13 Unique Board Books for Every Baby’s Bookshelf
by Dena McMurdie
When my first child was born, a friend gave us a collection of board books to read together. We read them every day until my daughter got old enough to grab the pages with her tiny hands — and eat them. She drooled and chewed her way through most of the books. And the few that survived were no match for her younger sister.
My third child wasn’t much of a book eater. She preferred ripping pages out of picture books. After she destroyed some of my favorite children’s books, I purchased the board book editions. The sturdier pages could withstand the beatings she doled out and would last until she outgrew the book-destroying phase. After three kids, I knew which books I wanted on her shelf. Here are the titles I felt were worth the investment.
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The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Available from:This book may seem like an obvious choice, but it’s a classic for a reason. It’s mesmerizing to watch the caterpillar eat its way through the pages, growing bigger each day. The sturdy pages will withstand a baby’s eager fingers, and the story never gets old, which is perfect when you’re reading it for the 934th time.
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Pat the Bunny
Available from:My babies loved this book so much that we read it multiple times every day until it fell apart. So, I bought another copy. It’s one of the original touch-and-feel books and one of the bestselling children’s books of all time. When your baby pats the bunny, flips through a miniature storybook, and plays peek-a-boo with the characters, it will become one of your favorite books, too.
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Grandma's Tiny House
Available from:Babies love counting Grandma’s party guests as they arrive and squeeze into her tiny home. This adorable counting book celebrates food, family, and tradition, making it an excellent story to add to your baby’s bookshelf.
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100 First Words
Available from:While there is nothing unique about a board book featuring first words for babies, the colorful illustrations and liftable flaps make this one stand out. This book helps babies recognize 100 animals and everyday items, while the other books in the series cover words related to nature and city life.
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Bubbles (A Narwhal and Jelly Board Book)
Available from:My two oldest kids obsessed over the graphic novel series featuring this underwater duo, so getting the board book for younger readers was an easy decision. The simple illustrations, gentle humor, and colorful pages make it a delight for tiny readers. Babies who love this book will also enjoy Blankie (A Narwhal and Jelly Board Book).
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Pop-Up Peekaboo! Shark
Available from:Toddlers love interactive books, especially if there are surprises like flaps and pop-ups. This adorable board book will take your tiny reader under the ocean waves to meet sharks, whales, and more. Each page presents an exciting new element to explore.
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Cool Cuts
Available from:There’s no better time to strengthen your child’s self-esteem than when they’re little. Positive messages fill this colorful board book about Black hairstyles that you and your baby will love. It’s part of the Happy Hair series, which includes more board books with vibrant art and uplifting refrains.
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Hello, World! My Body
Available from:Toddlers love learning about their bodies, and this helpful board book makes the topic accessible for the youngest readers. Simple facts and colorful illustrations fill the pages and allow your child to learn about themselves.
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The Snowy Day
Available from:Every baby’s bookshelf should have a copy of Ezra Jack Keats’s classic story about a boy exploring a snowy urban landscape. The simple story, spare text, and unique illustrations have made it a favorite for generations of young readers.
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Duck & Goose
Available from:All of my kids loved the Duck & Goose series. Friendship and learning concepts combine with gentle humor and colorful illustrations, making these books an excellent pick for babies and toddlers. They love the adorable characters and their optimistic outlook on everything from finding a pumpkin to counting objects.
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That's Me Loving You
Available from:The simple, heartwarming text and charming illustrations in this modern classic will make it a storytime favorite for your little one. The board book edition means you can share this sweet story with your baby without fearing its demise.
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Eric Carle's Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and Other Nursery Rhymes
Available from:Babies love any book that encourages you to sing along. My kids adored collections of nursery rhymes, and we purchased multiple titles over the years. This one from Eric Carle is excellent for babies with its sturdy pages and liftable flaps.
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Hello, World! Construction Site
Available from:Babies and toddlers who love heavy machinery will want to read this book on repeat. Visit a construction site and learn the machines’ names and what they do. The simple facts and engaging artwork make this board book the perfect read for squirmy little readers.
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This article was originally published in 2016 and updated in 2023.