If you’re a reader, you likely want your kid to be one as well. Most parents encourage their kids to read by reading to them right from infancy. The problem with that is this: babies aren’t the gentlest with books. They slobber all over them, squeeze pages, and sometimes even rip off covers. That’s where board books come in! In my time as a babysitter, they were my favorite to read to kids — they make good teething toys and can withstand a good toss. Plus, the pages are practically impossible to rip apart. We’ve rounded up our favorite board books for your pleasure!
📚 Disclaimer in the books: Just so you know, Reading Middle Grade uses affiliate links. This means that when you shop via the links in our posts, we may earn a cent or two at no extra cost to you. Thanks for adding to our book buying fund.
30+ Great Board Books for Babies and Kids
Here are 30+ books available in board book format for your kids:
Antiracist Baby
Published: July 14, 2020
Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby‘s nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.
With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.
I Love You Like No Otter
Published: January 7, 2020
There’s no better way to say “I love you” than with a sweet and heartfelt animal pun book! I Love You Like No Otter combines a warm message of love with beautifully illustrated animals families will love to read and share together. From baby shower gifts for new parents to bedtime read alouds all year long, this adorable board book is purrfect for anyone you love beary much!
I love you like no otter. You truly are the best.
My special little squeakheart, a step above the rest.
Dream Big, Little One
Published: October 16, 2018
Among these women, you’ll find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them.
The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.
A Is for Awesome
Published: February 5, 2019
Why stick with plain old A, B, C when you can have Amelia (Earhart), Malala, Tina (Turner), Ruth (Bader Ginsburg), all the way to eXtraordinary You—and the Zillion of adventures you will go on?
Instagram superstar Eva Chen, author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes, is back with an alphabet board book depicting feminist icons in A Is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World, featuring spirited illustrations by Derek Desierto.
Mama Needs a Minute
Published: February 4, 2020
Sometimes, Mama needs a minute—and that’s OK!
From Nicole Sloan, founder of the Weird Mom Club—an inclusive Internet space for nonconforming moms—Mama Needs a Minute is an affirming, entertaining book for moms and toddlers to share. All about balancing a mama’s needs with those of her kiddos, this sweet story teaches that love can look a lot of different ways. For kids, the book is a gentle introduction to concepts of self-respect and setting boundaries, and for moms, it’s a reminder to practice self-care.
Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race
Published: May 25, 2021
Developed by experts in the fields of early childhood and activism against injustice, this topic-driven picture book offers clear, concrete language and beautiful imagery that young children can grasp and adults can leverage for further discussion.
While young children are avid observers and questioners of their world, adults often shut down or postpone conversations on complicated topics because it’s hard to know where to begin. Research shows that talking about issues like race and gender from the age of two not only helps children understand what they see, but also increases self-awareness, self-esteem, and allows them to recognize and confront things that are unfair, like discrimination and prejudice.
Bubbles
Published: February 2, 2021
Dive into a brand new Narwhal and Jelly story for the youngest readers! When Narwhal accidentally bursts Jelly’s bubble with their tusk-tooth, Jelly is a little sad . . . until Narwhal shows him that there are lots of bubbles in the ocean! There are little-bitty bubbles and great big bubbles. There are bubbles up high and bubbles down low. There are bubbles that are pink and bubbles that stink. It’s unbelieva-bubble! This charming board book celebrates the power of imagination and play, and is perfect for both fans of the Narwhal and Jelly graphic novel series and readers new to the world wide waters.
Hello, World! My Body
Published: February 13, 2018
Young children are fascinated by their eyes, ears, nose, fingers, and toes. Here’s a Hello, World! board book that teaches toddlers all about the human body, with shapes, sizes, colors, and super-simple facts.
Hello, World! is a series designed to introduce first nonfiction concepts to babies and toddlers. Told in clear and easy terms and featuring bright, cheerful illustrations, Hello, World! makes learning fun for young children. And each sturdy page offers helpful prompts for engaging with your child. (“How many fingers can you count on each hand?”) It’s a perfect way to bring science and nature into the busy world of a toddler, where learning never stops.
If There Was Never a You
Published: June 5, 2019
If there never was a you, how empty life would be! Who would make me smile and laugh and keep me company?
Filled with heartwarming messages of love, belonging, and togetherness, If There Never Was a You gently reassures children that the place they hold in their parents’ hearts can never be filled with anything else.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Fall
Published: August 2, 2022
Celebrate fall with The Very Hungry Caterpillar and his friends in this exploration of the season. Young readers can learn all about seasonal sensory experiences, like looking at the leaves as they change color, listening to the whooshing wind, feeling the warmth of a warm cozy sweater, and so much more!
Love Makes a Family
Published: December 24, 2018
Love is baking a special cake. Love is lending a helping hand. Love is reading one more book. In this exuberant board book, many different families are shown in happy activity, from an early-morning wake-up to a kiss before bed. Whether a child has two moms, two dads, one parent, or one of each, this simple preschool read-aloud demonstrates that what’s most important in each family’s life is the love the family members share.
Future Engineer
Published: September 17, 2019
Engineers want to know how things work. And so does Baby!Does Baby have what it takes to become an engineer? That’s a positive! Discover all the incredible ways that prove Baby already has what it takes to become an engineer in whatever field they choose, be it electrical, mechanical, civil, or more! Includes lots of fun engineer facts to help foster curiosity and empower little ones to keep trying . . . and learning!Future Baby is an adorable board book series that takes a playful peek into an assortment of powerful careers and shows little ones how their current skills match up with the job at hand. With Future Baby, babies can be anything!
Never Touch a Dinosaur
Published: September 1, 2020
You must never touch a dinosaur . . .except in this book! This dinosaur-themed touch-and-feel book is perfect for young children! Children will love reading the funny rhyme that warns of the dangers of touching a dinosaur and then ignoring the advice! Innovative silicone touches feature throughout the book, with a different texture for children to explore on every spread. This tactile book offers plenty for young children to enjoy, helping to promote an early love of reading
Besos for Baby
Published: September 2, 2014
Everyone has kisses for Baby, from Mami and Papi to perro and gato. Using simple Spanish words, this charming read-aloud proves that love is the same in every language! Parents won’t be able to resist giving baby muchos besos as they share this bilingual read aloud, filled with bold, graphic illustrations, with their little bébé!
Don’t Push the Button!
Published: August 7, 2018
From the brilliant mind of author and illustrator, Bill Cotter comes one of the year’s best Halloween books for kids. Everyone knows that trick-or-treating is the best part of Halloween. But that one house looks kind of scary…wait, why are you walking toward the creepy house?! Whatever you do, do NOT ring that doorbell!
A is for Activist
Published: November 10, 2016
This bestselling ABC book is written and illustrated for the next generation of progressives: families who want their kids to grow up in a space that is unapologetic about activism, environmental justice, civil rights, LGBTQ rights, and everything else that activists believe in and fight for. A continuous bestseller for Triangle Square, we heard from booksellers around the country who clamored for a large format edition that would appeal to children over the age of 5. This engaging book carries huge messages as it inspires hope for the future, and calls children and parents to action.
What is Baby Going to Do?
Published: February 25, 2020
“Baby is wearing shiny red boots. What is Baby going to do?
Splash in muddy puddles!”
Babies get up to all sorts of fun. Look at what each baby is wearing and see if you can guess what they are about to do! Open the flap on each spread to discover the answer in a delightful, colorful scene. With sturdy flaps to aid hand-eye co-ordination and a question on each page to prompt conversation between parent and child, this bright, engaging board book is the perfect exploration of the activities that make up a baby or toddler’s day.
Monster Clothes
Published: July 1, 2021
When monsters get up in the morning, they have to find something to wear. Simon wears socks, Darrell puts on a dress, and Terrence tries on a tomato. Meanwhile, Cassie is wearing cars and Lester has on the latest trend: leaves. What can Evie wear to outdo them all? With child-friendly art in the brightest of colors, this whimsical foray into toddler fashion will tickle the fancy of mischievous monsters everywhere.
Dream Big
Published: July 9, 2019
Dream your dreams with your eyes wide open and make them come true. Dream big, little one, the world is waiting for you.In this dreamy oversized board book, little ones will find the courage and strength to achieve anything they want — all by dreaming big! With inspiring illustrations of female trailblazers and icons of history and simple, hopeful text, Joyce Wan creates a moving send-off for graduates of all ages. Included in the back is a simple guide to some of the bold dreamers who came before us who followed their dreams . . . and changed the world. With a tender message of encouragement and hope, this special board book is a gift to be treasured and shared for years to come. Featuring heartfelt tributes to:- Rosa Parks- Junko Tabei- Frida Kahlo- Amelia Earhart- Zaha Hadid and many more!
I Love You to the Moon and Back
Published: January 6, 2022
So snuggle safely in my arms; our day is nearly done. I love you to the moon and stars, my precious little one.
A beautiful hardback gift edition of the international best-seller I Love You to the Moon and Back, a bedtime favourite with familiar and reassuring text by Amelia Hepworth and heartwarming illustrations by Tim Warnes.
When the sun comes up, Big Bear and Little Bear think of new ways to share their love. Big Bear loves Little Bear more and more as each day passes, right up to each new moon – and back.
You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie
Published: July 24, 2018
2020 Publishers Weekly Bestseller
National Bestselling Title (Publishers Weekly and USA Today)
National Bestselling Series
You’re My Little Pumpkin Pie is a adorable board book to share with your little one. With chunky pages for little hands and die-cut shapes to add depth and interest, children will love the interactive features alongside the story. This endearing board book is a wonderful read for Halloween or any time.
Get to know the You’re My Little series from Silver Dolphin Books!
From Valentine’s Day to Christmas Day and every day in between, the bestselling You’re My Little series is cute as can be—and festive too! Each spread of these chunky board books shows a child and parent pair with adorable illustrations by Natalie Marshall, as well as shaped cut-outs and raised elements. Perfect for cuddling up with your little one, these sweet rhyming stories celebrates a parent’s love for their child.
I Love You Through and Through
Published: September 25, 2018
I love your hair and eyes,Your giggles and cries…A toddler and his teddy bear illustrate a young child’s happy side, sad side, silly side, mad side, and more!Babies and toddlers will feel loved all over when they hear this declaration of adoration and affection. A perfect first book for toddlers with sturdy cardstock pages and a padded cover with rounded corners for safe handling by little ones.
Never Feed a Yeti Spaghetti
Published: September 25, 2018
Children of all ages, 0 and up, will love:
- The interactive tactile features of this durable board book
- The amusing rhyming text that helps promote an early love of reading
- Receiving this fun book as a birthday gift, stocking stuffer, Easter basket goody, road trip activity, or just because
Parents and their little ones will enjoy reading aloud Never Feed a Yeti Spaghetti again and again.
Hello, Baby Animals
Published: September 13, 2016
What’s going on, zebra? Quack quack, baby duck. Hola, baby owl!
When babies are first born, they can’t distinguish between colors the same way that older babies can. But studies show that babies can see high-contrast black-and-white shapes and patterns from the very first days of life, and this charming introduction to simple objects found around a baby’s world, paired with friendly text and bold, basic patterns, provides an important high-contrast experience for young developing eyes.
Using simple greetings like “Hello, baby bunny” and “What’s going on, zebra?”” alongside lovely black-and-white art by Julissa Mora, Hello, Baby Animals is the perfect board book for babies just beginning to look around and learn about the world.
- Printed on sturdy board using nontoxic soy-based inks
- Great quality and baby safe
- Real board books, perfect for little hands
- Round corners for extra safety
- A great baby shower gift
Also available: Hello, My World; Hello, Ocean Friends; Baby Loves Sports; and Hello, Garden Bugs.
You’re My Little Cuddle Bug
Published: January 2, 2018
“You’re My Little Cuddle Bug is sure to become one of your family’s favorite books,” says NAPPA Director Elena Epstein. “This charming book will capture your child’s imagination while celebrating love and hugs.”
Celebrate your little cuddle bug with this sweet and colorful rhyming board book! With chunky pages for little hands and die-cut cuddle bugs to add depth and interest, children will love the interactive features alongside the story.
Get to know the You’re My Little series from Silver Dolphin Books!
From Valentine’s Day to Christmas Day and every day in between, the bestselling You’re My Little series is cute as can be—and festive too! Each spread of these chunky board books shows a child and parent pair with adorable illustrations by Natalie Marshall, as well as shaped cut-outs and raised elements. Perfect for cuddling up with your little one, these sweet rhyming stories celebrates a parent’s love for their child.
The Feminist Baby
Published: April 4, 2017
Feminist Baby chooses what to wear and if you don’t like it she doesn’t care!
Meet the irrepressible Feminist Baby! She’s funny, fearless, and wants to make as much noise as possible. Readers of all ages will love this smart, refreshing board book that explores feminism in an accessible way.
My Dad Is Amazing
Published: April 3, 2018
Is your dad cooler than a million popsicles?
Tougher than a rhino wrestler?
Cuddlier than a ton of bunnies?
See, Touch, Feel: A Sensory Book
Published: September 25, 2018
There’s lots for baby to explore in See, Touch, Feel: A First Sensory Book. This sturdy board book, with bright photographs of happy babies, is specially designed to stimulate curiosity through sensory play. Each page has a colorful picture activity that invites baby to touch and explore. There are raised textures to feel, finger trails to follow, and a shiny mirror to look in to. Can they follow the swirl on the snail’s shell. Can they tap the drum?
As your baby grows, See, Touch, Feel will help your child develop language recognition and motor skills, as they learn to interact with the book in new ways. With lots to explore together, See, Touch, Feel is an ideal first book to share with your baby.
Will Ladybug Hug?
Published: October 30, 2018
One ladybug. Many friends. One timeless question: Will Ladybug Hug?
Meet Ladybug. Ladybug loves to hug! Now Ladybug is getting ready to go on a trip and wants to say good-bye to her friends. . . but will her friends want to receive a hug? Find out in this surprising and memorable storybook all about friendship, high-fives, consent, and of course, hugs.
A fresh and funny new book in creative talent Hilary Leung’s series of animal question stories all about preschool milestone moments. Let Ladybug and her friends laugh, high-five, and hug their way to your heart!
The Pout-Pout Fish
Published: March 18, 2008
Deep in the water,
Mr. Fish swims about
With his fish face stuck
In a permanent pout.
Can his pals cheer him up?
Will his pout ever end?
Is there something he can learn
From an unexpected friend?
Swim along with the pout-pout fish as he discovers that being glum and spreading “dreary wearies” isn’t really his destiny. Bright ocean colors and playful rhyme come together in this fun fish story that’s sure to turn even the poutiest of frowns upside down.
What’s Wrong, Little Pookie?
Published: August 14, 2007
When Pookie feels down, Pookie’s mom can always guess what’s wrong with her little one. Or can she? With Sandra Boynton’s signature charm and piggy pizzazz, this turn-that-frown-upside-down story proves that every Little Pookie loves a reason to smile.
Oh, sweet little Pookie!
Your bright eyes are wet.
Come over and tell me
why you are upset.
P is for Potty!
Published: July 22, 2014
P is for Potty is the perfect mix of fun and learning for potty-training toddlers—especially while they practice sitting on the potty! Sturdy flaps will hold up to hours of repeat lifting and peeking, and toddlers will delight in the surprises they find under the flaps.
There they are: 30+ best board books for kids! I love that these cover so many topics! Which of these have you read and loved? What did I miss?
More Picture Book Lists
Pin This Post – Board Books for Kids
What do you think? Leave a comment