BEST BOARD BOOKS
Story time.
A reader is born!
That doesn't mean that you need to leave behind a trail of torn pages. Sturdy board books are a great bet for eager little hands.
We've put together a selection of board books that can stand the test of time (and toddler wear-and-tear!).
Product Options
Touch the Brightest Star
Greenwillow Books
MSRP: $15.99 (typical retail $8)
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 4 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
Captures the magic of nighttime. Wonderful, interactive text. Wave to the sun, wish on a star, and rub the owls.
Buying options:
Wherever You Are
Feiwel & Friends
MSRP: $12.49
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 4 – 8 Years
Why We Love It
A wonderful reminder to children of how very loved they are. Whimsical illustrations. Rhyming text that tugs on the heartstrings.
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Where's Spot
Warne
MSRP: $7.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: Baby – 3 Years
Why We Love It
Is Spot inside the piano? In the closet? Under the rug? Great lift-the-flap fun. Reinforces spatial concepts.
Buying options:
The Gruffalo
Dial Books
MSRP: Typical retail $8
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 3 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
Clever mouse outwits the animals of the deep, dark woods and then keeps his nerve when he encounters a real life gruffalo. Engaging, rhyming text. Beautiful illustrations.
Buying options:
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Philomel Books
MSRP: $10.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 0 – 3 Years
Why We Love It
Eric Carle's rich, innovative illustrations. Classic story of a ravenous caterpillar who transforms into a butterfly. Caterpillar literally eats its way through the book thanks to die cuts.
Buying options:
Goodnight Moon
Harper Festival
MSRP: $8.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 0 – 4 Years
Why We Love It
This quiet goodnight book is the perfect ending to a busy day. Settle in for slumber as the little bunny wishes everything in sight a good night.
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That's Not My Tractor
Usborne
MSRP: $13.50
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 0+
Why We Love It
The fun of touching the textured pictures in search of the right tractor. Simple text. Bright pictures.
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Guess How Much I Love You
Candlewick
MSRP: $7.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 0+
Why We Love It
Endearing tale of Big Nutbrowne Hare and Little Nutbrowne Hair trying to describe how much they love one another.
Buying options:
Dear Zoo
Little Simon
MSRP: $6.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 1 – 4 Years
Why We Love It
Lift-the-flap fun. The silliness of corresponding with the zoo to find the perfect pet. A classic with staying power.
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Good Night, Gorilla
G.P. Putram's Sons
MSRP: $7.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
Delightful, nearly wordless tale of spirited (and mischievous!) animals escaping the zoo to snuggle up for the night in the zookeeper's home.
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The Wide-Mouthed Frog
Dial Books
MSRP: $14.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
The exuberant fun of the vibrant, large-scale pop-up pictures. This simplified version of the classic tale of a proud big-mouthed frog ends with a splash!
Buying options:
Corduroy
Viking Juvenille
MSRP: $6.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 3 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
Corduroy's sweet adventure through a department store on the way to finding his forever home. Lovely message of acceptance.
Buying options:
How to Dinosaurs go to Sleep
Blue Sky Press
MSRP: $6.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: PreK - K
Why We Love It
A rhythmic, rhyming story about the all-too-familiar escapades of little dinosaurs who aren't quite ready for bed yet. Amusing illustrations. Spot the dinosaurs' names!
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Each Peach Pear Plum
Viking Kestrel
MSRP: $6.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 3 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
Sweet interactive book. Engage littles by encouraging them to spot the hidden character in each spread.
Buying options:
Jamberry
HarperFestival
MSRP: $7.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 0 – 4 Years
Why We Love It
Little boy and bear embark on a berry extravaganza in this classic pick. Amusing pictures and delightful wordplay.
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Dinosaur Zoom!
Nosy Crow
MSRP: $11.79
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
Features Penny Dale's trademark rhythmic text and beautiful illustrations. Story comes together with a surprise birthday party for the littlest dinosaur.
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We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Little Simon
MSRP: $7.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 2 – 5 Years
Why We Love It
Joyful refrain full of bravado. Join one family's adventure as they overcome obstacles on their great bear hunt. Lovely story of adventure, imagination, and surprise.
Buying options:
Little Blue Truck
HMH Books
MSRP: $7.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 0 – 3 Years
Why We Love It
Fantastic rhyming text, teamwork message, lively illustrations. Join Little Blue Truck and animal friends on a jaunt down a country road that illustrates the power of friendship. Beep! Beep!
Buying options:
Barnyard Dance!
Workman Publishing
MSRP: $6.95
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 1 – 4 Years
Why We Love It
The bouncy beat. Dance along with the animals in this lively board book that includes sliding sheep, scrambling chicks, and twirling pigs.
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Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Little Simon
MSRP: $7.99
Mfr. Recommended Ages: 1 – 4 Years
Why We Love It
Classic alphabet book with a touch of rowdiness. Meet you at the top of the coconut tree!
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