The links below discuss research findings on teaching mathematics with the use of literature and visual presentations of concepts:

Title: "Learning Styles of Developmental Math Students"

This is a study of 213 elementary algebra students to determine their learning style. Research findings indicated that students preferred visual and hands-on learning styles.

Title: "Promoting Student Mathematics Learning Through A Hands-On and Visual Math Program"

This article talks about a revamped mathematics curriculum at Portsmouth Middle School in Portland, Oregon, geared toward a more visual presentation of mathematics and understanding of mathematical concepts.

Title: "Literature Based Mathematics in Elementary School. ERIC Digest"

This article talks about the benefits of connecting literature to mathematics, as well as, how to use that material effectively.

Title: "Evaluation of a K-5 Mathematics Program Which Integrates Children's Literature: Classroom Environment, Achievement and Attitudes"

This is an abstract of an article published in 2002 (Written by Deborah V. Mink & Barry J. Fraser).

Title: "Effects of mathematics learning through children's literature on math achievement and dispositional outcomes"

This is an abstract of Haekyung Hong's (Chonnam National University, Korea) paper published in December 1996 in the "Early Childhood Research Quarterly" magazine (Volume II, Issue 4, pgs 477-494)