Digit is Born... how one casual doodle led to a Preschool Counting Book!
- Emma Tipping
- Jul 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Where the Idea for a Counting Puppy Began
As an artist, I often get asked, “Where do your ideas come from?” The truth is, they usually sneak in from the simplest places—and that’s exactly how Digit, our fluffy puppy protagonist, was born. What started as a few doodles to fill blank space in another book turned into a full-blown character with charm, mischief, and a nose for numbers. And just like that, the idea for Digit Chomps to 10, was planted.
When the World Went Sideways
Flashback to 2020. I was approached by a team of math educators who wanted to co-create a reference book for parents navigating the new world of at-home learning. At the time, like many families, I was stuck trying to wrangle a very wiggly kindergartner into sitting still for virtual math classes. Spoiler alert: it didn’t go well.
Turns out, not only had math changed since we were kids (number bonds anyone?), but we parents weren’t exactly trained to teach it. So when these educators invited me to co-create what became We Didn’t Learn Math This Way, I jumped at the chance. Learning how to support my kids in their math journeys while also helping tons of other parents do the same seemed like a total no brainer.
I illustrated the book with playful cartoons, helped shape the layout with color-coded chapters and many (so very many) hand drawn math graphics. I did everything I could to make the math feel less overwhelming with humor and visual pizzaz.
From Margin Doodle to Star Pup
As the book neared completion, there were still some awkward blank spots on certain pages. To fill them, I created a series of math-themed coffee mugs and clip art illustrations. But when I hit a creative block on the last batch, I took a break—and out of my iPad popped Digit, a fluffy white dog inspired by a friend’s bichon frise and my sister’s Labradoodle.
I sketched Digit in goofy poses and, naturally, one of them featured her chomping on some homework. The math-eating dog was an instant hit with the team, and Digit quickly became the unofficial mascot of We Didn’t Learn Math This Way. She even earned a spot on the cover!
But I wasn’t done with Digit. Before the ink was dry on our first book, I pitched Digit Chomps to 10 to our publisher, Singapore Math—and they bit!
The Challenge of Making a Counting Book for Preschoolers
I was beyond excited. Not only was this my first author-illustrator children’s book, but it was a counting book for kindergartners and preschoolers—such a fun genre for such a fun age group! I wanted Digit to be fun, messy, and packed with sneaky educational value.
I also knew I wanted this book to actually support early math skills, so I brought in Peggy Golden—one of the brilliant minds behind We Didn’t Learn Math This Way. Peggy and I spent hours discussing how children really learn to count.
Turns out, it’s a fascinating mix of tiny leaps and big breakthroughs. Most adults forget what an intellectual feat counting to 10 really is. With Peggy’s help, we designed the book to include real math learning—snuck in behind all the giggles and puppy mayhem.
We focused on skills like:
Cardinality (the idea that the last number you say tells you how many you have)
1:1 correspondence
Number sequence
Configurations (how hard or easy it is to count based on object layout)
We even structured the scenes so that as the numbers increase, so does the complexity of the counting challenge. That way, the book has real staying power—it grows with your child’s skills.
My Tiny (and Most Honest) Editor
Lucky for me, I had a live-in research assistant: my toddler. While I worked on Digit Chomps to 10, he was right in the thick of learning to count. I tested early drafts on him constantly—watching what made him laugh, where he got confused, and when he started counting out loud with me. It was the most fun I’ve ever had revising a manuscript.
Building a Book That Works
Making a successful children’s book takes a village. I teamed up with a seasoned children’s book editor and a talented art director. Together, we refined every word and image, making sure the story flowed, the educational elements hit home, and the visuals were just chaotic enough for an exciting counting challenge (without overwhelming little readers).
We made design decisions down to the placement of furniture in a scene, all to keep the count to 10 process just the right amount of tricky. Every extra boot, cookie, or cushion was debated to ensure the book worked as a joyful and engaging learning to count to 10 experience.
Why Digit Chomps to 10 Belongs in your Counting Book Collection
Finally, our book was finished! We are so proud of it, and I think it absolutely delivers on everything our team set out to do.
Digit Chomps to 10:
✓ Builds real counting skills with sneaky-smart math
✓ Designed to grow with your child’s learning journey
✓ Adorable story with irresistible read-aloud energy
✓ Perfect for parents, preschool teachers, and early childhood educators
✓ A joyful way to support your child’s confidence in numbers
The Heart of It All
In the end, Digit Chomps to 10 is more than just a counting book. It’s a story about a silly pup who creates chaos and joy in equal measure—and it’s also a stealthy little math lesson wrapped in fur and fluff.
My hope is that this book becomes one of your family’s best children’s books—a story you read again and again, laughing together while sneaking in some early math magic. Whether you're just starting your child's math journey or helping them build confidence, Digit is here to chomp, count, and charm her way into your hearts (and bookshelves).
Excited to snag your copy of Digit Chomps to 10?
Sign up for our waitlist! Here when Digit Chomps to 10 is ready to come to your home and get updated on book launch events including virtual art parties, read alouds and more!
Digit Chomps to 10 FAQ's
What age group is Digit Chomps to 10 best for?
Digit Chomps to 10 is designed for preschoolers and kindergartners—typically ages 2 to 6. It’s great for early learners just beginning to count, and it grows with them as their skills develop.
Is this just a storybook, or is it actually educational?
It’s both! While the story is fun and full of fluffy puppy chaos, it’s built around research-based math learning. The book supports foundational skills like counting, number sequence, cardinality, and more.
Can I use this book in a classroom setting?
Absolutely! Digit Chomps to 10 works wonderfully in preschool and kindergarten classrooms. Teachers can use it as a read-aloud, a counting tool, or part of a math station.
What makes this book different from other counting books?
This isn’t just a count-and-point book. The illustrations are intentionally designed to increase counting difficulty with each number, encouraging deeper learning and better retention—while still being tons of fun.
Who published Digit Chomps to 10?
The book is published by Singapore Math, a company known for its commitment to high-quality math education materials.
Do I need to know anything about math to use Digit Chomps to 10 with my child?
Not at all! This book was made specifically to support parents and caregivers—no math degree required. Just snuggle up and enjoy reading together.
Is there a companion book or series?
Digit Chomps to 10 is Digit’s debut, but who knows? If families love her, she may be back for more mathematical mischief!
Where can I buy Digit Chomps to 10?
You can order it directly from Singapore Math or find it at select retailers online when it becomes available in summer 2025. Sign up to hear when it first hits the shelves!
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