The Joy of Board Books

For those of you who may be looking for some last-minute gifts for the tots in your life, might I recommend some board books?

Board books are those thick cardboard-style books made especially for babies and toddlers. I love these types of books because they are functional, cute, and practical. Kids at this age chew on books, throw books, and have no concept of being gentle with paper pages. "Regular" children's books are certainly beautiful and we own and enjoy plenty of those, too. Board books just seem to be better for a little hands-on experience.

And don't get me started on dust jackets on children's books...completely and utterly useless, and stupid, in my opinion. It's not like an adult version where the book is just plain and the dust jacket offers the eye-catching cover art. On a children's book, there is art all over the book itself. Dust jackets just get torn off by eager little hands.

So anyway, back to board books. Might I recommend the following, which have gotten a lot of play at our house, from newborn to 19 months (so far)...

Anytime Books:
My Many Colored Days - Dr. Seuss
Quiet Time With Cassatt - Julie Merberg/Suzanne Bober (also recommend other books in the series - Van Gogh, Monet, etc.)
Anything in the Bright Baby series
The Five Senses - Green Start

Bedtime/Nap Time Books:
Time For Bed - Mem Fox
The Going to Bed Book - Sandra Boynton
Hush Little Baby - Sylvia Long
Good Night Lake - Adam Gamble/Cooper Kelly (series)
Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Bed? - Barney Saltzberg
Prayer for a Child - Rachel Field (also a great christening gift)
The Napping House - Audrey Wood

Many of these also come in the regular versions. Keep in mind the little square board books (about 3"x3") that often come in sets are also great gifts because they fit easily in the diaper bag and mom's purse when on the go. Happy gift-giving!