When it comes to children’s books, durability is just as important as design. Board books are specially made with thick, sturdy board stock rather than traditional paper pages, making them an excellent choice for young children and toddlers.
Unlike standard books, the cover and interior pages of a board book are made from thick board, giving the entire book a substantial, durable feel. This construction allows board books to better withstand the everyday handling that comes with being in the hands of young children.
From storybooks and picture books to educational books, board books are a popular format for children’s publishing because they combine durability with colourful, engaging designs.
Are Board Books Safe for Kids?
Board books are designed with young readers in mind. Their sturdy pages are much more durable than conventional paper, making them less likely to tear during regular use.
Board books can also be produced with rounded corners, which helps create a more child-friendly design by reducing sharp edges. Finishing options such as gloss or matte lamination can provide an additional layer of protection and help the pages withstand frequent handling.
The design of a board book is another important part of creating an engaging experience for children. Large text, colourful illustrations, and high-quality images can make stories easier and more enjoyable for young readers to follow.
Some board books also incorporate interactive elements such as sounds, flaps, or pop-ups. These features can add another level of engagement and make the reading experience more interactive.
What Is the Typical Size of a Board Book?
Board books can be produced in a variety of sizes, depending on the design and intended use. Square formats are particularly common for children's books, with popular sizes including 4" x 4", 5" x 5", and larger formats up to 12" x 12".
However, you are not limited to these standard sizes. A board book can also be created in a custom size to suit your artwork and overall concept.
At Sure Print and Design, board books can be produced with 4 to 36 pages using 1 mm or 1.5 mm board. The appropriate board thickness can depend on the number of pages and the overall construction of the book.
When planning your board book, it's important to consider the thickness of the finished product from the beginning. Our team can help you determine the appropriate specifications based on your project.
What Should You Know Before Creating a Board Book?
One of the most important things to consider when creating a board book is your file setup. Proper bleeds, margins, and image placement are essential, particularly when your illustrations or background colours extend all the way to the edge of the page.
Many board books feature full-colour illustrations that run off the page, so setting up your artwork with the correct bleed is especially important. A properly prepared file helps ensure that your images and artwork extend beyond the trim area and that important text or graphics remain safely within the margins.
If you're unsure how to set up your bleed and margins, our team can help guide you through the requirements before your book goes to print.
Create Your Own Board Book
Board books offer a unique combination of durability, vibrant printing, and engaging design, making them a popular choice for children's publishing. Whether you're creating a picture book, educational story, activity book, or another project for young readers, the board book format gives your publication a sturdy and professional finish.
With the right artwork, colours, and specifications, you can create a book that is both visually appealing and designed to withstand plenty of reading and handling.
Ready to bring your children's book to life? Contact Sure Print and Design for a free quote and learn more about printing your board book.