Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — When my oldest daughter was about 2 1/2 years old, I bought her all the current "Fancy Nancy" books. I was certain she would adore them and take care of them.
The day I walked into her room and found both beautiful and expensive books ripped to pieces, and her sitting in the aftermath with a self-satisfied smile on her face, was the day I vowed to buy only board books for my young children.
In my new-mother ignorance I didn't take into account a toddler's fascination with the feel and sound of ripping paper. So she loved them all right —loved them to pieces.
The day I walked into her room and found both beautiful and expensive books ripped to pieces, and her sitting in the aftermath with a self-satisfied smile on her face, was the day I vowed to buy only board books for my young children.
Board books are durable and easy for little hands to hold and abuse. They are also less expensive than hardcover picture books: The average board book is around $7 and the average picture book is around $15.
Having board books in the home from the time a child is born is an excellent way to encourage reading and a love for books. Put them down low or mixed in with toys so babies and toddlers can play with and look at any time.
Over the years, certain board books have become favorites in our house. These volumes are so loved that several are currently held together with packing tape or have had to be replaced. Not only are these books favorites of my kids, but some I enjoyed as a child and most I have seen in many other family homes. Most of these tough books are also long-standing bestsellers. I'm sure your children will love/gleefully abuse them too.
Book Matters top 10 board books (ages 0-5):
- "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise BrownQuite possibly the No. 1 bedtime story of all time, this cozy, easy-to-read book is an instant favorite. My son especially likes the red balloon.
- "Moo, Baa, La, La, La" by Sandra BoyntonI had to restrain myself from simply putting 10 Boynton books on this list. That is how much I love her stuff. This one happens to be my 1-year-old's favorite, so it made the list. This one is a quirky tale of animal sounds.
- "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric CarleEric Carle is a well-loved children's author and illustrator. His art is so engaging and so unique, every book is a masterpiece. This one is probably his most popular, but you can't go wrong with any of his books. My kids also love "Brown Bear, Brown Bear."
- "David Smells" by David ShannonThe "David" books are a great pick for little boys. David is naughty, noisy and entertaining. The illustrations are weird, but pleasantly different. And the stories are short, which is perfect for short attention spans.
- "The Napping House" by Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
- Hinckley Alumni Center, BYU: Symposium on Books for Young Readers Conference for libraians, teachers and parents. July 14-15. For registration call 801-422-8925.
- Harold B. Lee Library, BYU: Exhibit featuring the work of English satirical novelist William Makepeace Thackeray runs through July.
- The King's English Bookshop: Author James Rollins, July 14, 7 p.m.
This fun book with whimsical illustrations and delightful repetitive text will make any child giggle.
2. "Star Wars ABC" by ScholasticMy husband and I have probably read this book a hundred times, and our two older kids can recite every page. Hearing a 3-year-old say, "Obi-Wan Kenobi" is truly hilarious. If dad is a "Star Wars" fan then he'll want to get this book to introduce the timeless sci-fi world to the kids. 3. "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" by Iza TrapaniThis sunny book is simply fabulous. Kids enjoy the fun expansion on the classic song as well as finding the happy spider on every page. 4. "The Foot Book" by Dr. SeussNo children's book collection would be complete without at least one Dr. Seuss (I hope to have them all one day). This one is quick, funny and very likable. When my oldest was about 18 months old she would ask for this book at least twice a day. 5. "Curious George Rides" by Margret and H.A. ReySix decades of children have adored this curious little monkey and all the craziness he gets himself into. This one is a fast read, all about the different ways George likes to get around, including riding through the sky on the end of a bouquet of balloons. 6. "Goodnight Gorilla" by Peggy RathmannThis richly illustrated book with deep, eye-catching colors is another good bedtime story. The fun tale of a gorilla letting all the zoo animals out of their cages to follow the zoo keeper home is a must-have classic.
Next week: Judge a book by its cover
