play.