If you want to raise a little reader, starting their book obsession early is key. What types of books are appropriate for their age? What’s the real difference between board books and picture books? Don’t worry—The Breakie Bunch is here to answer all your questions and more!
Why Do Kids Need to Read?
Whether your kid chooses a story for you to read aloud before bed or a picture book to flip through on their own, reading time is more powerful than you realize. Introducing books to your young ones is crucial for developing their critical thinking and language skills, fostering literacy, and promoting creativity. Once it’s time to attend classes, they’ll be miles ahead of the curve!
What is a Board Book?
Board books are a subgenre of picture books designed for the youngest of readers. With rounded corners, durable paperboard pages, and short story lengths, this type of book allows babies and infants to explore reading safely. Board books for children typically feature colorful illustrations, large font, and easy-to-comprehend stories.
What Age Range Are Children’s Board Books Intended For?
Board books for children are written for infants and toddlers. This age range is sometimes described as “pre-readers” and is officially advertised for kids ages 0 to 3.
Popular Board Books for Children:
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Goodnight Moon written by Margaret Wise Brown and illustrated by Clement Hurd
- Corduroy by Don Freeman
What is a Picture Book?
Though picture books and board books for children both feature illustrations and text, they couldn’t be more different. Designed for slightly older children, picture books are usually longer in length and printed on regular paper pages. The themes, plot, and characters may be more complex to encourage deeper story comprehension and strengthen observational skills.
What Age Should Children Be Introduced to Picture Books?
Once your kid gets used to reading board books, they will have gained the necessary reading skills to work through a picture book. These titles are primarily intended for children in preschool programs aged 4 to 7—though some can even be targeted up to 10 years old. These books are meant to pre-date chapter books, something that will be introduced to your kids in their mid-elementary school years.
Popular Examples of Picture Books:
- Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
- Eloise by Kay Thompson
- Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
What To Do When Your Kid Switches from Board Books to Picture Books
Helping your kiddo transition from board books for children to the endless catalog of picture books is easier than you’d think. Experts suggest adding a few picture book titles into your existing rotation rather than making a complete switch. You can also hunt down picture versions of your child’s favorite board book stories and stick to familiar stories.
We have plenty of kid-friendly titles at The Breakie Bunch Learning Center, but it’s vital that you start a collection of your own. Head to your local bookstore or library and scoop up the picture and board books for children that spark your little one’s interest. Soon enough, your child will be reading like a pro!