What is a board book?

What is a board book? 

A board book is a type of children’s book, but not all children’s books are board books. Children’s books, and specifically picture books, come in three different formats – paperbacks, hardbacks and board books.

Paperbacks and hardbacks books are very similar, in that they both contain pages made of paper, but paperbacks have a soft flexible cover and hardbacks have a sturdy cover made of paperboard or cardboard. In comparison, in a board book the entire book – including the cover AND the pages – is made of cardboard. Sometimes the pages are made of slightly thinner cardboard, but quite often the pages and cover all have the same thickness.

How many pages are in a board book?

The industry standard for a picture book is 32 pages. That’s because picture books are generally produced in multiples of eight. You can get longer or shorter books too that are multiples of eight, e.g. 16, 24, 40 or 48, but the standard is 32 including title pages and end pages.

Board books tend to be shorter than other pictures books, and they don’t always follow the multiples of eight rule. After a quick look on our book shelf at home, the shortest board book was only 8 pages long, and the longest was 32. The length of text contained in a board book will usually be shorter too. Some board books have as little as a sentence per page, some have just a word, and some even no words at all.

You do get longer board books too though. Some popular picture books – such as the stories by Julia Donaldson – are available in multiple formats so you’ll get the same book in hardback or paperback and as a board book.

Other times, you will find abridged versions of stories, where books that first appeared in hardback or paperback have been shortened for a board book format.

What ages are board books for? 

Board books are a lot sturdier than paperback or hardback picture books, and can take a lot more wear and tear, so they are ideal for babies and toddlers, as well as young children who are still very hands on with books. You don’t need to be worried about your little ones tearing the pages.

Board books are a popular format for introducing babies and toddlers to things like colours, numbers, letters or animals, with simple brightly coloured pictures and minimal text. But there is no limit to the themes a board book can cover – you can even get board books introducing topics such as history and science.

So the perfect age for board books is probably from 0 until around age 3. But while board books are often seen as baby books, older children who are still very physical with their books can benefit from them too. As mentioned above, there are many picture books that are published in multiple formats so if you think your child is not ready for paperback picture books, check if the same book is available as a board book.

Board books themselves come in many variations, from lift the flap and pull the tab books to touch and feel books and board book storybooks. You can find a wide selection of board books for sale in our children’s bookstore (www.goldsunprinting.com). Or email me through admin@goldsunprinting.com.