Board books are among my favorites for many reasons. The obvious indestructibility is a huge plus and can benefit groups beyond the babies who will eat or rip anything weaker than cardboard. I love having a basket of board books in my elementary school library for students who are, ahem, enthusiastic and want access to books they can read without needing full-body control.
Board books are easy baby shower gifts, and their popularity has encouraged publishers to go beyond the ABCs and 123s, printing some beloved classics and longer stories in the board book format. Even for readers well past toddler age, board books are nice to keep in high-risk areas like cars and kitchen tables. We all know books are meant to be well-loved and read everywhere. Board books make it a little easier to keep this going throughout busy, bustling lives.
If the flood of great new board books on sale is any indication, I’m clearly not alone in my admiration. Board book options are abundant. Familiar topics like babies and early learning skills sit next to stories about art, religion, and identity. Timeless classics are honored, while newer topics like baby sign language are celebrated. This roundup below barely scratches the surface of the wealth of new board books on the market, but I love the titles I included.
Gorgeous art, foundational childhood concepts, body inclusivity, and a celebration of the World Cup? What a time to be an emerging–or fully formed!–reader.
How Many Babies? by Forest Xiao
Soft pinks, greens, and creams combine to deliver a sense of calm the second you take in the cover of How Many Babies? As you continue to absorb the art, you will feel a smile grow directly inside your soul. Look at the pile of babies softly gripping each other’s heads and feet! When you open the book, the goodness continues. The warmth and safety conveyed in the simple illustrations is undeniable–I love the enormity of the adults and the squishiness of the babies. This counting book has rocketed to the top of my gifting list.
World Cup (Celebrate the World) by Hannah Eliot and Laura Sandoval Herrera
As an ignorant American, I’ve never been very involved in following the World Cup. Luckily, I have many students with international ties who have helped me understand what an amazing, unifying experience it is to celebrate this sport alongside most of the world. Timed well to coincide with the 2026 World Cup, this newest title in the Celebrate the World series teaches the history of the competition. Whether you’re in the stadium or partying at a parade afterward, there are many ways to join in!
Now I See Fall by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen are kid lit royalty. Even their most celebrated picture book collaborations typically feature sparse text and minimalist illustrations, making their work perfect for a board book project. This collection of books celebrating the seasons is as aesthetically pleasing as it is engaging for young readers. Highlighted here is the Fall entry, but all four are available now.
Lots of Dots by Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama’s art, featuring bold contrasts comprised of dots, is practically begging to be an early-infant board book–this particular kind of visual contrast is really engaging for new babies as their eyesight develops–and Kusama has delivered. Add in the tactile sensory touches and the unique shape of the book itself, and you’ve got a special book that will delight everyone from the newest babies to age-old fans of Kusama’s career.
How Do You Jew?: A Celebration of Jews Around the World by Suzy Ultman
Suzy Ultman’s series My First Books of Jewish Culture is currently comprised of four lovely books that pair stylized, kid-friendly illustrations with explanations of both Jewish traditions and Jewish culture. How Do You Jew? celebrates the many ways that people can live their faith, and it identifies Jewish communities around the world. The illustrations emphasize the message that there is not one single way to be Jewish, making this a perfect addition to all bookshelves. Whether you’re teaching a child about their own culture or just reminding a young reader of the world’s vastness and the ways people live in it, this is a book for you.
The 123s of Baby’s Needs: A Sign Language Book for Babies by Loris Lora
I was drawn to Lora’s art style before I even realized this book was about one of my favorite topics: baby sign language. The 123s of Baby’s Needs packs a punch, combining counting (one bottle, two shoes, three cats) with a clearly illustrated sign for each featured word. The gorgeous pictures are what bring this simple book to life, featuring adorable babies and ending with a guide to counting in American Sign Language.
¡Mira, Mira! Shapes by Lourdes Heuer and Juliana Perdomo
This is another book that is simply nice to look at. With such a range of available titles, it’s wonderful to be a little picky with the kind of illustrations you want to buy and potentially read 37 times a day. I love that this is a bilingual English/Spanish title. I love that the concept of shape recognition goes beyond abstract and includes real-world examples. This is a no-brainer for a little one’s library.
Some Body, Every Body by Roz MacLean
Bonus title incoming! While this book is not technically a board book, it has a unique paper-over-board format that makes its pages much more durable than a typical picture book.
I am forever searching for books that feature body diversity, and this fun, bright, engaging story is perfect. The sing-song rhyming text will delight young readers, and the reminder that “normal” bodies show up in every size, shape, and ability is important for all ages.
Hopefully, you’ve found some new board books to delight the littlest readers in your life. Looking for more great reads to add to your cart? Check out this list of BIPOC board books today. Happy reading!