It is so important to introduce kids to books and reading very early in life. My daughter loves to read, and she recognizes that books need to be treated with care. But she is still only 3 years old. So sometimes her books have a little trouble standing up to her love. So board books are a great way to share my love of books with her in a format that can stand up to her. We had the chance to check out a lot of new exciting board books this past year, so I’m thrilled to share them with you.

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Teaching Kids about the World

Hats of Faith was written by Medeia Cohan and illustrated by Sarah Walsh. This fascinating board book introduces little ones to the custom of head coverings used by many religions and cultures around the world. Each page features a different head covering. The simple text offers the name of the covering, as well as information on the people who wear them. Some coverings also include a pronunciation. The illustrations are simple and colorful, while focusing on one individual per page. The book is tied together with the message that it is important to learn about other people and their traditions, so that we may better understand each other and show love and tolerance. This is a beautiful way to introduce very young children to other cultures.

Babies Around the World was written by Puck and illustrated by Violet Lemay. This vibrantly colored board book takes the reader on a trip around the world. Each page shows babies in different countries participating in activities that all kids will recognize. The text is very simple, sharing simple phrases in various languages, with an English translation listed below.

The illustrations are full of details, showing different buildings and sights in each of the countries featured. The families throughout the book are diverse in their skin tones, ages, and clothing. This gives kids a chance to explore the differences in the world, while tying us all together through our similarities. I do wish that there was a little more explanation for adults reading along with their kids, but for a first introduction, it is a great start!

STEM

Quantum Computing for Babies (Baby University) was written by Chris Ferrie and whurley. Chris Ferrie’s Baby University books are a great introduction to scientific topics for little ones. The simple text gives a brief overview of quantum computing while the illustrations use simple shapes and bright colors to keep kids engaged. Kids will not walk away from the book fully understanding data, bytes, and quantum computers, but these books help to build a foundation for future learning, while encouraging curiosity.

Learn why your family bookshelf should include Chris Ferrie’s books!

Today I’m a Veterinarian was written by Marisa Polansky and illustrated by Maxine Lee. This shaped board book follows a young girl as she pretends to be a veterinarian. Each day she cares for a different animal in need, and each page has labeled images of items that a veterinarian would use. The text is full of new vocabulary for little ones to learn, and the colorful images feature adorable animals and a female character in a STEM setting.

Board Book Sets

House: First Words Board Books: 5 books inside! was illustrated by MIchael Slack. This set of mini board books includes separate books for 5 different areas of a house. Each page features a colorful image of a stylish item in a modern house, labeled in a large, clear font. These small books are a fun way to add to a child’s vocabulary while exploring items around them. All the books fit together into the larger box for simple storage.

Read & Ride: Cars & Trucks was illustrated by Troy Cummings. This fun board book play set houses 4 vehicle shaped board books that can be used to “drive” around the scenes on the pages. They can also be opened to read individually. Each mini book has bright, colorful illustrations with clear labels of vocabulary words. These are a fun way to introduce kids to new vehicle related words, and also add a little play into reading time. All 4 mini books fit snugly into the larger book for easy storage.

Read & Ride: Magical Horses was illustrated by Liz Mytinger. Join two horses, a unicorn and a pegasus as they spread kindness and magic around them. This set includes 4 shaped mini board books that fit inside the larger book. Each book has a very simple story and vividly colored illustrations full of sweet animals. The books can also be used to play along the trails illustrated on the pages of the larger book.

Interactive Books

Baby See, Baby Do was written by Robie Rogge and photographed by Jennifer Hale. Give little ones a chance to practice their expressions with this fun book about faces and actions. Each page includes a very simple text highlighting an action, and a large, clear photograph of a baby completing that action. The book includes a fold out mirror, so kids can practice making the faces that they see in the book. This is a great way to get kids to interact with books from a very young age, and there are lots of vocabulary words for them to learn as well.

Related Post: Educational Gifts for Babies

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Lit for Little Hands) was adapted by Brooke Jorden and illustrated by David Miles. This fun retelling of the classic story uses vivid illustrations and fun tabs, wheels, and flaps to take readers on a trip to Wonderland. The story is condensed for little ones, but the illustrations really tell the story here. The interactive elements invite kids to dive into some of the biggest events of the story, piquing their curiosity for learning more about the story later on.

Nita’s First Signs (Little Hands Signing) was written by Kathy MacMIllan and illustrated by Sara Brezzi. This sturdy and innovative board book introduces readers to sign language with a sweet story about a little girl and her parents. The story and the brightly colored illustrations are inviting and engaging for little ones. The tabbed pages also pull out to show a hidden section with instructions for doing the sign featured on the page. This book is a fun way to introduce little ones to sign language.

See how we used this book to add more sign language to our daily life!

Does your family have any exciting board books that you love? Share them in the comments below!

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