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Interactive options are in all places on this board guide roundup. Sliders, lift-the-flaps, touch-and-feel patches, and die cuts will maintain little palms busy and pages turning! Nonfiction matters and world traditions are additionally popping up extra typically, proving that board books can educate one thing new whereas nonetheless being enjoyable. Dive in and luxuriate in exploring these playful new reads.
Aliens. illus. by Rae Minos. 12p. (Mask-A-Rade). Child’s Play. Apr. 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781835321850.
Toddler-PreS–Do you recognize youngsters who’ve ever puzzled what it might be wish to turn into an alien? This playful addition to the “Mask-a-Rade” collection lets readers do exactly that. Small round cutouts create a distinct alien masks with each web page flip, inviting youngsters to rework into their very own foolish creature. The imaginative aliens may have preschoolers laughing. “I’m a STICKY alien! I’m GOOEY and cling to everything!” exhibits a inexperienced blob of an alien sporting a beret and coated in pencils, paintbrushes, and paint. This interactive title works nicely for one-on-one studying or vigorous story hours, however maybe not for common circulation. VERDICT An incredible however delicate buy for libraries.
Bailey, Annie. 10 Little Airplanes. illus. by Jeff Harter. 24p. (10 Little Vehicles). Doubleday. May 2026. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9798217119219.
Toddler-PreS–Counting has by no means been so enjoyable for babies nonetheless greedy the fundamentals. A enjoyable model of a well-recognized rhyme options airplanes galore. Each one is a singular colour and totally different mannequin, with numbers on their again stabilizer. “Seven little airplanes trying fancy tricks./ One loop-de-loops-Wheeee! Now there are/ six.” Caregivers might be wanting up every aircraft mannequin by the top to appease curious minds. VERDICT Children who love autos may even benefit from the monster truck model. A purchase order for many libraries.
Toddler-Okay–A contemporary tackle the seasons seems on this title, certainly one of a brand new quartet from Barnett and Klassen. Each guide makes use of the identical textual content, whereas the aesthetically pleasing illustrations shift to replicate spring, summer time, fall, and winter. The result’s a mild exploration of seasonal change seen via a baby’s perspective. Simple language and clear visuals make the idea accessible for the readers, whereas caregivers will respect the considerate design. VERDICT This entry and the remainder of the visually interesting collection will discover a welcome house on library and family cabinets. A primary buy.
Barton, Emily. So Curious: Baby’s High-Contrast Board Book. illus. by Emily Barton. 22p. (Baby’s First Moments). Free Spirit. Jan. 2026. Board. $7.99. ISBN 9798330923328.
Toddler-PreS–Baby buzzing bees, singing birds, and dancing leaves come to life on this high-contrast board guide. Each unfold introduces a easy ingredient of nature via daring black-and-white illustrations designed for very younger onlookers. “Baby hears bees go buzz, buzz, buzz.” The developmentally applicable visuals and sparse textual content make this a wonderful selection for infants underneath six months. Additional titles on this collection are held to the identical normal. VERDICT A robust buy for many collections.
Burgess, Lisa Maria. SnowPal Soccer/Les copains de neige jouent au foot. tr. from French by Lisa Maria Burgess. illus. by Lisa Maria Burgess. 38p. Catalyst Pr. Feb. 2026. Board. $19.95. ISBN 9781960803412. BL
Okay-Gr 1–Snow falls, and a gaggle of youngsters construct snowpeople and dream up a magical recreation. They ask the moon to let their snowy pals come to life and play soccer, and shortly the snowpeople are racing throughout the sector. The true spotlight of this guide is the breathtaking art work created with hand-stitched textile items. The story seems in each English and French and is pretty prolonged for the format. Older youngsters and caregivers will doubtless respect it greater than the toddler crowd. VERDICT A purchase order for collections that will find yourself shelving it with school-age titles.
Charman, Katrina. Rainbow Train. illus. by Ella Hobbis. 12p. Nosy Crow. May 2026. Board. $10.99. ISBN 9798887772325.
Toddler-PreS–All aboard the rainbow practice: readers observe a colourful practice because it travels via the countryside, passing seashores, bridges, and vivid landscapes alongside the way in which. A various solid of characters rides alongside whereas jaunty rhymes maintain the story transferring. “Rainbow zooms across the bridge, heading for the coast. Spot the seashells in the sand. Which one do you like most?” The vibrant palette encourages youngsters to seek for particular colours on every unfold. VERDICT A cheerful learn for one-on-one sharing or story hour. A purchase order for many collections.
Eckford, Jennifer. Knock Knock: Poo’s There?: A Googly-Eyed Joke Book. illus. by Rob Hodgson. 16p. Abrams/Magic Cat. Mar. 2026. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9781419786716.
PreS-Gr 1–There’s a number of potty humor on this foolish board guide. Preschoolers will doubtless snort from the primary web page as a collection of straightforward knock-knock jokes unfold exterior a toilet stall. The wordplay is simple for the audience to know and will even encourage them to invent their very own punchlines. One unfold exhibits a cat knocking on the stall door: “Bear.” “Bear who?” “Bear with me, I might be a while.” VERDICT Caregivers have heard all of them, however the potty humor will maintain youngsters laughing.
Fairy Trails: Cinderella. illus. by Ekaterina Trukhan. 10p. (Fairy Trails). Nosy Crow. Jun. 2026. Board. $14.99. ISBN 9798887772523.
Toddler-PreS–Children can slide, search, and assist Cinderella get to the ball on this interactive retelling of the basic fairy story. Magic sliders invite younger readers to participate within the story because it unfolds. The acquainted story is shortened for the board guide format whereas nonetheless together with the important thing moments. “But Cinderella still needed a carriage to get to the palace. Her fairy godmother had an idea! She turned the biggest pumpkin into a carriage and two little mice into horses. Can you help Cinderella find the biggest pumpkin and two little white mice?” The interactive components maintain little palms busy, and the size is suitable for preschoolers who will doubtless ask for rereads. Bright digital illustrations and a cheerful palette add to the attraction. VERDICT A purchase order for many cabinets, significantly collections that embody fairy tales for the very younger.
Gay, Marie-Louise. Stella and Sam ABC. illus. by Marie-Louise Gay. 34p. (Stella and Sam). Groundwood. May 2026. Board. $14.99. ISBN 9781779460677.
PreS-Gr 1–Stella and Sam, the beloved sibling duo, return on this activity-based idea guide. Each letter of the alphabet highlights an exercise the pair enjoys collectively. “Fishing for dogfish, catfish, or even purple starfish. Gazing at the giant grandma tree.” The activity-focused method to the alphabet is a inventive twist, although the inconsistent use of bolding for higher and lowercase letters might distract some readers. Fans of Stella and Sam will nonetheless be drawn to this title. VERDICT For first books on friendship or an entry to the alphabet, it is a supplemental buy.
Toddler-PreS–Time for a primary haircut! This mild milestone story follows a small white toddler with blond hair as he realizes it’s time for a trim. “Look in the mirror. Push it up…Down it falls.” Sparse textual content and easy illustrations maintain the concentrate on the expertise, making the guide applicable for its meant viewers. By displaying the haircut from starting to finish, the story might ease worries for little ones making ready for their very own appointment. VERDICT A primary buy.
Light, Steve. Gus and Sully All Week Long. illus. by Steve Light. 16p. (Gus and Sully). Candlewick. Feb. 2026. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781536238655.
PreS-Okay–Best pals Gus and Sully return on this latest collection entry, this time exploring the times of the week. After wanting ahead to spending time collectively, the pair uncover they’ve very totally different reactions to every day’s actions. Cheerful Gus greets all the things with pleasure, whereas Sully struggles to see the intense aspect. Gus declares, “Taco Tuesday! My favorite!” whereas Sully groans, “Aargh! Too spicy!!” By the top of the week, each pals agree they’d a good time collectively. VERDICT A heat introduction to the times of the week and the methods pals can expertise issues in a different way. A purchase order for many libraries.
Pawis-Steckley, Mangeshig. Boozhoo!/Hello! tr. by Mary Ann Corbiere. illus. by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley. 30p. Groundwood. Jun. 2026. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9781779461322. BL
Toddler-Okay–Two languages and a world of wildlife greet readers on this vibrant board-book adaptation that interprets easily from the unique image guide. Each unfold introduces an animal with textual content offered in each English and Anishinaabemowin. “Waaboos: gwetaanbatoo. Boozhoo, waaboos! Wegnesh nwandman? Ni’aak nnoondwaak… a quick rabbit running. Hello rabbit! What do you hear?” Brightly illustrated animals will seize the eye of younger readers and caregivers alike. Created by an Indigenous creator and illustrator, this title provides welcome illustration to the board guide format. VERDICT A purchase order for many cabinets, with a welcome highlight on Indigenous content material.
Snoop Dogg’s Doggyland: Affirmations Song. 26p. (Doggyland). little bee/BuzzPop. Feb. 2026. Board. $10.99. ISBN 9781499819342.
PreS-Gr 2–The viral “Affirmation Song” by Snoop Dogg will get the board guide therapy on this musical title. Vibrant illustrations, styled like a 3D cartoon, deliver vitality to the pages whereas reinforcing the tune’s optimistic message. Along with lyrics from the tune, small character callouts and caregiver notes seem all through. The structure can really feel crowded and the textual content runs lengthy for the format. VERDICT Fans of the unique tune will doubtless be drawn to this adaptation. A supplemental buy.
Taplin, Sam. Don’t Tickle the Donkey! illus. by Ana Martin Larranaga. 10p. (Don’t Tickle). Usborne. Mar. 2026. Board. $17.99. ISBN 9781836053132.
Toddler-PreS–Little fingers beware, these cattle are very ticklish. The latest entry within the “Don’t Tickle” collection delivers the identical playful enjoyable that followers anticipate. Each unfold includes a touch-and-feel patch and an animal sound that invitations little palms to discover. The farm setting introduces acquainted animals via sparse textual content and easy digital illustrations. “Don’t tickle the goose! You might make it honk.” The interactive components will maintain younger readers engaged as they flip the pages. VERDICT While it doesn’t break new floor, this title is certain to flow into nicely. A purchase order for many collections.
Watt, Fiona. That’s Not My Hippo. illus. by Rachel Wells. 10p. (That’s Not My). Usborne. Jan. 2026. Board. $10.99. ISBN 9781836052623.
Toddler-PreS–A cheerful new entry within the “That’s Not My” collection introduces readers to a contented hippo. Each unfold includes a totally different touch-and-feel ingredient and the acquainted chorus, “That’s not my hippo,” adopted by an outline explaining why the hippo isn’t fairly the fitting one. For instance, one hippo’s tail is simply too tufty and one other’s enamel are too shiny. The search ends with a satisfying conclusion that younger readers will get pleasure from. VERDICT A robust addition to the collection and a purchase order for many libraries.
Toddler-PreS–Waiting is tough, particularly for Roscoe. In this considerate addition to the “Roscoe and Ivy” collection, Roscoe, a small brown boy who wears purple headphones, struggles to remain affected person in a ready room along with his sister Ivy and their mama. Ivy tries to assist by providing toys and objects from Mama’s purse, however Roscoe nonetheless finds it troublesome to sit down quietly. Eventually, Ivy discovers the proper distraction when she pulls out a guide. Bright digital illustrations painting Roscoe as a neurodivergent youngster who wants additional assist managing quantity and motion. VERDICT A primary buy; written and illustrated by neurodivergent creators, the story provides an affirming expertise for a lot of households.
Alfaro, Mike. ¡GOOOOL! A Soccer Book for Kids (Spanish and English. illus. by Gerardo Guillén. 26p. (Si Sabo Bilingual Books for Kids).Blue Star Pr. Mar. 2026. Tr $14.99. ISBN 9781963183818. BL
PreS-Gr 1–Lace up your cleats and prepare for kickoff with this bilingual introduction to soccer. Presented in each English and Spanish, the guide highlights fundamental abilities, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Simple textual content explains the basics whereas encouraging readers to benefit from the recreation. “Our team trained hard to be here. Nuestro equipo entrenó duro para estar aquí.” A foldout unfold on the finish provides a celebratory end that younger readers will get pleasure from. VERDICT Perfect for constructing vocabulary in English and Spanish whereas introducing the sport of soccer. A robust addition to library cabinets.
Cope, Lizzie. Pop-Up Farm. illus. by Samara Hardy. pictures by Jenny Hilborne. 10p. Usborne. Feb. 2026. Board. $14.99. ISBN 9781836052968.
Toddler-PreS–Wake up with the farm on this vigorous pop-up board guide. Each unfold includes a three-dimensional ingredient that brings the scene to life. The opening web page introduces a rooster showing with a loud “Cock-a-doodle-doo!” because the farm wakes up. “The day begins early on this farm and it’s a noisy start! The farmer’s first job is to collect the eggs and give the hens and pigs their breakfast.” As the day continues, readers meet extra animals and even encounter farm tools. VERDICT A crowd pleaser that will not final lengthy as a result of pop-ups however might be nicely beloved by all. Great for story hour use.
Costello, Dee. How It Works: Recycling Truck. illus. by David Semple. 12p. (How It Works). Tiger Tales. May 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781664351936.
Toddler-Okay–Big vans and busy recycling days take heart stage on this detailed mboard guide. Readers observe alongside as they get an in-depth have a look at how a recycling truck works. Each unfold labels totally different elements of the truck, whereas a small mouse seems with highlighted info about recycling. “Did you know? Paper is made from trees. Recycled paper can be turned into cardboard, or even a book!” Layered die-cuts present a tactile ingredient for little palms exploring the truck’s internal workings. VERDICT The consideration to element will fulfill younger readers who love vans. A purchase order for many cabinets.
Emenanjo, Bunmi. Our World: Nigeria. illus. by Diana Ejaita. 20p. (Our World). Barefoot. Mar. 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781646866311.
PreS-Gr 2–Readers take a vibrant journey via Nigeria within the latest title within the “Our World” collection. The story follows a household via a typical day, introducing new sights, sounds, and phrases alongside the way in which. Each unfold highlights a time period with pronunciation and a brief clarification. “On our walk to school, we pass cars, bikes, and little buses. Mama Adé is frying spicy akàrà in front of her shop. AH-kah-rah: Yoruba for fried bean cakes.” Written by an creator raised in Nigeria, the guide provides an genuine perspective, and the illustrations are constantly partaking. VERDICT A really great introduction to a different nation for younger readers. A primary buy.
McDonald, Jill. Hello, World! Soccer. illus. by Jill McDonald. 26p. (Hello, World!). Doubleday. May 2026. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593518977.
PreS-Okay–Get able to hit the sector with this informative board guide about soccer. The latest title within the collection introduces younger readers to the fundamentals of the sport, together with positions, easy guidelines, and key tools. Clear explanations and vivid illustrations make the knowledge simple to observe throughout one-on-one studying. “The goalkeeper guards the net by standing in front and keeping the ball out. They need to be ready to stop the ball from any direction. Goalkeepers wear large-padded gloves to protect their hands and to help them grab the ball.” VERDICT Just in time for the World Cup, this title will fly off the cabinets.
Miller, Brianna. Let’s Grow a Garden: Spin, Press, Pull, and Play! illus. by Brianna Miller. 14p. (Little Helpers). Chronicle. May 2026. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781797238777.
Toddler-PreS–Do you recognize readers who’re able to develop a backyard? This new entry within the “Little Helpers” board guide collection invitations younger readers to participate within the course of. Children are inspired to rake, plant, and weed because the backyard progressively grows throughout the pages. The interactive prompts maintain little palms busy, whereas blocky digital illustrations and a cheerful colour palette attraction to the youngest readers. VERDICT Little helpers in all places will get pleasure from this partaking format. A purchase order for many libraries.
Oliver, Ilanit. Spin and Lift: Rescue Trucks. illus. by Steve James. 12p. Scholastic/Cartwheel. Apr. 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798225037000.
Toddler-PreS–Trucks take heart stage on this busy board guide. Each unfold introduces a car, akin to a snowplow, fireplace truck, or ambulance, adopted by a brief description of its job. “Accident! Look out, oh no! Close the doors, let’s go, go, go! Help the ambulance find its way, spring the wheels to save the day. Wheel the stretcher, buckle tight, siren sounds/ it’ll be all right!” Small lift-the-flaps add an interactive ingredient. Some rhymes really feel uneven, and some particulars might puzzle youngsters, akin to a police automotive showing amongst rescue vans or ice cream within the snowplow scene. VERDICT A supplemental buy if further car board books are wanted.
Riggs, Kate. Baby Monkeys. pictures by Kate Riggs. 14p. (Starting Out). Creative Editions. Mar. 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781568464572.
Toddler-PreS–Baby monkeys swing into the highlight on this nonfiction introduction to younger primates. The guide features a desk of contents, vocabulary phrases, and vibrant images that present child monkeys of their pure environments. Short, fact-filled passages observe a monkey via the primary months of life. “I was born in the trees. I weighed less than one pound (0.5 kg). My mother carries me everywhere. She feeds me milk.” The textual content is barely formal, however the partaking pictures will maintain younger readers . Additional titles within the collection function animals akin to penguins, pandas, and tigers. VERDICT A supplemental buy.
Toddler-PreS–This interactive board guide might be a success with all animal lovers. Unique cutouts present a small a part of the animal with every web page flip. Clues assist make the guessing recreation much more interactive. The opening web page introduces the primary animal to the readers. “I purr and I slink. I like to eat fish.” Showing a pair of eyes, each web page entices youngsters to be taught extra. A companion title that includes safari animals will proceed the enjoyable for readers. VERDICT A primary buy.
Taplin, Sam. Sing-Along Nursery Rhymes. illus. by Laura Giorgi. 10p. Usborne. Apr. 2026. Board. $19.99. ISBN 9781836052883.
Baby-PreS–Children might be able to sing their lungs out with this interactive board guide that brings basic nursery rhymes to life with a button on every web page. Each unfold includes a acquainted favourite akin to “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.” Bright digital illustrations seize the motion of every tune, encouraging youngsters to noisily take part. VERDICT If the library has a “quiet zone,” maybe shelve this someplace else.
Ultman, Suzy. How Do You Jew?: A Celebration of Jews Around the World. illus. by Suzy Ultman. 24p. (My First Books of Jewish Culture). Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Feb. 2026. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9780593751978.
PreS-Okay–There are some ways to be Jewish. Each colourful, digitally illustrated unfold highlights a distinct custom, displaying how Jewish individuals world wide have a good time their tradition and religion. The textual content pairs a customized with a location, emphasizing the variety inside Jewish communities. “Eating challah on Shabbat. That’s Jewish. (Like some Australian Jews!) Eating dabo on Shabbat. That’s Jewish too. (Like some Ethiopian Jews!)” Sparse textual content and vivid illustrations make this an accessible introduction for younger readers. VERDICT A considerate addition that celebrates Jewish traditions and variety. This is a welcome buy for board guide collections.
Vacation. illus. by Johnny Dyrander. 8p. (Make Tracks: Bk. 10). Nosy Crow. May 2026. Board. $10.99. ISBN 9798887772486.
Toddler-PreS–Children might be able to pack their luggage and put together for journey on this latest title within the “Make Tracks” collection. Readers can think about their very own excellent trip as they steer an ice cream truck, journey a rollercoaster, and discover different journey scenes. Durable sliders invite hands-on play and assist construct hand-eye coordination. Detailed illustrations and descriptions, akin to these of a cruise ship, will fulfill curious preschoolers. “This is a cruise ship. It is a large boat that carries people on vacation. It has cabins to sleep in and lots of fun activities on board. Can you count the lifeboats?” VERDICT An incredible and durable buy for cabinets that want extra interactive titles.
What’s That Noise? Roar! illus. by Pui Lee. 12p. (What’s That Noise?). Nosy Crow. May 2026. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9798887771885.
Baby-PreS–Get prepared for loads of noise and laughter with this interactive board guide. Each unfold options a big lift-the-flap, a guessing recreation, and animal sounds for younger readers to imitate. Children will get pleasure from opening and shutting the flaps whereas attempting out the totally different noises time and again. Bright, easy illustrations and sparse textual content make this title excellent for the board guide viewers. VERDICT A developmentally applicable buy that can fly off cabinets.
Brooke Newberry, a longtime contributor to SLJ, is the youth providers coordinator on the La Crosse (WI) Public Library.
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you may go to the hyperlink bellow:
https://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/story/29-sturdy-and-fun-board-books-to-delight-little-ones
and if you wish to take away this text from our website please contact us
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you'll…
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you'll…
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you'll…
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you…
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you'll…
This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its authentic location you…