Board books are continuing to blossom in their nonfiction era. This roundup features a collection of fact-filled titles, offering a lot of nature exploration for our youngest readers. With developmentally appropriate text and interactive elements, these volumes provide early exposure to a rich vocabulary and a deeper understanding of the world. As board books continue to evolve, they’re cleverly expanding to meet the needs of readers even as they approach early school age. This roundup highlights a wonderful selection of fiction titles, too; all are filled with engaging stories and vibrant illustrations to draw children into every page.

Fiction

DeGennaro, Gabriella. Ford: Shapes. illus. by Emilie Lapeyre. Penguin. 2025. ISBN 9780593888070.
Toddler-PreS–Shapes take center stage in this vehicle-themed board book. Using a fun seek-and-find approach, each page invites readers to identify and count specific shapes. To assist children, the shapes are outlined in the color introduced on the previous page, reducing frustration for toddlers. However, this feature may make the book too simple for those preschoolers seeking a greater challenge. With its engaging concept and vibrant illustrations, this title will captivate young car and truck enthusiasts. VERDICT A solid addition for collections catering to vehicle-loving readers.

First 101 Animal Words. 14p. (Highlights First 101 Words). Highlights. 2025. ISBN 9781639623112.
Toddler-PreS–A fun and interactive lift-the-flap, hide-and-seek board book that will captivate readers of all ages! With each spread, a small red bird asks questions like “Who has feathers?” on the desert habitat page, inviting young readers to explore and discover. The book features labeled pictures of real animals, from the familiar to the more exotic, making it a fantastic tool for expanding vocabulary. Its high level of engagement ensures that this title will be a favorite for checkout. VERDICT A solid purchase for any library collection.

Joffre, Véronique. First Joys. illus. by author. Penguin Workshop/Rise X. 2025. ISBN 9780593889350.
Baby-Toddler–This heartwarming tribute to first experiences celebrates animals and humans alike. Each spread pairs an animal and a human enjoying a similar milestone. For example, the text “Enjoying the discovery/ of new foods” is accompanied by an image of a bird feeding her chicks a worm, while the next page depicts a young child messily eating with a spoon. With its soft palette and charming paper cutout illustrations, this gentle story is a great choice for bedtime reading. VERDICT A supplemental purchase for libraries.

Jorden, Brooke. Sisters Are Sisters Forever. illus. by Sejung Kim. Familius. 2025. ISBN 9781641708678.
PreS–A heartfelt ode to sisters, this title captures the joys and challenges of sibling relationships with authenticity and warmth. Featuring diverse sets of sisters, the story highlights their shared moments: “Some days, sisters run races. Other days, sisters paint masterpieces. Sometimes sisters fight.” Clean, small vignettes accompany each line of text, making it easy for children to identify and understand the emotions portrayed. Ending on a positive note, this book celebrates the unbreakable bond between sisters, from the charming diverse sets here to all those who will be reading this in real life. VERDICT A valuable addition for libraries seeking more inclusive and relatable titles about sibling connections.

Look, Baby, Look! At Home. illus. by Louise Lockhart. (Look, Baby, Look!: Bk. 1). Nosy Crow. 2025. ISBN 9798887771618.
Toddler-PreS–This lively and engaging book is packed with lift-the-flap surprises and a multitude of items to discover. Young children will delight in exploring each page, searching for the objects highlighted in the playful, rhythmic text: “Look, baby, look! There’s some tissues, and a jug. A telephone, four diapers, and a white and yellow mug.” The vibrant, neon-colored illustrations showcase 28 unique items, creating a stimulating experience. While the abundance of objects on each page may feel slightly overwhelming to some, the additional lift-the-flap feature adds an element of excitement that will captivate little readers. Reminiscent of Richard Scarry’s beloved seek-and-find works, this book offers endless opportunities for interaction and discovery. VERDICT A solid addition to library collections, perfect for encouraging observation skills.

Mayfield, Marilee Joy. Oink and Moo Paint a Barn. illus. by Annabel Spencely. 7 Cats. 2025. ISBN 9781423668190.
Toddler-PreS–This delightful board book doubles as an activity book, offering children a story and interactive fun. It follows two friends, Cow and Pig, as they work together to paint a barn. The conversational text captures their teamwork: “‘Hey, Oink. I’ll start on this side. Do you want to start on the back?’/ ‘That sounds like a great plan, Moe!’” Throughout the book, labels appear on a bucket of pears, cans of paint, and even a worm, introducing new vocabulary. The final pages include a find-the-difference activity and tracing exercises, ensuring plenty of engagement for children. VERDICT With cheerful digital illustrations and opportunities for learning, this title is a supplemental purchase for most shelves.

Membrino, Anna. My Moms Love Me. illus. by Joy Hwang Ruiz. Scholastic/Cartwheel. 2025. ISBN 9781338687255.
Toddler-K–A tender love story celebrating a same-sex, interracial family, this board book offers a much-needed representation in early childhood literature. Told from a baby’s perspective, the narrative highlights a day filled with warmth and affection: “A hug from Mommy, warm and right. A squeeze from Mama feels just right. This is how my mommies say, ‘We love you, baby, night and day!’” The muted palette and bold digital illustrations perfectly complement the heartfelt text, creating a cozy, inclusive reading experience. VERDICT This title fills a vital gap in the board book collection and is a must-have for all shelves.

Moreno, Dano. Pride Is Love. illus. by Nakul P. Random. 2025. ISBN 9780593711767.
PreS-K–This beautifully illustrated board book celebrates the many meanings of pride through the lens of a diverse family—a same-sex interracial couple and their child—attending a pride celebration. Empowering messages resonate throughout: “Pride is believing. You are enough exactly as you are” and “Pride is helping. Your kindness is a gift.” The soft digital illustrations perfectly complement the lyrical text, creating a warm and inclusive reading experience. Ideal for children and adults, this title offers a gentle introduction to self-acceptance and LGBTQIA+ pride, making it a valuable resource for families and educators alike. VERDICT A must-have for libraries needing to expand their LGBTQIA+ collections.

Salas, Laura Purdie. When a Butterfly Goes to School. illus. by Chloe Niclas. Creative Eds. 2025. ISBN 9781568463988.
PreS-K–A beautifully illustrated exploration of a butterfly’s day at school, this title invites children to imagine what school might look like through the eyes of a butterfly. Lyrical text paints vivid scenes: “Her lunchroom is the colorful garden. Zip, sip. Zip, sip.” The stunning artwork truly brings the story to life, but the narrative itself may feel a bit abstract or confusing for younger readers. While the illustrations are captivating, the storyline might not fully connect with the target audience. VERDICT This title is best as a supplemental addition to collections.

Van Gageldonk, Mack. Well Done, Immy! illus. by author. (Immy: Bk. 2). Clavis. 2025. $9.95. ISBN 9798890631480.
Toddler-PreS–Immy, a curious white and orange bird, is on an exciting journey of discovery and independence! Just like a toddler, Immy practices simple tasks, such as putting on socks, sitting in a big chair, and kicking a ball. “Look, what a beautiful ball! Immy stands firmly and gives the ball a big kick. Immy can play soccer!” Each page offers a short, relatable story that will delight children. The mixed-media illustrations vividly portray Immy’s progress, pairing beautifully with the straightforward text. VERDICT A delightful choice for toddlers gaining confidence as they develop new skills.

Van Genechten, Guido. Peek-a-Boo! illus. by author. Clavis. 2025. ISBN 9798890631558.
Baby-Toddler–Playful peek-a-boo fun comesto life in this delightful board book, perfect for little ones discovering the joy of hiding and finding. Various stuffed animals hide in plain sight throughout, making it ideal for toddlers. In one spread, mixed-media illustrations show a white cow with brown spots peeking out from behind blades of grass, paired with the playful text: “Who’s trying to hide in the tall grass? ‘Peek-a-moo!’ moos Cow.” The combination of engaging visuals and interactive text makes this a perfect choice for baby and toddler storytimes. VERDICT A solid purchase.

Nonfiction

Cohen, Stephanie. I Can Say Moo!illus. by Lindsay Dale-Scott. (My First Learn-to-Talk Books). Sourcebooks/eXplore. 2025. ISBN 9781728291581.
Baby-Toddler–This engaging title offers a fun exploration of call and response, written by an early speech expert. Simple digital illustrations depict familiar farm scenes, while bold, concise text prompts readers to identify words or sounds associated with the images. For example, one page shows a henhouse with two eggs and reads, “I count the chicken’s eggs and I say…” A photo of a child is superimposed on the illustration, with a speech bubble saying, “One, Two.” The inclusion of real children’s photos adds an extra layer of relatability and charm for young readers, who will delight in knowing the answers. Back matter includes helpful tips for engaging children in speech development and suggestions for interactive games. VERDICT A delightful educational addition to any library collection.

De la Vega, Chela. Bebé Ama a Mamá/Baby Loves Mom. illus. by Teresa Martínez. (Bebé Ama/Baby Loves: Bk. 1). duopress. 2025. ISBN 9781464220159. BL
Baby-PreS–This beautiful bilingual Spanish/English title celebrates the love between babies and their mamas. “Mi mamita me hace sentir bien./ My mommy makes me feel good.” Featuring a diverse group of Latinx mothers and their babies, this title fills an important gap in many collections. The mixed-media illustrations, full of bright colors, beautifully complement the text. VERDICT A first purchase for most everyone.

Elys, Dori. Breathe In, Breathe Out: A Calming Sensory Book. illus. by Laura Roode. S. & S./Little Simon. 2025. ISBN 9781665974820.
Toddler-PreS–This touch-and-feel meditation book is a perfect introduction to mindfulness for little hands and young readers. Centered on a breathing exercise, the gentle text invites children to calm their minds: “Scoot close, little one, let’s sit side by side. It’s time to unwind, it’s time to calm our minds.” Each interactive spread features a variety of engaging elements, including touch-and-feel textures, lift-the-flap surprises, pull tabs, and even a heat-sensitive reveal. Paired with a soothing pastel palette, the book’s design and content work together to help calm even the most energetic toddlers. VERDICT A popular choice for libraries and a great tool for encouraging relaxation and mindfulness.

Heos, Bridget. Read-and-Play Rocket. illus. by Sona Avedikian. Odd Dot. 2025. ISBN 9781250321510.
PreS-K–Blast off into learning with this rocket-shaped nonfiction board book, perfect for budding astronauts and space enthusiasts! Packed with fascinating facts, it invites readers to join Team Artemis on an exciting journey to explore the moon and beyond. From the inner workings of a space suit to how astronauts pee and poop on a spaceship, this title satisfies even the most curious minds. The final pages honor the pioneers of space exploration, with blurbs about the first animals and humans to venture into space. Adding to its appeal, the book transforms into a rocket shape as you fan out the pages. VERDICT A stellar choice for libraries, classrooms, and space lovers everywhere.

Mangal, Mélina. Birds Sing Their Words. illus. by Stella Lim. (Outside Our Window). Free Spirit. 2025. ISBN 9798885544542.
PreS–A delightful dive into the melodic world of birds, this vibrant board book will captivate young nature lovers and their grown-ups. Simple text highlights the variety in avian communication: “Some birds call, and others respond./ Some birds sing solos./ Others sing together.” The vibrantly painted illustrations complement the text and beautifully showcase the unique colors and features of different bird species. An informative author’s note adds extra value, making this book a wonderful addition to classrooms and libraries alike. VERDICT A great purchase for shelves everywhere.

Mangal, Mélina. Trees Stand Tall. illus. by Stella Lim. (Outside Our Window). Free Spirit. 2025. ISBN 979-8885544559.
PreS–A strong purchase for most libraries, this nonfiction board book celebrates the beauty and resilience of trees through the lens of a family outing. Featuring diverse characters across multiple generations, the story captures the essence of a true family affair. The sparse text conveys basic tree facts—“Trees provide food and shelter. Trees stand tall”—while a more detailed author’s note adds depth for curious readers. Vibrant painted illustrations enrich the narrative, offering young readers enough visual detail to understand and appreciate the story, even without the text. VERDICT This title is a lovely blend of education and storytelling, perfect for shared family reading or classroom use.

Puglisi, Stephanie & Jeremy Puglisi. My First Book of Camping. illus. by Ekaterina Trukhan. (Terra Babies on the Go: Bk. 1). duopress. 2025. ISBN 9781464225666.
Toddler-K–A delightful how-to guide for young adventurers, this title encourages the idea that camping is for everyone. Featuring simple, cheerful digital illustrations and a unique handhold for easy carrying, this book is as practical as it is fun. It explores a variety of camping styles and settings, making it an inclusive introduction to the outdoors: “There are different ways to camp: In yurts with beds for lots of kids/ In cozy cabins under twinkling stars/ In tree houses with spiral stairs/ And in campers pulled by cars/ but most people camp in tents!” VERDICT Perfect for inspiring families to explore nature together, this title is a wonderful addition to collections where camping is valued in the community.

Rabedeaux, Avery. Curious Me! Feelings. illus. by Kate Kronreif. (Curious Me!). Free Spirit. 2025. ISBN 9798885547048.
Toddler-K–A warm and accessible primer on emotions, this title helps young children name and understand the feelings they may experience throughout the day. “When I am mad, I might yell or cry or stomp my feet. Thunk, thunk!” The lively digital illustrations vividly capture these big emotions, allowing readers to identify feelings even without the accompanying text. An author’s note encourages caregivers to engage with children through thoughtful questions and interactive prompts, fostering meaningful conversations about emotions. VERDICT A great resource for supporting emotional literacy in early learners and their families.

★Salas, Laura Purdie. A Home Like This. illus. by Miriam Nerlove. Creative Eds. 2025. ISBN 9781568463995.
Toddler-K–A stunning exploration of animal habitats, this gorgeously illustrated board book invites readers to discover where creatures make their homes. Each spread features a new animal alongside its dwelling, with rhyming couplets that span two pages: “A home can be a busy, buzzy place…/ or be a calm and quiet space.” One spread highlights a close-up watercolor of a bee, paired with a hive buzzing with activity, while the next showcases a frog and a log, hollow where it resides. The muted palette and vivid illustrations beautifully enhance the poetic text, making this an irresistible choice for young readers. VERDICT A first purchase for libraries and schools alike.

Walker, Sally M. Rocks’ Journey. illus. by Kim Smith. (Nature in Action). MIT Kids. 2025. ISBN 9781536229080.
PreS-K–Despite a confusing possessive in the title—there are many boulders and rocks making this journey, but there is also an individual bit that keeps breaking off or breaking down—this offers a dive into the fascinating life cycle of rocks. This informative board book from the “Nature in Action” series opens with a towering mountain, where readers follow the journey of a rock—and partial journeys of other rocks—as it becomes ever-smaller pieces, eventually becoming sand on a beach. There’s plenty of adventure along the way. “Crack! Massive boulders fracture off. Rolling boulders here and there, boulders settle everywhere.” Curious readers will revel in the vivid details, while caregivers will appreciate the rhyming couplets and clear, engaging illustrations. VERDICT A supplemental purchase for most library collections.

Wenzel, Brendan. Hello Hello Numbers. illus. by author. Chronicle. 2025. ISBN 9781797219974.
PreS-K–Get ready to count, rhyme, and learn with this fun board book all about collective nouns! Each spread introduces a new group of animals, with rhyming text that teaches young readers the collective noun for each one: “8 basking turtles in a bale. Hello Eight. Count their shiny shells.” The vibrant, cartoonlike illustrations bring the animals to life, making this book a visual treat. Perfect for one-on-one reading or story times, this title is a joyful way to explore counting and animal groupings. VERDICT A must-have for all libraries; this introduces one of the most fascinating aspects of the language to a group who just loves learning.

Wood, Amanda. Mommy Loves You, Little Sea Otter. illus. by Bec Winnel & Vikki Chu. (Baby Animal Tales). Abrams/Magic Cat. 2025. ISBN 9781419776960.
Toddler-PreS–This charming title follows a baby otter on a heartfelt adventure to find the perfect gift for his mommy. “Perhaps a bunch of seaweed is something he could get her? But then he wonders if perhaps a starfish would be better?” Along the way, he faces a small mishap when an oyster cuts his paw, but Mommy is there to comfort him and remind him that the best gift is a simple, loving hug. The book combines watercolor backgrounds with real-life otter photos, creating an engaging visual experience for young readers. Perfect for bedtime, this sweet story will delight children and their caregivers alike. VERDICT A solid purchase for most library collections.

Brooke Newberry is the public services manager at La Crosse (WI) Public Library.