Board books are foundational in getting children ready to read independently, but they don't always get the attention they deserve. Board books, and their chunky cardboard pages, are great for developing fine motor skills. Their durability is key in helping toddlers and babies learn the mechanics of reading, like how and when to turn a page. Plus, they are typically short in length which allows for lots of re-reading (repetition is key for vocabulary building) and lots of conversation while reading. Board books sometimes get the short end of the stick, but today is all about five of our favorite board books this year (and why you should share them with your favorite babies and toddlers)!
By Sandra Boynton
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2024. Board Book.
If you are looking to get into board books, Sandra Boynton is never a bad place to turn. A master of the genre for decades, her books are humorous and very readable. Featuring rhyming text, illustrations with bright colors and strong outlines, and child-friendly favorites like dinos and trucks, this board book is a great place to pick up with Sandra Boynton.
By Aaron Becker
Somerville, MA: Candlewick, 2024. Board Book.
This beautiful board book is wintery and high concept, but it totally pays off. In contrast to Sandra Boynton's board book, this is a quiet lap read that encourages stillness and quiet. Die-cuts filled with colorful plastic evoke cozy winter memories and add an extra element of play, as you shine light through the cut-outs. Babies and toddlers may not grasp the theme of longing for spring in the middle of winter, but the interactivity and novelty of this book will ensure it is a favorite for years to come.
Written by Aida Salazar
Illustrated by Caribay M. Benavides
New York: Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2024. Board Book.
Board books for quiet time and bedtime are some of my very favorite, and this lovely board book is great for quieting toddlers down for bed. English text with occasional words in Spanish, tells a story about the phases of the moon, informed by Mexican Indigenous beliefs. This a start of a series of board books, focused on Indigenous wisdom and a connection to nature.
Written by Isabel Otter
Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma
Wilton, CT: Tiger Tales, 2024. Board book.
A colorful introduction to fine art, this is a concept book that teaches color, artistic style, and encourages children to engage with art. Appropriate for different levels of learners, this board book asks lots of questions that readers can consider.
By Andy J. Pizza
Illustrated by Sophie Miller
San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 2024. Board book.
A board book spin-off of the popular Invisible Things, this is part of a new series of books focused on those important but hard to define feelings -- like calmness. Thick, black lines add lots of contrast to the illustrations and are a pretty good visual description for the transition from chaos to calm. Even the earliest learners will benefit from this soothing lesson about navigating emotions.
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