Making the Transition from Board Books to Paper Books

That moment when you first open a paper book with your little one is both exhilarating and terrifying.

It’s exciting to be entering a new phase of childhood and to have a bigger world of literary possibilities available to your child. It’s also nerve-wracking to open a precious book from your own childhood or a library copy, knowing your child might tear the page right out of the book in less than a second. And can your child handle bigger and longer stories?

These six ideas might help make the transition a little smoother for both of you.

1. Try a new configuration. If you worry about your child ripping the book out of your hands or tearing a page, don’t have them sit on your lap. Get them used to the bigger pages and new look by lying together on the ground (with the book held above your heads), or read while they’re strapped into their highchair.

2. Look for short picture books. Don’t jump right into Dr. Seuss (those books are lengthy!). Start with simple concept books and stories without too much text.

3. Don’t give up the board books. Keep alternating new picture books with old board book favorites. Just like learning to read chapter books doesn’t mean picture books should be put away permanently, let your child enjoy the diversity of a bigger collection.

4. Try picture book versions of favorite board books. If you have beloved board books that have picture book versions (like Goodnight Moon or We’re Going on a Bear Hunt), bring out the picture book version so you get a nice cross between familiar and new.

5. Hold their hand. I like to gently hold my baby’s hand in mine and point out things on the page with her. Not only does it help her focus on various parts of the book — like specific words or illustrations — it also makes it easier to keep her hand from making a sneaky getaway and ripping a page out of the book.

6. Be patient. It can be hard not to be annoyed when a brand-new book gets torn, but recognize that your baby is just trying to figure out what’s going on with this new book and getting the feel for how it’s different from a board book. Keep trying every day or two, and eventually you’ll both get the hang of it!