Check out our latest batch of board book reviews, featuring a great mix of topics that will engage and educate little ones. From learning basic concepts and discovering animals to understanding emotions and celebrating inclusion, these books are perfect for sparking conversation and imagination. Children should prepare for a reading journey full of fun and discovery.

Fiction

ABERY, Julie. Baby Triceratops. illus. by Gavin Scott. 20p. (Baby Dinosaurs). Amicus Ink. Aug. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798889880110.
Toddler-K–A rhyming text tells the story of a little triceratops during her day. She has a brush with danger when another dinosaur appears, but everyone escapes harm. The book ends with the dinosaur family looking for food. Descriptive words like nubby, stubby, and herbivore elevate this text. Expressive illustrations complement the story. VERDICT Follow a baby triceratops in this fun-filled romp for most collections in this purchase for most library shelves.

CHEN, Kat. Play Games with Me. illus. by Lorraine Nam. 24p. (A Playdate Book). Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Nov. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593659755.
PreS-K–Let’s play! This lively board book follows Alex, a small Black child, who engages readers by asking questions like, “What’s your name? What a great name! Would you like to play some games with us?” This title can help children who are anxious in social situations, allowing them to practice responding to questions along with Alex. The bright illustrations are very appealing to children in a title intended to help children grasp some of the tools they need to make friends. VERDICT Developing social-emotional skills is crucial for this age range, making this book a first purchase for libraries.

CONLON, Mara. Big Kids Don’t Bite (Padded Board Book). illus. by Vin Vogel. 24p. Peter Pauper. Jun. 2024. Board. $5.99. ISBN 9781441343758.
Toddler-K–In this engaging title that addresses a common toddler problem, the refrain “NO BITING. Biting hurts,” is sure to resonate with both children and caregivers. The young animal narrator presents relatable issues, such as having tooth pain, feeling jealous, or being frustrated, and acts on these emotions by biting someone. Each time, caregivers gently admonish and guide the narrator to apologize. The book also includes an author’s note filled with practical and useful information for caregivers. VERDICT An easy book to recommend, this is a title that adults will be delighted to see on the shelf.

CONLON, Mara. Just One More!: A Bedtime Book (Padded Board Book). illus. by Vin Vogel. 24p. (A Bedtime Book). Peter Pauper. Jun. 2024. Board. $5.99. ISBN 9781441343741.
Toddler-K–Bedtime battles are a universal experience, and this delightful title captures the familiar refrain of “just one more!” perfectly. A young chupacabra is being put to bed and keeps requesting just one more thing. “I love you, Dear. Now settle in. How good—but looooong—today has been./ Just one more thing? At least, I think. A cup of water from the sink?” A sweet ending shows the parents checking in just once more after their small child falls asleep. VERDICT Caregivers and children alike will giggle and relate to this charming story. A great purchase for most libraries.

DETRICK-JULES, St. Clair. My Hair Is Like Yours. illus. by Tabitha Brown. 20p. Chronicle. Oct. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781797221854.
Toddler-Gr 2–This vibrant book features stunning photographs of Black children with a variety of beautiful hairstyles. Afros, cornrows, buns, and more are showcased in this title, while rhyming couplets add a musical quality, making it perfect for both story time and one-on-one readings. “My hair is like my sibling’s, curly and bouncing with glee. My hair is like my uncle’s, long and loc’d and free.” VERDICT A celebration of Black joy and Black hair, this book is a first purchase for all.

HABIB, Grace. Suki Cat: Dancer. illus. by the author. 8p. (Suki Cat). Nosy Crow. Sept. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798887770901.
Toddler-K–Suki Cat saves the day in this interactive board book. The volume features a slider mechanism that aids children in developing fine motor skills while keeping them entertained. As Suki Cat prepares for the big show, the star performer gets injured. “Suki knows just what to do. ‘I could dance the moves for you!’ People cheer with all their might…Suki’s dancing saves the night!” VERDICT For sheer playfulness, this title is a valuable addition for most libraries.

JEWITT, Kathryn. How Do You Hug? illus. by Danielle Mudd. 14p. (Little Softies). Abrams/Appleseed. Nov. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781419769207.
PreS-Gr 1–This delightful touch-and-feel book is a hug-palooza, filled with equal parts softness and sweetness. Featuring a variety of animals, it beautifully describes how each one hugs. For instance, a spread with two giraffes and two mice hugging is paired with the text, “A looooong, loopy hug…or a teeny-tiny one?” Bold illustrations and a simple palette make this book especially appealing to the youngest patrons. VERDICT Despite some possible wear-and-tear issues, this title is sure to be popular on all board book shelves.

KOPONEN, Libby. Is That the Bus? illus. by Katie Mazeika. 24p. Charlesbridge. Sept. 2024. Tr $8.99. ISBN 9781623544744.
PreS-Gr 1–In this vehicle-heavy board book, a young boy waits for his big sister. He plays throughout the day but continually looks out the window at each new noise. “Is that the bus? WAAA! WOOOOO! But it’s not the bus. WAAAA! WOOOOO! The fire truck wails away.” A variety of vehicles, including a garbage truck, dump truck, and motorcycle, make appearances in this title. VERDICT The soft lines, bright palette, and sparse text make this a first purchase for libraries.

KUBLER, Annie. Row, Row, Row Your Boat. illus. by Sarah Dellow. 12p. Child’s Play. Sept. 2024. Board. $6.99. ISBN 9781786287557.
Toddler-K–Kubler’s text and Dellow’s delightful illustrations return in this board book version of the classic song. A diverse group of toddlers play together, while a single lyric to the song is displayed on each page. The charming images feature children engaging in imaginative play with boxes and playing all together, with small boat icons found on each page. Notably, one child is depicted with a feeding tube, which is a rare and emphatically welcome inclusion in board books. VERDICT This is a must-have for most libraries.

MCQUINN, Anna. Leo at Lunch. illus. by Ruth Hearson. 18p. Charlesbridge. Sept. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781623544089.
PreS-K–In the latest offering from a beloved board book series, Leo visits a restaurant with Nana G. and Daddy. Leo’s stuffed animal, Mr. Seahorse, makes an appearance in each spread, providing a fun seek-and-find element for little readers. Hearson’s uncluttered illustrations in a classic palette will keep children engaged. VERDICT This gentle board book works best where the series is already popular.

PIXTON, Amy. Sesame Street: Let’s Take a Bath! 12p. Workman. Sept. 2024. pap. $5.99. ISBN 9781523523160.
Toddler-PreS–Sesame Street favorites make an appearance in the newest “Indestructibles” series offering. Beloved characters help little ones get ready for bed and take a bath. Children will love recognizing their favorite characters and will enjoy the sparse text accompanying each page. This is a purchase for any library stocking the series on their shelves and would make a great giveaway for reading programs. VERDICT For new fans or old ones, this will be a hit and circulate well in library collections.

PIZZA, Andy J. Feel Calm: An Invisible Things Book. illus. by Sophie Miller. 20p. Chronicle. Oct. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781797215235.
PreS-K–Children will enjoy this gentle meditation disguised as an interactive book. Readers are introduced to Chaos, “a busy, mess, loud Thing,” and are encouraged to help him unwind. Each spread includes instructions for tracing a finger through ups, downs, and loops. By the end of the book, children and caregivers alike will feel calm and relaxed. VERDICT For the younger end of the SEL shelves, this is a great choice for libraries looking to add to their mindfulness collection.

SALAZAR,Aida. When Water Flows. illus. by Caribay M. Benavides. 26p. (My Living World). Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Oct. 2024. Tr $8.99. ISBN 9780593659205.
PreS-Gr 2–Explore the mesmerizing celebration of water and its wonders in this lyrical board book. The text, interwoven with Spanish words, features an older woman explaining the different facets of water to a young girl. While the word count is higher than is typical, this board book will appeal to a variety of ages. The vibrant art complements the text and will keep readers engaged. VERDICT With the inclusion of both Spanish and English words, this is a useful and beautiful title for all libraries.

Let’s Go, Stinky Trucks! 12p. (Spin Me). Scholastic/Cartwheel. Aug. 2024. Tr $8.99. ISBN 9781338899634.
PreS-Gr 1–Get ready for a wheel-spinning adventure with this interactive board book, where lively trucks introduce themselves through catchy rhymes and playful illustrations! This title features tactile wheels that can be spun by a child’s hand on every spread. The rhyming couplets on each spread conclude with a truck identifying itself, such as: “I help the farmer day to day, I carry stinky pigs and hay. I am a farm truck.” VERDICT This fun title about an array of trucks should find a home in every library.

STILWELL, Steph. You Deserve Everything. illus. by the author. 22p. (Delish Delights). little bee. Oct. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781499817126.
Toddler-K–Bagel puns abound in this hilarious offering. Each page turn features a different bagel heaping praise—on readers. “There are so many raisins that you deserve praise. You’re super spectacular in so many ways.” While many of the puns may go unnoticed by the younger children, caregivers will enjoy rereading it for the humor and uniqueness. VERDICT If the punning and joke book shelves for this age group are running a little low, here’s a new title.

VAN FLEET, Matthew. Bedtime Blitz! illus. by the author. 22p. S. & S./Paula Wiseman. Sept. 2024. Board. $24.99. ISBN 9781665958295.
Toddler-K–Chaos reigns in this delightful romp of a board book. A group of animal friends get ready for bedtime with playful rhymes and hilarious illustrations. Readers will love the interactive tabs as they help the animals take a bath, brush their teeth, and have a pillow fight. A small mouse hidden on each page will further delight observant children. VERDICT A first purchase for libraries.

VINCENTE, Antonio. Did You Hear That? illus. by Miguel Ordóñez. 20p. Brown/Michael Sampson. Jun. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781612546841.
Toddler-K–Dive into a day full of delightful sounds as readers follow a young child on adventures. “Chomp chomp/ It’s me eating some cheese. Ding dong/ Someone is ringing the doorbell.” Clear digital illustrations provide context clues for little ones, making this a highly browsable book. VERDICT Filled with onomatopoeia, this title will be a favorite for story hours—noisy ones—and one-on-one readings.

WILLIAMS, Sophy. Feelings Are Wild. illus. by Gavin Scott. 32p. Odd Dot. May 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9781250343239.
PreS-K–This unique concept book combines both plot and counting! Readers follow a variety of animals as they experience different emotions and later find resolutions to their issues. “Four crocs feel frustrated. They’ve just run out of chalk./ Four crocs feel cheerful. They’re playing with a ball.” With a soft palette and sparse text, this title is a purchase for most libraries. VERDICT If you’re having trouble tempting little ones and their caregivers to the counting book shelves, this one will entice.

Yeah, Baby! 20p. (Baby Firsts). Flowerpot Pr. Sept. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781486724130.
Baby-PreS–Join babies on their daily adventures as they celebrate small victories and milestones. “You said your first word. Yeah baby!/ You learned to dance! Yeah baby!” Each spread features two photographs of a diverse selection of real babies accomplishing each task. Young children will delight in this book and the diversity represented throughout. VERDICT With full-color photos and an upbeat narrative style, this is a purchase for most libraries.

Nonfiction

ALFARO, Mike. My First Bilingual Library: A Spanish-English Vocabulary Board Book Set of Colors, Numbers, Animals, ABCs, and More. illus. by Gerardo Guillén. 220p. (Sí Sabo Kids: Bk. 2). Blue Star. Sept. 2024. Boxed Set. $29.95. ISBN 9781958803837. BL
PreS-Gr1–Caregivers seeking a Spanish/English language primer will find this library collection invaluable. Each page features high-contrast artwork depicting a single animal or object, accompanied by the Spanish term and its English equivalent. Additionally, a pronunciation guide is provided at the end of each volume. VERDICT This collection is a worthwhile addition for libraries aiming to enhance their language sections.

BILAL, Rumaisa. Our World: Pakistan. illus. by Nez Riaz. 20p. (Our World). Barefoot. Oct. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798888592328.
PreS-Gr 1–Explore the daily life of a young child in Pakistan with this engaging and visually appealing title. Readers will accompany the child through morning routines, meals, travels, and other daily activities. The book features a soft palette and vibrant illustrations that will captivate readers of all ages. Additionally, educational end notes and pronunciation guides are thoughtfully integrated throughout. VERDICT This insightful and gentle introduction to Pakistani culture, authored by individuals with firsthand experience in the country, is a valuable addition to any collection.

COYLE, Finn. Firefighters: A Lift-the-Page Truck Book. illus. by Srimalie Bassani. 14p. Flowerpot Pr. Oct. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781486727834.
PreS-Gr 1–Firefighters take the community helper spotlight in the latest addition to the “Finn’s Fun Trucks” series. A diverse group of firefighters describes their essential roles by introducing various firefighting vehicles and explaining their functions. “This is a Fire Tanker. Can you guess what it does? A fire tanker is a large truck that can hold lots of water so firefighters can put out fires when hydrants cannot be used or aren’t available.” VERDICT Children fascinated by firefighting will return to this book time and time again, making it a purchase for most libraries.

DEGENNARO, Gabriella. Ford: Colors. illus. by Emilie Lapeyre. 16p. (Ford). Penguin. Nov. 2024. Board. $7.99. ISBN 9780593750667.
PreS-K–Get ready for a thrilling race at the Ford racetrack. This title introduces readers to each Ford-branded car by name and color. Car enthusiast caregivers will love this book, while little ones will delight in identifying the colors and predicting the winner. “The Yellow Ford GT is driving fast. And the Green Bronco vrooms by.” VERDICT Yes, it’s an advertisement, but with its vibrant illustrations and dynamic storytelling, this book can at least be a supplemental addition for most libraries with car fans.

IDLE, Molly. Flora and Friends Colors. illus. by the author. 26p. Chronicle. Sept. 2024. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9781797200576.
Toddler-K–Explore the world of colors in this vibrant board book. Basic colors are presented, with an accordion fold that shows the colors mixed together. The eye-catching illustrations invite rereads, and children will delight in seeing each new flock of birds. VERDICT his masterful use of colors makes it a purchase for most libraries.

KRAUTHAMER, Janet & Christiane Engel. Body Detective!: Decode Your Sensory Signals. 22p. (Interactive Science Surprises). Barefoot. Oct. 2024. Board. $19.99. ISBN 9798888592212.
Toddler-Gr 1–Let small children put on their detective hats and start decoding the human body in this engaging board book. Each spread features a child explaining a problem they are experiencing in their body on the left page, with the solution revealed under an interactive panel on the right. “My mouth and throat feel dry and sticky. My lips are getting chapped. My body signals tell me that I am feeling… Thirsty.” The interactive riddles, pull-tabs, and lively illustrations keep this moving right along. VERDICT Sure to fascinate toddlers through very early elementary children, this title is a must-have for most libraries.

LARUE, Nicole. Count On New York City: Baby’s First Book About the Big Apple. illus. by Nicole LaRue. 22p. Gibbs Smith. Apr. 2024. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9781423665281.
Toddler-PreS–New York natives as well as those who have never visited the city will enjoy this counting book equally. Each spread features an iconic aspect of New York City, from bagels and pigeons to pizza slices and hot dog carts, making it enjoyable for everyone. The clear digital illustrations make this appealing even to the youngest children. VERDICT For collections low on board book counting titles, this suits; otherwise it’s a supplemental purchase for most libraries.

My First Book About Water. illus. by Åsa Gilland. 22p. duopress. Nov. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781728295961.
K-Gr 1–This nonfiction title takes on the wonders of water. Readers will learn a variety of facts about water and discover practical tips for conserving it. The book also includes instructions for making a rain collector at the end. Caregivers seeking to teach their children about the importance of this essential resource will find this title valuable; young readers will enjoy the bright digital illustrations. VERDICT This is a worthwhile addition to any library’s collection.

PAQUETTE, Ammi-Joan. My Feet Go. illus. by Sabrena Khadija. 24p. (Body Power). Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Sept. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593660461.
PreS-Gr 1–Celebrate the amazing power of feet in this delightful rhyming board book. This title features diverse physical attributes of feet, showcasing their capabilities and accomplishments. “Feet for climbing trees and rocks. Feet for balancing in socks!” It thoughtfully acknowledges the unique ways feet can look, including a spread featuring a prosthetic foot. The warm art palette invites readers to immerse themselves in the wonders of feet. VERDICT This book will be a hit during story time and for one-on-one reading.

SMITH DESPRES, Mk. First Friends: Shapes. illus. by Aya Watanabe. 18p. (First Friends). Barefoot. Nov. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9798888592267.
PreS-K–Dive into a world of shapes with this engaging seek-and-find board book. Rhyming pages tell the story of a daycare class as they play throughout the day, introducing shapes through child-friendly, bright images. “We stack squares to make a town. Let’s build it high, then knock it down!” Alongside common shapes, additional ones like an arc, star, moon, and heart are presented. VERDICT This is a great addition to the concept shelves.

SPIRO, Ruth. Baby Loves Paleontology. illus. by Irene Chan. 20p. Charlesbridge. Jun. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781623543976.
PreS-K–The newest offering in the “Baby Loves Science” series delves into the world of paleontology. This topic, often a favorite among young readers, will captivate children as they learn more about it. Dinosaurs are always a hit, and this board book is no exception. Informative text and bright illustrations will appeal to all readers. VERDICT Aimed at a preschool and older audience, this board book is a valuable addition to most library collections.

VICKERS, Roy Henry & Lucky Budd. A Flock of Gulls, A Chorus of Frogs. illus. by Roy Henry Vickers. 24p. (First West Coast Books). Harbour. Sept. 2024. Board. $12.95. ISBN 9781990776502.
PreS-K–This vibrant board book introduces children to the fascinating collective nouns for groups of animals on the West Coast. The highlight is Vickers’s stunning printwork, which captivates children with sharp forms, bright colors, and imaginative lines. Educators as well as caregivers will also enjoy learning new collective nouns: “A den of bears snuggles in a log. A frog chorus croaks in a bog. A rave of ravens squawks in flight. A pack of wolves howls at night.” Children will come away enamored of the animals and perhaps a little more interested in evocative language. VERDICT This beautifully illustrated book deserves a place on every shelf.

WENZEL,Brendan. Hello Hello Opposites. illus. by Brendan Wenzel. 38p. Chronicle. Oct. 2024. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781797219981.
PreS-Gr 1–Discover a world of opposites, animals, and unique word pairings in this captivating concept book. Readers are introduced to a variety of animals and opposites in this compelling board book. “Hello bright, Hello dull./ Hello empty, Hello full.” An author’s note at the end explains that each featured animal is under threat, providing age-appropriate details of the species and specific breed. A key indicates whether the animal is near-threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or near extinction. VERDICT This is a great purchase for libraries looking to expand their animal or concept collections, and a wonderful way to introduce an essential aspect of environmental studies for the young.

WILSON,Katie. Think. illus. by the author. 20p. (A Celebration of Mindfulness). Flowerpot Pr. Nov. 2024. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781486727780.
PreS-Gr 1–Spark endless conversations with this engaging title, where readers are invited to explore and reflect on collaboration and creativity. Each page encourages children to pause and think. “Think about what you can do. Think about what they can do. Think about working together.” Simple illustrations accompany the sparse text, depicting three children building with a cardboard box. This gentle title will prompt conversations, exploration, and creativity. VERDICT This work will be enjoyed by many and could be a first purchase for libraries.

Brooke Newberry is the public services manager at La Crosse Public Library in La Crosse, Wisconsin.