You asked, we delivered! We heard that you want more information on how to choose the right books for your children, so we developed this series. In this series, we talk about the different types of books for babies & toddlers and make recommendations based on our professionals' favorites!
In this article:
The Benefits of Board Books for Babies and Toddlers
Reading to children is a cherished activity for many parents and caregivers, and board books are a go-to choice for babies and toddlers. These sturdy, colorful books are designed specifically for curios little hands (and mouths).
One of the primary advantages of board books is their durability. Made from thick cardboard, these books can withstand the rough handling typical of babies and toddlers. They can be chewed on, thrown around, and even slobbered on without falling apart. This makes them a safe and reliable option for young children who are still developing fine motor skills and learning how to handle books.
How do board books support development?
Early Literacy Skills
Board books are a fantastic way to introduce language. Many feature simple, repetitive text, which helps children get familiar with the rhythm and structure of language. The bright, engaging illustrations provide visual clues that connect words to pictures, making it easier for your child to build vocabulary and listening comprehension.
Cognitive Development
Reading stories helps your child understand essential concepts like cause and effect, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Interactive board books—those with flaps, textures, or sounds—take it a step further by encouraging exploration and discovery. These activities stimulate their curiosity while boosting cognitive skills.
Emotional Growth
Sharing a board book is about more than just reading—it’s a bonding experience. The physical closeness and focused time together create a sense of security and emotional connection. Plus, many board books explore everyday situations, relationships, and emotions, helping children better understand their feelings and the world around them.
Fostering a Love of Reading
When books are part of fun and cozy moments, children start to see reading as something enjoyable. Board books, with their captivating characters and engaging stories, make it easy to turn storytime into a cherished daily ritual. These positive experiences build the foundation for a lifelong love of books.
Building Fine Motor Skills
Turning thick pages, lifting flaps, or pointing to pictures strengthens the small muscles in a child’s hands and fingers. These fine motor skills are important for tasks like writing, drawing, and buttoning clothes as they grow older. Board books make this practice fun and accessible.
Our favorite board books:
Poke-a-Dot Books by Melissa & Doug are some of the top favorite board books across a variety of professionals (speech, OT, and early childhood educators). These books are offered in different themes, like holidays and popular children's songs, and they also have books for teaching skills like learning colors or letters.
Characters that are familiar can motivate children to read. Bluey, Blippi, Sesame Street, and Mickey Mouse are some of our favorite character books right now. Finding books with your child's personal interests is always a good idea!
Classic stories and rhymes are a hit with young children. Luckily, a lot of the classic stories are offered as board books. Our clients love The Rainbow Fish, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Goodnight Moon, and Dear Zoo.
Or... Try some new stories that are sure to become remembered favorites for your children: Llama Llama, Little Blue Truck, Grumpy Monkey, Pout Pout Fish, and Goodnight Construction Site.
Books with sounds are another popular category amongst our staff. Books with buttons that allow for songs or sound effects are engaging and fun! We love Around the Farm by Eric Carle.
Interactive board books that ask children to sing along or touch the book help keep children active and engaged while reading. Right now our staff is using We're Going on a Bear Hunt and Don't Push the Button.
Board books are more than just durable—they’re an essential tool for early learning and bonding. From introducing language and critical thinking to strengthening motor skills and emotional connections, these books pack a developmental punch while being perfectly suited to curious little hands.
So grab a board book, snuggle up, and enjoy the magic of reading with your child. It’s a simple, meaningful way to support their growth and encourage a lifelong love of learning!
Keep reading! Check out the other posts in this series: interactive books, picture books, and repetition books.
コメント