From silly snouts to social-emotional smarts, this season’s board books are big on charm, heart, and purpose. Along with ABCs and animal antics, caretakers and children will find titles that foster empathy, celebrate identity, and reflect a wide range of families, cultures, and abilities.

A few standouts push the format in powerful ways: My Mouth Says blends body awareness with emotional strength, Big Little Baby offers a lyrical meditation on love’s enormity, and How It Works: Tree turns nonfiction into layered, tactile discovery. Whether calming nerves on the first day of school or showing that every nose is a good nose, these titles invite joyful engagement and meaningful connection.

This roundup blends developmental appropriateness with fresh perspectives, offering just-right reads for baby lapsits, toddler story hours, and preschool curiosity.

Fiction

Abery, Julie. Baby Pterosaur. illus. by Gavin Scott. 20p. (Baby Dinosaurs). Amicus/Ink. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798889880356.
Toddler-Gr 1–In this lyrical, fast-paced board book, a young pterosaur gathers courage to leap off a cliff and take flight. Abery’s rhyming text captures both the thrill and trepidation of first flight, while Scott’s expressive illustrations bring prehistoric skies to life. A reassuring read for little ones navigating their own firsts. VERDICT A charming and adventurous addition to dinosaur shelves and courage-themed displays.

Abery, Julie. Baby Spinosaurus. illus. by Gavin Scott. 20p. (Baby Dinosaurs). Amicus/Ink. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9798889880363.
Toddler-K–In this rhyming adventure, a baby spinosaurus hatches by a river, takes its first splash, and tries to catch a fish, only to get stuck among roots. Mama soon comes to the rescue, freeing the little dino just in time to splash and play once more. Abery’s text is rhythmic and lively, using gentle repetition to enhance the read-aloud experience. Scott’s illustrations are both vibrant and adorable, capturing the wide-eyed wonder of the dino protagonist. While the story follows a predictable pattern, the playful movement and bold visuals make it a delightful addition to dinosaur-themed collections. VERDICT A lively, cuddly read-aloud for young dino fans, full of rhythmic fun and prehistoric charm.

Adams, Jennifer. MacBeth: A BabyLit Potions Primer. illus. by Alison Oliver. 22p. (BabyLit). Gibbs Smith. Jul. 2025. Board. $11.99. ISBN 9781423668787.
PreS-K–This quirky concept book draws on the witches’ iconic incantation from Macbeth, using rhythmic language and moody art to introduce children to a cabinet of curious ingredients drawn from the Bard’s most iconic brew. Though adult readers will catch the Shakespeare reference, the lilting rhyme and eerie, engaging illustrations lend themselves well to seasonal read-alouds. Less a primer than a giftable nod to literary fandom, it still delivers a satisfyingly spooky tone. VERDICT A stylishly strange little spell of a book, perfect for Halloween displays or literary-curious collections.

Boynton, Sandra. When Pigs Fly!: A Song for Dreamers. illus. by author. 24p. S. & S./Boynton Bookworks. Aug. 2025. Board. $7.99. ISBN 9781665977449.
Baby-PreS–Boynton’s signature high jinks shine in this playful paean to perseverance and imagination. A piglet dares to dream big (very big!), and laughter, determination, and sweetness follow. Warm, cheerful illustrations pair with gentle encouragement in this aspirational board book, creating an ideal snuggle-time read for young dreamers and their grown-ups. VERDICT A cozy, classic addition perfect for inspiring big dreams in small readers.

An Eggcellent Book of Kindness. illus. by Kat Uno. 20p. (Little Egg Books: Bk. 2). duopress. Mar. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781464225734.
Baby-PreS–Little Egg reminds the youngest readers that kindness can start small in this cheerful introduction to social-emotional learning. Bright artwork and simple text highlight everyday acts of empathy, from taking turns to helping friends. A spin-the-wheel activity at the end encourages children to turn caring into action. Playful yet purposeful, this title supports early SEL development in an inviting way. VERDICT A joyful addition to baby and toddler shelves focused on kindness, empathy, and emotional growth.

Heuer, Lourdes. The Hardware Store/La Ferreteria. illus. by Zara González Hoang. 20p. (Teeny Tiendas). Candlewick. Sept. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781536226614. BL
PreS-Gr 1–Celebrating language and everyday experiences, this bilingual board book invites readers into Señora Sierra’s bustling hardware store. Tools are named in English and Spanish, with rhythmic phrasing and bright, inclusive illustrations supporting early vocabulary development. The familiar setting feels universal, offering a joyful glimpse into the world of neighborhood shops. VERDICT A vibrant bilingual addition ideal for libraries growing early literacy collections.

Kaplan, Arie. Pumpkin Spice. illus. by Monique Dong. 16p. Grosset & Dunlap. Aug. 2025. Board. $7.99. ISBN 9780593889145.
Toddler-PreS–Pumpkin Spice, a lively character who isn’t actually a pumpkin, sets out to discover what makes fall so special. Jack, an actual pumpkin, helps her explore autumn’s colors, smells, and tastes, from vibrant leaves to spiced desserts. The story culminates with Pumpkin Spice, a young girl with tan skin and brown hair, sharing her family’s homemade pumpkin spice recipe. Dong’s warm, cheerful illustrations enhance the cozy fall vibe. However, the narrative feels disjointed, with Pumpkin Spice’s identity as a person rather than a pumpkin causing confusion. The book vacillates between offering factual fall insights and telling a whimsical story without fully committing to either, leaving the premise feeling awkward. VERDICT A lightly enjoyable seasonal pick that will find a place in fall displays but may not stand out among more cohesive titles.

Marcero, Deborah. Little Bunny, Fall Is Here! illus. by author. 24p. (Little Bunny). Putnam. Jul. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593698990.
Toddler-PreS–Cozy and lyrical, this autumnal story follows Little Bunny as he searches for someone to tell him a story. Along the way, the forest itself becomes the storyteller, with swirling leaves, glowing pumpkins, and sleepy animals signaling the changing season. Soft, expressive illustrations pair perfectly with the gentle, rhythmic text. VERDICT A tender pick for fall displays and bedtime collections alike.

Scanlon, Liz Garton. Big Little Baby. illus. by Trudy Tran. 30p. Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9780593890868.
Baby-PreS–A cozy and tender meditation on the paradox of babyhood: how something so tiny can fill an entire world. Scanlon’s lyrical text captures both the smallness and enormity of a beloved baby, while Tran’s warm, playful illustrations add a layer of softness and joy. Gentle, rhythmic, and deeply reassuring, this is an ideal read-aloud for new families. VERDICT A heartfelt celebration of love’s boundless reach in a small essential package.

Spring Street Tummy Time: Baby’s First Book in Black & White. illus. by Alice Hoffmann. 10p. (Spring Street). Union Square Kids/Boxer. Mar. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781454712473.
Baby-Toddler–Perfect for little eyes and curious minds, this German/UK import uses bold black-and-white imagery and friendly animal shapes to support early visual development. Crisp, uncluttered art invites babies to focus, track, and explore, making it an ideal first book for tummy time and beyond. VERDICT A joyful and developmentally smart addition to early development collections.

Sussman, Joni Kibort. Laila Tov, Grover! illus. by Tom Leigh. 12p. (Shalom Sesame). Kar-Ben. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781728492865.
Baby-PreS–This tender addition to the “Shalom Sesame” series follows Grover through a quiet bedtime routine, from cozy pajamas and toothbrushing to stories and a good-night Shema. Leigh’s familiar Sesame Street–style art keeps the mood bright but soothing, making this a natural choice for winding down. VERDICT A soft, reassuring bedtime book that gently weaves Jewish tradition into a universal nighttime routine.

Van Fleet, Matthew. Shape Pet. photos by Brian Stanton. 14p. S. & S./Little Simon. Aug. 2025. Board. $14.99. ISBN 9781665984317.
Toddler-PreS–A concept board book blends early shape recognition with a playful pet theme, featuring interactive elements like pull tabs and textured shapes to engage tactile learners. Van Fleet’s signature design offers plenty of hands-on exploration. The finger-friendly elements and movable parts encourage interaction, while the animals’ exaggerated expressions and vivid colors add a lighthearted charm. Though the narrative feels a bit frenetic, and the concept occasionally drifts into visual confusion, the energy and animal personalities are undeniably engaging for children. VERDICT A visually dynamic choice for toddlers who enjoy hands-on, sensory-driven experiences.

Yim, Natasha. No School for Me! (Change Is Hard). illus. by Cory Reid. 22p. (Chicken Soup for the Soul for Babies: Bk. 13). Charlesbridge. Aug. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781623545871.
Toddler-K–Little Turtle resists every step of getting ready for the first day of school, from new shoes to new friends. But as the day unfolds, familiar comforts and small discoveries ease the transition. Yim’s repetitive structure mirrors a child’s thought patterns, while soft, textured illustrations add warmth and approachability. VERDICT A reassuring pick for little ones facing new beginnings, perfect for school readiness shelves.

Nonfiction

ABC Animals in the Wild. illus. by Jennifer Bartlett. 10p. 7 Cats. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781423668800.
Baby-PreS–Not your average ABC book—instead of the usual bears, cats, and X-ray fish, readers meet quokkas, urials, and xerus in Bartlett’s cheerful celebration of wild creatures. Soft, die-cut illustrations pair with playful questions, making this board book a gentle but adventurous trip through the alphabet that sparks curiosity about the wider natural world. VERDICT A lively and refreshing pick for alphabet shelves and animal-themed collections.

A Is for Apple Wipe-Clean. illus. by Georgie Birkett & Summer Macon. 26p. (My First Wipe-Clean Book). Tiger Tales. Sept. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781664351677.
Toddler-K–An interactive alphabet board book encourages early learners to trace letters, connect dots, and follow simple mazes while building foundational literacy skills. Each spread features a new letter with corresponding words and activities, from tracing ice cream cones to finding matching socks. The wipe-clean pages allow for repeated use, making it a practical choice for caregivers. Due to the marker-friendly format and hands-on nature, this title may be better suited for limited circulation in libraries. VERDICT A hands-on alphabet primer that balances educational value with playful engagement, ideal for individual use.

Animal ABC. illus. by Jannie Ho. 26p. (Jannie Ho’s ABCs). Candlewick. Jun. 2025. Board. $7.99. ISBN 9781536241402.
Baby-PreS–This cheerful alphabet book features bright, easily recognizable animal portraits that encourage engagement and early word recognition. From alligators to zebras, the clear illustrations offer visual anchors for young learners, inviting exploration and supporting letter-sound awareness. VERDICT A lively and appealing addition to board book concept collections.

Dinosaurs: My First Carry Book. illus. by Laura Silveira. 26p. (My First). Tiger Tales. Sept. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781664351653.
Toddler-K–Designed for portability, this dino-themed board book features a handle for easy carrying and a sturdy format that can withstand repeated use. Each spread introduces a different category of prehistoric creatures, from meat eaters to flying reptiles, with bold illustrations and playful facts. Pronunciation guides accompany the names, helping caregivers sound out tricky dinosaur names like Quetzalcoatlus and Ankylosaurus. However, some content choices are questionable: reptiles like Pteranodon and Elasmosaurus are featured as though they were dinosaurs, which may be misleading for children. Additionally, the “Weird and Wacky” section feels less purposeful compared to more straightforward groupings like “Big Beasts” and “Fast Movers.” Still, the vibrant visuals and tactile format will likely keep readers busy. VERDICT An engaging introduction to dinosaurs, offering portability and bright visuals, though some choices may confuse budding enthusiasts.

Cox, Hettie. Noisy Animal World. illus. by Laura Silveira. 16p. (My First Animal Sound Book). Tiger Tales. Sept. 2025. Board. $14.99. ISBN 9781664351660.
Baby-PreS–Cox uses an interactive board book to introduce children to a wide range of animals from various habitats, featuring real animal photographs paired with sound buttons that emit authentic calls. Categories such as “Farm,” “Rainforest,” and “Ocean” make intuitive sense, but others, like “Nighttime” and “Pets,” feel inconsistent, grouping animals by time of day or domesticity rather than environment. Additionally, some choices stretch logic, like placing bees and butterflies in the “Pond” section when they are not inherently linked to ponds, or adding the crepuscular fox to the “Nighttime” spread. On a more positive note, textured backgrounds like grass and snow add visual interest and enhance the aesthetic appeal. VERDICT A sensory-rich introduction to animal sounds that may delight little listeners despite some logical inconsistencies and structural quirks.

CHWAST, Seymour. Nosy. illus. by Seymour Chwast. 22p. Creative Eds. Aug. 2025. Board. $11.99. ISBN 9781568464091.
Toddler-K–With bold illustrations and sly visual humor, Chwast dives into the functions and forms of one very prominent feature: the nose. From sniffing and sneezing to running and snoozing, each spread pairs lively drawings with short, punchy text and celebrates with an affirming reminder: every nose, no matter the shape or size, is a good nose. VERDICT A quirky concept book with graphic punch, perfect for preschoolers exploring their five senses, or just their faces.

Dahl, Roald. Fantastic Feelings. illus. by Quentin Blake.14p. Viking. Aug. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593695104.
Toddler-PreS–This cheerful work extends the playful world of Roald Dahl into a lively SEL primer. Through Blake’s exuberant art and the bouncy, Dahl-inspired text, young readers are encouraged to name, share, and work through emotions from happy and proud to worried and shy. As an extension of the sunnier aspects of Dahl’s brand, this book offers familiar whimsy paired with gentle, practical advice for early emotional resilience. VERDICT A spirited and engaging addition for SEL collections.

Harnett, Katie. A World to Meet. illus. by Katie Harnett. 24p. Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Aug. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593888667.
Baby-PreS–A gentle, lyrical celebration of discovery for the youngest listeners. With soothing, rhythmic text and a warm, earth-toned palette, Harnett introduces a world full of wonders from trees and toys to wagging tails and distant sails. A panopoly of subjects and playful details invite repeat readings, making this an ideal gift for new babies and a calming addition to story time shelves. VERDICT A tender and beautifully crafted welcome-to-the-world board book.

Holub, Joan. This BIG Pop Star: A Popular Music Primer. illus. by Daniel Roode. 26p. (This BIG). S. & S./Little Simon. Aug. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781665974158.
Toddler-PreS–A lively, celebratory board book introducing some of the biggest names in pop music, from Taylor Swift and Beyoncé to Prince and Madonna. Short rhyming snippets highlight each star’s talent or signature trait, paired with bright, affectionate illustrations. While adult readers will likely recognize more references than young ones, the rhythmic text and colorful portraits invite dancing, singing, and early fandom. VERDICT A playful, music-themed addition that will hit the right note for pop-loving caregivers and library collections.

Lunde, Darrin. Whose Egg Is That? illus. by Kelsey Oseid. 32p. (Whose Is THAT?). Charlesbridge. Jun. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781623546090.
Toddler-PreS–Children are invited to guess which animal laid each mysterious egg in this charming board book adaptation. Short, factual clues pair with naturalistic illustrations, encouraging close observation and early scientific thinking. Oseid’s artwork scales beautifully, making the science approachable for little hands. This book turns learning into a playful, fact-filled game. VERDICT A smart and inviting pick for those growing the early nonfiction shelves.

Madison, Megan Pamela Ruth with Jessica Ralli. All of Us: A First Conversation About Disability. illus. by Jonathan Eden. 38p. (First Conversations: Bk. 8). Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Jul. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9780593521021.
PreS-Gr 2–Bold and empowering, this entry in the “First Conversations” series frames disability not as a deficit but as part of the natural spectrum of human experience. With affirming language and inclusive illustrations, it encourages young children and caregivers to think critically about fairness, access, and interdependence. While the content may exceed the expected scope for board books, its message is timely and clear. VERDICT A powerful, conversation-starting tool for building empathy and equity from the earliest years.

McDonald, Jill. Hello, World! Rockets and Other Space Machines. illus. by author. 26p. (Hello, World!). Doubleday. Jun. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593813546.
PreS-Gr 1–Packed with facts and bold, cheerful illustrations, this space-themed board book invites curious minds to blast off into the world of rockets, satellites, and rovers. McDonald distills big concepts into bite-sized explanations that feel both exciting and accessible. Ideal for slightly older board book readers, this is a stellar choice for early STEM collections. VERDICT A high-interest, fact-packed pick for libraries growing their STEM board book choices.

Otter, Isabel. How It Works: Tree. illus. by David Semple.12p. (How It Works: Bk. 8). Tiger Tales. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781664351622.
PreS-Gr 1–This intricately designed board book offers a rich, layered look at how trees grow, change with the seasons, and support surrounding ecosystems. Die-cut pages reveal cross-sections of a tree’s life cycle, encouraging hands-on exploration alongside clear, engaging text. The amount of information is impressive yet accessible, making this an ideal pick for curious young naturalists. VERDICT A beautifully constructed addition to STEM and nature collections.

Paige, Tabitha. Our Big Book of Sports: A Collection of 100+ Foundational Words for Future Athletes. illus. by author. 30p. (Our Little Adventures). Paige Tate. May 2025. Board. $14.95. ISBN 9781963183405.
Toddler-K–Created by a licensed speech-language pathologist, this lively board book offers more than 100 foundational sports words, from “bat” and “goal” to “pommel horse” and “relay baton.” Soft watercolor illustrations lend a gentle tone, while the breadth of vocabulary introduces a wide variety of sports, equipment, and action words. An included seek-and-find activity encourages repeated engagement and early language development. VERDICT A smart and accessible pick for early concept shelves, especially where vocabulary-building books are in demand.

Paprocki, Greg. C Is for Cats. illus. by author. 32p. (BabyLit ABCs). Gibbs Smith. Aug. 2025. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9781423668213.
Toddler-K–This playful spin on a classic alphabet book pairs cat-themed adjectives with Paprocki’s signature mid-century modern–inspired illustrations. From “aloof” and “klutzy” to “snuggly” and “zen-like,” each letter celebrates a different mood, with retro-chic art to charm children and adults alike. A clever concept delivered with style and humor. VERDICT A lively, letter-purrfect pick for cat lovers who know their ABCs.

Paquette, Ammi-Joan. My Mouth Says. illus. by Sabrena Khadija. 24p. (Body Power). Penguin Workshop/Rise X. Jul. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593660485.
Toddler-PreS–Few board books blend physical awareness, emotional intelligence, and joyful representation as seamlessly as this one. Paquette’s rhythmic text explores the many things mouths can do (eat, sing, advocate, comfort), while Khadija’s vibrant art and thoughtful use of color celebrate a joyful and diverse range of faces, voices, and experiences. Every page models agency, connection, and kindness. VERDICT An essential, empowering addition to early literacy, SEL, and identity collections.

Riggs, Kate. A Sense of Red. illus. by Eleonora Pace. 14p. Creative Eds. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9781568464152.
Toddler-PreS–Red thumps, bounces, perfumes, and perches in this sensory-rich concept book that invites readers to experience color with their whole bodies. Riggs’s minimal, rhythmic text is paired with Pace’s soft, expressive art to evoke red’s emotional and physical impact. The final spread adds a moment of gentle reflection, encouraging presence and self-awareness. VERDICT A visually striking and meditative concept book, well-suited for sensory exploration and early mindfulness collections.

Tichauer, Rachel. ABCs of Judaism. illus. by Isabel Foo. 26p. Grosset & Dunlap. Jun. 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9780593750360.
Toddler-PreS–This welcoming introduction to Jewish culture highlights traditions, holidays, and values from Afikomen to Zachor. Tichauer’s approachable text and Foo’s vibrant, inclusive illustrations create a warm portrait of Jewish life. Some entries offer pronunciation guides while others, including oft-mispronounced terms like challah and Chanukah, do not, which may momentarily stymie cultural outsiders. Still, the book’s joyful tone and emphasis on community make it a valuable addition to library collections. VERDICT A warm, representative choice for building inclusive early concept shelves.

Uslan, Nancy E. Walk with Me: A Counting Adventure. illus. by author. 26p. Farrar. Aug. 2025. Board. $9.99. ISBN 9780374391812.
Toddler-PreS–Bright, richly textured art and a gentle rhyme invite readers to count animals on a lively outdoor walk. From a single soaring bird to 10 vibrant butterflies, each spread bursts with color and movement. Inspired by a commitment to global literacy initiatives, this counting book thoughtfully gestures toward Rwanda’s natural beauty and back story without veering into stereotype. VERDICT A visually striking and conscientiously crafted counting book that elevates early concept shelves.

Vehicles: Touch and Feel. illus. by Adam Howling. 10p. (Spring Street). Union Square Kids/Boxer. Mar. 2025. Board. $12.99. ISBN 9781454712411.
Baby-Toddler–Engines roar, tires rumble, and horns honk in this lively touch-and-feel tour of the highway. Simple text pairs with bold, stylized vehicles, inviting little hands to explore glossy doors, rubbery tires, and shiny grilles. A high-energy pick that encourages vocabulary building and sensory exploration in busy lapsits and story times. VERDICT An upbeat, hands-on choice for transportation lovers and early concept shelves.

Yee, Patrick. 7 Best Things About Friends. illus. by author. 14p. (Best Things About). Flowerpot Pr. May 2025. Board. $8.99. ISBN 9781486731190.
Toddler-PreS–This upbeat celebration of friendship highlights moments of play, laughter, and kindness in a cheerful classroom setting. Playful cartoon art fills the pages, with clever alphabet décor in the background that reinforces early literacy skills. Though some playtime depictions lean on traditional gender roles, the book’s positive message about connection and joy shines through. VERDICT A bright and friendly choice for libraries building social-emotional learning shelves for little ones.

Rose Garrett is a freelance editorial and curriculum writer, book reviewer, and former K–8 librarian based in Atlanta.