Counting books, like grammar books, are not easy to illustrate. Illustrations showing two apples or four balls progressing to 10 are simple enough to compose and there have been many books published over the centuries along this basic line. However, when mathematical function becomes the subject the problem is not so easy. Despite this attempts were made: Marmaduke Multiply's merry method of making minor mathematicians was published in 1817 and was one of the first successful attempts to answer the need.

Grandmamma Easy was the pseudonymous author of a number of books published by Dean & Son in the latter half of the 19th century. They were available reasonably cheaply and were aimed at middle class families keen to further their children's learning.

Muir, Percy H. English children's books, 1600 to 1900, London: Batsford, [1954]

Whalley, Joyce Irene. Cobwebs to catch flies: illustrated books for the nursery and schoolroom, 1700-1900, London: Elek, 1974

BBC: Skillwise. Times tables grid games

Multiplication

University of Delaware: World of the child. Books of instruction