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Board books are often a child's first introduction to the world of print. Designed with infants and toddlers in mind, these specialty children's books are chunky, with thick, study pages perfect for a young child's exploring touch. Like most children's books, board books are usually labeled with a target age range by the publisher. Board books are generally intended for children from birth to three years old.

Early children's books come in many titles. Many classics of children's literature are available in board book format, from the works of Dr. Seuss to bedtime staples like Goodnight Moon. These titles allow even the very youngest children to enjoy the whimsical stories and colorful illustrations of favorite stories without worry about torn pages.

Pocket sized board books often come in themed collections. Favorite children's characters often star in collections of board books, which often come in creative packaging, intended to make getting the books out and putting them away just as much fun for your child as reading them. Other collections focus on a theme, such as letters of the alphabet.

Perhaps the most popular style of board book is the simple picture book. Each heavy, cardboard page contains a single word or concept, paired with a matching illustration. Available on subjects from dinosaurs and cars to colors and shapes, these children's books build familiarity with basic early learning concepts and introduce the idea that words represent things we see around us.

Board books come in a range of different sizes. Small, pocket sized board books are perfect for crawling infants who are just learning to manipulate objects, while larger books are ideal for the toddler who wants a book just like Mommy's.

The physical construction of board books is designed to withstand the rough treatment of children too young to know better. Unlike traditional bound paper books, the thick cardboard pages of board books are virtually indestructible. They resist tearing and make it easier for clumsy young fingers to turn pages.

Board books are also an exceptionally affordable addition to the family library. Small full color picture books are often priced at just a few dollars per title, while larger, full size full color books are priced around the same as hardcover children's books. Building a collection of board books for the child in you life is an inexpensive way to provide an early introduction to the importance and enjoyment of reading.