Board Books - It's a good Thing!

Ah, board books! Don’t you just love these types of books!? Well, at first I wasn’t a big fan. I must admit I was swayed by others thinking and didn’t do my own thinking. Plus, I lacked experience with them, as we really don’t carry this type of book in the elementary (K – 5) library setting. Unfortunately, I went into parenting with a slanted view thinking these books were really only for babies and many were just used to teeth on. I am happy to say that I have now truly experienced board books and have seen what great joy they can bring to little ones.

We have had board books since the wee one was born and have found most of them to be a delight. Many of the books we started with were the basic infant books with simple pictures, words, shapes, numbers, etc. Then about a year ago we added board books with more depth to them. It was then I noticed a number of picture books were being re-released into board book format and I wondered is this really appropriate for the toddler age group. Of course, my ignorance and lack of experience were definitely doing the thinking and speaking here.

Although my wee one enjoyed looking at picture books and their stories as with most her age group it can be difficult at times to turn those slippery pages. Now the board book pages at times can be difficult to turn as well, but they at least hold up to the try, try again mantra that wee ones everywhere attempt when turning pages. We have found that she really loves all her books, but I am so grateful that board books come in more complex stories than they use to.

Recent finds at the library and local bookstore have included:
1. Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar (which is great considered the pages are odd sized)
2. Alyssa Satin Capucilli Illustrated by Henry Cole Katy Duck (looks to be the start of a series)
3. Amy Hest & illstrated by Anita Jeram Kiss Good Night
4. Susan Boynton’s The Barnyard Dance
5. Jany Yolen & illustrated by Mark Teague How Do Dinosaurs Play With Their Friends

These are just a few of the great books available in board book format. They are also really a good size and strength for special needs children. Any of these authors are great to checkout and they have a number of stories in board book format. Don't limit these books to just the toddler and under set you would be surprised at the reception the pre-k and bit older set would give them.