This book integrates current research on early mathematics and language to demonstrate the shared underpinnings and developmental contexts of these two domains. It demonstrates that mathematics and language are inherently intertwined in early development, and that mathematics contains its own unique language structures and vocabulary that vary across different contexts. With chapters by leading researchers in these areas, this edited volume provides a systematic overview of the work in this field and lays out compelling directions for future research. It will be of interest to scholars seeking to understand the inter-relationships between mathematics and language.

David J Purpura is Professor of Human Development and Family Science and Director of the Center for Early Learning at Purdue University, USA. He has over 100 peer-reviewed publications, multiple chapters in books and edited volumes, has been cited over 10,000 times, and his research has been funded by federal, state, and foundation sources. He and his research team have developed 20 educational children’s picture books to support young children’s mathematics skills that integrate mathematics and language to support young children's learning. He previously served as the Chair of the international Mathematical Cognition and Learning Society, was the math expert for the Institute of Education Science’s What Works Clearinghouse Practice Guide on Preparing Young Children for School, and as the math expert on the Early Learning Matters birth-5 curriculum. He was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers by the White House (2025) and was a Fulbright Global Scholar (2019-2021).