Measure: Books

Super Sand Castle Saturday

By Stuart J. Murphy
Great Source, 1999

ISBN: 9780064467209
Ages 4-7

Friends at the beach have a sand castle contest. They use shovels, feet, and spoons to determine whose has the highest tower, longest wall, and deepest moat. But when the lifeguard brings out a tape measure, they begin to understand the need for standard units. A good introduction to basic measurement concepts for young children.

How Tall, How Short, How Far Away

By David Adler
Holiday House, 1999

ISBN: 0823416321
Ages 5-8

This book contains a fun introduction to the history of measurement, from ancient Egyptians measuring with body parts to today's international standard units. Hands-on activities throughout the text will engage youngsters as they learn.

How To Measure Everything

By DK
DK, 2018

ISBN: 1465470301
Ages 5-8

This bright, interactive book helps young children understand the language of measurement. Includes lift-the-flap questions, quizzes, fun comparisons and a pop-up scene to measure.

Millions to Measure

By David Schwartz
Collins, 2006

ISBN: 0060848065
Ages 5-8

Marvelosissimo the Magician teaches the history of measurement (length, weight, volume, metric system) with fun examples and appealing illustrations. Good explanation of the difference between customary and metric units.

Pastry School in Paris: An Adventure in Capacity

By Cindy Neuschwander
Henry Holt and Co., 2009

ISBN: 0805083146
Ages 7-9

Sometimes experimenting with volume gets overlooked in favor of measuring length, so this exploration of capacity will be appreciated. Matt and Bibi visit a Paris baking school and learn about American standard and metric liquid measurement. Suggestions for additional hands-on measurement activities are included.

Measuring Penny

By Loreen Leedy
Square Fish, 2000

ISBN: 0805065725
Ages 7-9

Lisa's homework assignment is to measure something in as many ways as she can. So she measures her dog, Penny, using all kinds of standard and nonstandard units. Along the way she ends up measuring height, width, length, weight, volume, temperature and time. This engaging book will motivate children to start measuring!

• How Long or How Wide? A Measuring Guide

• On the Scale, A Weighty Tale

• A Second, A Minute, A Week With Days In It

By Brian Cleary
Millbrook Press, 2009, 2010, 2015

ISBN: 1580138446, 1580138454, 146772050X
Ages 6-10

These three titles, all part of the Math Is Categorical series, introduce measurement concepts with fun rhymes, humorous text, real-life examples and colorful illustrations. Includes both US customary and metric units of measure.

For Good Measure: The Ways We Say How Much, How Far, How Heavy, How Big, How Old

By Ken Robbins
Flash Point, 2010

ISBN: 9781596433441
Ages 8-11

Full-color photographs and fact-filled text explain the origin of many units of measurement. Included are some lesser-known units that will interest many readers (furlongs, fathoms, leagues, carats) and reference to Latin roots to help them remember the terms. Fun knowledge boost for adults too!