Board Book Printing Basics (and Differences from Children's Picture Books)

Published on 06/22/

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A baby’s first interaction with a form of technology might not be with a smartphone. More likely, it will be with their first baby board book. Just as pictograms were the primordial form of communication, board books are becoming more popular, as highlighted by Publishers' Weekly.

If you're thinking about self-publishing a board book, here's a comprehensive guide to get you started, contrasting them with children's picture books.

Board Book Length: Think Spreads, Not Pages

Opening a board book reveals a 2-page spread. Page 1 starts as a left-hand page (behind the front cover) and Page 2 faces it. The final page is a right-hand page (before the back cover).

For instance, a 7-spread (14-page) board book will not include the cover pages in its count.

When designing, use facing pages settings in your layout software and select 'Spreads' when creating the PDF for print. Most children's board books range between 8 and 12 spreads (16 to 24 pages), featuring colorful images and minimal text (up to 300 words).

Board Book Size: Think Small, Not Large

Your target readers are children aged 1 to 4 years. A small-sized book is easier for toddlers to handle. It also ensures that young eyes focus on one main image per page.

The standard size for a board book is typically around 6 x 6 inches.

Board Book Stock: Think Paperboard, Not Paper

Board books are created from durable cardboard called paperboard. This ensures they can endure the rough handling by toddlers.

Two main types of paperboard are:

• Gray board: Made of gray fibers with a white laminated surface.
• White board (or white art board): Composed of white fibers with a laminated surface. It's of higher quality and thus more expensive than gray board.

Distinguish them by the color of their edges: gray board has gray edges while white board has white edges.

Paperboard thickness is measured in gsm (grams per square meter). A value between 350 gsm to 400 gsm is ideal, offering resistance against bending, chewing, and throwing.

Board Book Cover: Think Self Cover, Not Separate Cover

A self cover is typically used, identical to the artboard used for the book's pages. Don't count the cover in your page count.

The cover layout requires a separate file, combining the back, spine, and front. We'll provide a template to set your artwork, ensuring correct spine width and bleed measurements.

The hinge on the back cover, 9mm from the spine, allows the book to lay flat. Avoid placing any important text or images near this hinge.

For a hybrid board book-picture book feel, you can opt for a hardcover and case binding. This hardcover will be slightly larger than the interior spreads.

Board Book Printer: Think Experienced, Not Newbie

Specialized equipment and expertise are essential for printing and binding board books. Collaborate with experienced board book printers who have easy access to the right materials.

Board books are typically printed in 4 process colors (CMYK). Ensure your layouts are in CMYK, not RGB, which is meant for digital screens.

CMYK combines:

C = Cyan

M = Magenta

Y = Yellow

K = Black

Black text should use 100% black (C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=100%). Using a mix can result in fuzzy text due to minor misalignments during printing.

Avoid plastic lamination for board books as it poses a choking hazard. Instead, use child-safe gloss UV varnish for protection and longevity.

Rounded corners are common to prevent potential injuries.

Board Book Printing: Where To Get the Best Quality and Value

In North America, only a few printers specialize in board book printing due to the need for specialized equipment. Overseas printing, especially in China, can offer high-quality results at a more affordable price.

Tips on How to Keep Board Book Printing Costs Low

• Opt for a smaller book size to reduce material costs.
• Limit the number of spreads to save on artboard expenses.
• Consider overseas printing to cut costs by about 40%.
• Gray board usage instead of white board can save around 50% on paper costs.

If you're curious about the costs associated with board book printing, check out our sample cost chart.

Even in today's digital age, board books remain crucial in fostering a love for reading, as highlighted by Scholastic. Moreover, research in Scientific American indicates that reading on paper can improve attention spans compared to digital screens.

Are you among those self-publishing children's board books? Callawind Book Publishing, with over 23 years of experience, offers comprehensive self-publishing services, including graphic design. Visit our website at www.callawind.com

Everything You Need to Know about Board Books

Board books are designed for young children and are a crucial tool in introducing them to the world of reading. As a gifted education specialist, I emphasize the importance of these books in early literacy. If you want to know more, visit Heao Printing.

WHAT ARE BOARD BOOKS?

Board books consist of thick cardboard pages, making them durable and easy for small hands to handle. They can withstand the rough treatment often given by young children.

Allowing children access to books made specifically for them avoids the need to scold for damaging fragile books.

Board books often have simple text and bold illustrations, making them engaging and easy to understand. Their durability also makes them a cost-effective choice for parents.

4 IMPORTANT PURPOSES OF BOARD BOOKS:

1. Develop Early Literacy Skills: Reading board books to young children introduces them to reading, builds vocabulary, and language skills. The simple text and illustrations help children connect words with meanings and follow stories.
2. Promote a Love of Reading: Reading board books can be enjoyable for both the child and the adult, fostering a love for reading and establishing it as a regular activity.
3. Convenient and Portable: Board books are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry and perfect for keeping children entertained during travels. (Remember, young children do not benefit from device usage).
4. Durability: Made of thick cardboard, they can endure rough handling, making them ideal for young children.

WHAT AGES ARE BOARD BOOKS FOR?

Board books are designed for pre-readers, typically for children aged 0 to 3, though some may suit older kids. They're perfect for short attention spans and are more durable than regular books.

HOW TO CHOOSE A BOARD BOOK:

Age-appropriateness: Select books with simple text and vivid illustrations suitable for the child's age. Avoid books like “Pride and Prejudice” in board book format.

Durability: Choose books with sturdy pages. Look at reviews to assess durability. The book’s intended use also matters.

Size and Weight: Ensure the book can be easily handled by small hands. Check dimensions when buying online.

Content: Pick books with engaging themes and characters familiar to the child, such as dinosaurs or animals.

Language: If the child is bilingual, get books in both languages. This aids vocabulary building.

Illustrations: Use clear, bright, and recognizable illustrations to support text and aid in language acquisition.

THINGS TO AVOID WHEN SELECTING BOARD BOOKS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN:

Avoid books with small parts that can break or get lost, overly complex content, inappropriate themes, poor quality illustrations, and poorly written texts. These can confuse or discourage young readers.

THE BEST-SELLING BOARD BOOKS OF ALL TIME:

Popularity varies, but here are some classics every board book library should have:

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
• Little Blue Truck by Alice Shertle
• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr.
• Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
• The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

These books are favored for their timeless stories, engaging illustrations, and their ability to introduce young readers to the joy of books.

BEST PLACES TO FIND BOARD BOOKS:

Finding board books involves knowing your preferences and locating the books. Here are some suggestions:

• Library: Libraries often have a dedicated section for board books. Borrowing them is a great way to find out if your child enjoys a book before purchasing.
• Friends: Seek recommendations or consider a board book swap with friends who have children of a similar age.
• Local Bookstores: Visit local or independent bookstores for recommendations and a variety of titles. Used bookstores can also be a great resource.
• Online Booksellers: Websites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble offer a vast selection. Independent bookstores also provide online ordering.
• Book Clubs: Clubs like Scholastic Book Clubs offer discounted board books.
• Consignment and Garage Sales: Consignment sales and garage sales are good for finding gently used board books at lower prices.
• Curated Lists: Check curated lists on Amazon or specific book recommendation sites for suggestions.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BOARD BOOK AND A HARDBACK BOOK?

Differences include:

1. Material: Board books are made of thick cardboard; hardbacks are paper pages bound with a hard cover.
2. Size and Weight: Board books are smaller and lighter.
3. Durability: Board books are more durable.
4. Age Range: Board books suit ages 0 to 3; hardbacks cater to all ages.
5. Cost: Board books are usually less expensive.

HOW TO REPAIR A DAMAGED BOARD BOOK

If a board book gets damaged:

• Clear Tape: Use clear tape to mend tears. Scotch ‘book tape’ is specifically designed for this purpose.
• Glue Stick: Reattach separated pages with a glue stick. Clamp until dry.
• Binding Repair Kit: Use these kits to fix damaged spines or pages.

Learning to repair board books can save money by extending their life.

YOU'RE A BOARD BOOK EXPERT

Board books are essential for young readers as they offer a secure introduction to reading. With the tips provided, you're now an informed expert on choosing, using, and repairing board books.

For more information, visit Printed Kid Books with Illustrated Cardboard Narratives.