Counting with Tiny Cat: questions to ask and activities to try
Tiny Cat has none, then one, then lots, then far too many. Counting with Tiny Cat is a very funny first counting book about wanting more, and finding out what's just enough.
What age is it for? Counting with Tiny Cat is best for ages 1–4. Good for: First counting, and knowing when you have enough.
Counting with Tiny Cat (Viviane Schwarz)
- Age
- 1-4
- Best for
- First counting, and knowing when you have enough
Count each ball of wool with your finger. When it gets to “too many”, ask your child how many is just right. A sweet way into talking about having enough.
What it helps with
- First counting for little ones
- Wanting more and more
- Knowing when you have enough
- Laughing together at a funny ending
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “How many balls did Tiny Cat have at the start?”
- “Can you count them on this page?”
- “What happened when Tiny Cat had too many?”
- “How many would be just enough?”
- “Is there something you always want more of?”
- “How do you know when you have enough?”
5-minute activities to try together
Count and stop
Count out snacks or toys into a bowl. Ask your child to say “stop” when there are just enough.
Wool tangle
Roll a ball of wool or string across the floor like Tiny Cat, then count how many rolls it takes to wind it back up.
Free printables: Counting with Tiny Cat worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Growing and changing, and waiting for something good
- Age
- 2-5
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle)
- Best for
- Colours, animals and joining in with repeated words
- Age
- 0-4
Abigail (Catherine Rayner)
- Best for
- Patience, frustration and finding a calmer way
- Age
- 3-6
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.