10 Classic Board Books for Your Little One’s Library

If you’re starting to build up a library of board books for your little one, it’s always a good idea to begin with the classics. These board books have been loved by generations of babies (including my little girls) and for good reason.

The Story of Ferdinand

by Munro Leaf, illustrated by Robert Lawson

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Truly a staple for every little one’s library, The Story of Ferdinand and its message of peace is as timeless as it gets. This gorgeous board book version is one that families will be able to treasure for years to come.

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A Color of His Own

by Leo Lionni

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Leo Lionni’s vibrant illustrations come alive on the page. Children will learn the names of colors and animals in both Spanish and English in this dual-language edition that celebrates all the colors of the rainbow (and then some!).

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The Very Hungry Caterpillar

by Eric Carle

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I’ve never met a child who didn’t love poking their fingers through the little holes the caterpillar eats each food item through, and the board book version means those little fingers won’t immediately rip twenty-five holes in your brand-new book.

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Madeline

by Ludwig Bemelmans

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Who among us hasn’t been drawn to that classic cover of twelve little girls in two straight lines walking along a Parisian path? Now, you can hold off on the picture book until an older birthday and start them off with just the right size.

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The Little Engine That Could

by Watty Piper, illustrated by George and Doris Hauman

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Like countless others before them, young readers will be rooting for that sweet and spirited Little Engine as she chug-chug-chugs along. Featuring the original illustrations in brilliant color, you can’t go wrong with this one.

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The Snowy Day

by Ezra Jack Keats

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There’s something about Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day that calls for readings all year long, and with this perfectly rendered and sturdy board book, babies and toddlers can page through with every season that passes by.

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Guess How Much I Love You

by Sam McBratney, illustrated by Anita Jeram

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Little readers love an extra-grabbable padded board book, and this extra-special edition of Sam McBratney’s treasured title is just the ticket. At home or on the go, they’ll reach for it again and again.

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Are You My Mother?

by P.D. Eastman

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What’s not to love about P.D. Eastman’s classic? (Yes, that’s a rhetorical question.) Capturing the enduring connection between mother and child, Are You My Mother? makes for a perfectly cozy read-aloud.

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Where's Spot?

by Eric Hill

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In bold, eye-catching color and with kid-friendly flaps that just beg to be lifted, this modern classic is destined to stay a fan-favorite for even the littlest of readers.

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Corduroy

by Don Freeman

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As a child, I thought this was a cute book about a silly little bear. As an adult, I can barely get through the ending where Corduroy finds a home and a friend without getting choked up. One more advantage to a board book — your tears won’t ruin the pages.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2021.