Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest LinkedIn YouTube
    • Home
    • Submission Guidelines
    • Media Kit
    • About
    • Contact
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest TikTok
    The Children's Book Review
    Subscribe
    • Books by Subject
    • Books by Age
      • Ages 0-3, Infant and Toddler
      • Ages 4-8, Preschool to Elementary
      • Ages 9-12, Preteen and Tween
      • Ages 12+, Teen and Young Adult
      • Books for First Grade Readers
      • Books for Second Grade Readers
      • Books for Third Grade Readers
    • Favorites
      • Diverse and Inclusive Books
      • Books About Activism
      • Best Books for Kids
      • Star Wars Books
      • Board Books
      • Books About Mindfulness
      • Dr. Seuss Books
    • Showcase
    • Interviews
      • Growing Readers Podcast
      • Author Interviews and Q&A
      • Illustrator Interviews
    • Kids’ Book Giveaways
    • Directory
    • Podcast
    The Children's Book Review

    The Best Board Books of 2018

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze13 Mins Read Ages 0-3 Ages 4-8 Best Kids Stories Board Books Book Lists
    The-Best-New-Board-Books-of-2018
    #7
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

    The Children’s Book Review | January 3, 2019

    There are so many special qualities about board books. Starting with the obvious, they are stronger and sturdier than the average picture book, and they are usually brightly colored, often interactive, with limited (and usually engaging) text. These reasons make them a great choice for the youngest readers—they can also double as beginner reader books for kids ready to read on their own. This list represents some of our favorite board books—the board books we feel represented the best of 2018. Ready. Set. Read!

    LlamaphonesLlamaphones

    Written and Illustrated by Janik Coat

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Llamaphones, Janik Coat’s much-anticipated follow-up to Hippopposites and Rhymoceros, features witty words that sound the same but are spelled differently—and have different meanings. Like the other books in the series, this one features surprising novelties, including a touch-and-feel element, making homophones an easy and fun concept to learn.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2-4 | Publisher: Harry N. Abrams | March 6, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1419728273

    100 First Words for Little Geeks100 First Words for Little Geeks

    Illustrated by Kyle Kershner

    Publisher’s Synopsis:There’s a TARDIS cookie jar in our kitchen. A Picard air freshener in our car. And we won’t even mention Harry Potter in the bathroom. We’re geeks and proud of it! But is there nothing for baby? Inconceivable! Introducing 100 First Words for Little Geeks, a deliciously nerdy primer for kids learning their first words! Forget apple and dog. Little geeks are ready for holy grail, warp core, and intergalactic catastrophe (okay, forget that last one, but they’ll learn tribble and that’s about the same thing). Packed with hilarious illustrations and 100 words every geek baby should know (before any others, of course), 100 First Words for Little Geeks is the perfect board book for geek families everywhere. Great Scott!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 1-3 | Publisher: Familius | May 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1945547959

    Peek a Who Elsa MroziewiczPeek-a-Who?

    Written and Illustrated by Elsa Mroziewicz

    Publisher’s Synopsis:Who could be hiding behind the lift-the-flaps in this uniquely-shaped board book? Brimming with colorful art that children will want to pore over, this clever book is full of hidden animals, each making a different sound. Can you figure out who each one is? Lift the triangular flaps to see who peeks out! This beautifully designed book is sure to provide a delightfully interactive experience.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 1-3 | Publisher: minedition | September 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-9888341573

    My First Book of Feminism for BoysMy First Book of Feminism (For Boys)

    Written by Julie Merberg

    Illustrated by Michéle Brummer Everett

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Feminism begins at home—and My First Book of Feminism (for Boys) is where it begins!

    Simple illustrations paired with engaging, rhyming text make the compelling, age appropriate argument that girls and boys are equal, plain and simple. Humorous, familiar scenarios are treated as teachable moments for very young boys (ages 0-3) who will ideally grow up without ever questioning women’s equality. From “no means no,” to “women’s rights are human rights,” important, grownup ideas are made clear and fun for young, impressionable minds. This is the book every mom should read to her son!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 3+ | Publisher: Downtown Bookworks | November 6, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1941367629

    Car, Car, Truck, JeepCar, Car, Truck, Jeep

    Written by Katrina Charman

    Illustrated by Nick Sharratt

    Publisher’s Synopsis:This book is bursting with cars, buses, planes, trains, trucks, diggers–and many more Things That Go. And with a text set to the tune of Baa, Baa, Black Sheep, vehicle-obsessed little ones will never want to put this book down!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2+ | Publisher: Bloomsbury Children’s Books | October 2, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1681198958

    TouchThinkLearn- WigglesWiggles

    Written and Illustrated by Claire Zucchelli-Romer

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Little fingers twist and turn, zig and zag, moving on, over, and through pages filled with fluorescent die-cut dots and playful, grooved paths. This brilliant application of the groundbreaking TouchThinkLearn format compels the youngest learners to explore and engage with their world in a hands-on, multisensory way. The premise is simple: Hear an instruction, repeat its words, and playfully trace out its action. Multiple modes of perception combine to inspire and instill a deeper understanding of essential concepts and language. TouchThinkLearn: Wiggles offers a priceless way to play, read—and have fun—together!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2+ | Publisher: Chronicle Books | April 3, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1452164755

    Hi-Five AnimalsHi-Five Animals!

    Written and Illustrated by Ross Burach

    Publisher’s Synopsis: What’s the best way to say hello to anyone you meet? A handshake? Too formal! A hug? Too scary! The answer is a hi-five, of course! With his flair for hilarious cartooning and charismatic characters, author-artist Ross Burach crafts a brilliant original concept board book that will have young children laughing and hi-fiving their way to developing critical social-emotional skills.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2+ | Publisher: Scholastic Press | August 28, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1338245677

    Animal ShapesAnimal Shapes

    Written and Illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Best-selling picture book creator Christopher Silas Neal is diving into the world of original board books with Animal Shapes, a book that humorously mashes up animals and shapes to create a unique and funny object!

    When a cozy cat meets a circle, they make a . . .

    Purrrrrcle

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 3-6 | Publisher: little bee books | March 27, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1499805345

    I Can Dream Betsy SnyderI Can Dream

    Written and Illustrated by Betsy Snyder

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Dream big! Young readers help characters pursue their aspirations—from driving a race car to traveling to Mars— just by wiggling their fingers! But wait! There’s even more fun. In an impressive gatefold finale, kids help a firefighter, astronaut, artist, and more come together to follow their dreams. With interactive holes on every page and a satisfyingly funny touch-and-feel cover, this charming board book offers a uniquely entertaining way to play and read together.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Chronicle Books | May 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1452162140

    Annes Colors- Inspired by Anne of Green GablesAnne’s Colors: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables

    Illustrated by Kelly Hill

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A must-have board book for Anne of Green Gables fans, with charming, hand-embroidered illustrations.

    Iconic moments from the beloved L.M. Montgomery classic are celebrated in this adorable concept book. Artist Kelly Hill creates vignettes of the most recognizable scenes from Anne of Green Gables, including Anne and Diana’s first meeting, Gilbert pulling Anne’s hair, Anne’s puffed-sleeve dress and even Anne and Diana sharing raspberry cordial!
    Each scene has its own color, with simple text and tactile, gorgeous works of art created from cut fabric and embroidery.

    Part of a series of Anne concept books, Anne’s Colors is a perfect way to introduce future fans to this winning character.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 1-3 | Publisher: Tundra Books | May 21, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0735262843

    These Colors Are BananasThese Colors Are Bananas

    Created by Tamara Shopsin and Jason Fulford

    Publisher’s Synopsis: What color is a banana? It can be at least 25 different shades, according to this artful swatchbook of versatile subjects. An inversion of the way we typically look at color, this book challenges readers’ predispositions towards using a particular crayon for a particular object. 11 items are each presented alongside a grid of color ranges: the “apple” page features yellows, greens, and reds; the “egg” page a range of greens to grays; even “grass” is surprising, with suggestions of pink. The read-along text is playful and philosophical, poetic and factual… all towards expanding readers’ assumptions. Inspired by the Whitney Museum’s approach to looking at art, these books provide a new way to look at the world.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2-4 | Publisher: Phaidon Press | May 30, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0714876603

    Book Clever CountClever Count Photo Book: 700 Things to Count

    Created by Clever Publishing

    Publisher’s Synopsis: This over-sized Search & Find padded board book is a great educational tool that teaches children numbers.

    More than 700 real-life images throughout the book feature various cars, toys, shapes, animals, and birds. Children can easily recognize the images as part of the daily world. Each spread features objects of the same color and multiple activities to practice counting to ten.

    Photo books are incredibly popular for the intended audience as is the big format, thick board pages with rounded corners, and padded cover – a great gift for pre-schoolers!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2-4 | Publisher: Clever Publishing | September 11, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1948418386

    Los Angeles IsLos Angeles Is . . .

    Written by Elisa Parhad

    Illustrated by Alexander Vidal

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Los Angeles is…surfing waves and fashion faves, citrus fruits and long commutes, lowrider cruising and poolside snoozing, zipping cars and Hollywood stars. From taco trucks to tar pits, this stylish primer to California’s City of Angels, illustrated by Alexander Vidal, is spot-on for toddlers and first-time travelers.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 1-4 | Publisher: Cameron Kids | May 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1944903237

    Huggy the Python Hugs Too HardWee Beasties: Huggy the Python Hugs to Hard

    Written by Ame Dyckman

    Illustrated by Alex G Griffiths

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Help little ones learn how to give a BIG gentle hug with this first story in the brand-new Wee Beasties series from New York Times bestselling author Ame Dyckman.

    Huggy the Python loves to hug. The only problem is, he hugs WAY too hard.

    WAIT! Can you show Huggy how to give a gentle hug?

    Wee Beasties is a new board book series from New York Times bestselling author, Ame Dyckman, featuring silly animals doing the things they love just a little TOO much. In this first book about Huggy the Python and all the things he loves, little ones will learn how to give a big gentle hug.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Little Simon | May 29, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1534410800

    What Is LightWhat Is Light?

    Written by Markette Sheppard

    Illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Light can be so many things! The twinkle of a faraway star, a firefly captured in a jar, a mother’s love, a turtle dove . . .

    Lyrical text and crisp, cheerful illustrations illuminate What Is Light?, each page revealing the sparkle found in a child’s simple but extraordinary world. Young readers will enjoy discovering the special glow in everything from nature to the smiles of loved ones. The light revealed on the final page makes a fitting finale for this sweet, bright tale.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Agate Bolden | June 12, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1572842472

    Everybody Goes Nighty-NightEverybody Goes Nighty-Night

    Illustrated by Sandra Magsamen

    Publisher’s Synopsis: So going to sleep
    is not just for you.
    Everything, everywhere
    goes to sleep too!

    In the tradition of soothing bedtime books like Goodnight Moon, this original new offering from Sandra Magsamen is perfect for snuggling up and showing your sleepyhead that everyone and everything goes to bed. Animals and fun surprises are waiting to be revealed under each spread’s sturdy lift-the-flap, and the final page features all of the animals cuddled up together, ready for sweet dreams.

    This is a brand-new novelty board book from Sandra Magsamen, the bestselling creator of over 30 baby and toddler books, with sales of over 3 million copies worldwide.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 1-3 | Publisher: Cartwheel Books | April 24, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0545927994

    Mirror PlayMirror Play

    Written and Illustrated by Monte Shin

    Publisher’s Synopsis:In this creative wonder, artist Monte Shin uses shape and symmetry to turn what look like random squiggles into recognizable forms. This uniquely interactive book needs the reader’s help to finish the pictures, because they can only be seen using the attached fold-up mirror. Once the mirror is in place, readers can spin the central art on each page to reveal not only an array of fun abstract shapes, but a delightfully surprising final image. Enormously fun to play with, little ones will get a taste of how this book works on the MirrorPlayBook YouTube video or by using the QR code on the back cover.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 3-5 | Publisher: minedition | September 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-9888341535

    Happy Birthday to YouHappy Birthday to You!

    Illustrated by Nicola Slater

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A group of musicians is traveling to a café for a surprise celebration. Press the buttons to hear them play their instruments . . . and join in with the whole band at the end to wish one little otter a very happy birthday! With a flute, guitar, violin, and piano, plus a rousing “big band” chorus and a splendid light-up birthday cake, this delightful little book makes the perfect birthday gift.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Nosy Crow | April 3, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0763699437

    Baby Loves GravityBaby Loves Gravity

    Written by Ruth Spiro

    Illustrated by Irene Chan

    Publisher’s Synopsis:Big, brainy science for the littlest listeners.

    Accurate enough to satisfy an expert, yet simple enough for baby, this clever board book explores the ups and downs of gravity. When baby drops food from a high chair, why does it fall? Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby’s sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two, as well!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 1-3 | Publisher: Charlesbridge | May 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1465468550

    Boats Are BusyBoats Are Busy

    Written and Illustrated by Sara Gillingham

    Publisher’s Synopsis: A first book of boats for the youngest enthusiasts, featuring 15 different boats and a bonus nautical flag per vessel.

    From sailboats to ferry boats, tankers to clippers, young readers will learn to identify and define a range of floating crafts. Each of 15 boats and ships are presented by name, illustration, and simple description, written as engaging, read-aloud text. In addition, each is adorned with a different nautical flag whose message is decoded as secondary text for the extra curious. Printed in four stunning Pantone colors, this refreshingly stylish and informative introduction to boats will pop off the shelf in the “things that go” section!

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 3-5 | Publisher: Phaidon Press | May 25, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-0714876719

    Little Sunny Sunshine Sol SolecitoLittle Sunny Sunshine / Sol Solecito

    Written and Illustrated by Susie Jaramillo

    Publisher’s Synopsis: Little Sunny Sunshine/Sol Solecito is the 6th book in the bilingual (English & Spanish) nursery rhyme collection from Canticos.

    Inspired by “Sol Solecito“ and “Luna Lunera“, this book features an adorable little piggy who spends his days soaking up the sun and enjoying every moment of the day.

    Order a Copy Now: Indiebound | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

    Ages 2-5 | Publisher: Encantos | March 1, 2018 | ISBN-13: 978-1945635113

    For more of the best new board books for kids, follow along with our articles tagged with Best Kids Books Of 2018 and Board Books.

    How You Support The Children's Book Review
    We may receive a small commission from purchases made via the links on this page. If you discover a book or product of interest on this page and use the links provided to make a purchase, you will help support our mission to 'Grow Readers.' Your support means we can keep delivering quality content that's available to all. Thank you!
    Agate Bolden Alex G Griffiths Alexander Vidal Ame Dyckman Best Kids Books of 2018 Betsy Snyder Bloomsbury Children's Books Board Books Books for Toddlers Cameron Kids Cartwheel Books Cathy Ann Johnson Charlesbridge Christopher Silas Neal Chronicle Books Claire Zucchelli-Romer Clever Publishing Downtown Bookworks Elisa Parhad Elsa Mroziewicz Encantos Familius Harry N. Abrams Irene Chan Janik Coat Jason Fulford Julie Merberg Katrina Charman Kelly Hill Kyle Kershner little bee books Little Simon Markette Sheppard Michéle Brummer Everett minedition Monte Shin Nick Sharratt Nicola Slater Nosy Crow Phaidon Press Ross Burach Ruth Shapiro Sandra Magsamen Sara Gillingham Scholastic Press Susie Jaramillo Tamara Shopsin Tundra Books
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleA Year of Children’s Books in Review | 2018
    Next Article The Best Picture Books of 2018
    Bianca Schulze
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn

    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    1 Comment

    1. Pingback: "Best Books of 2018" Lists Update - January 4th - Music News | Best Music Festival Blog By Festival Gear

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    TCBR Supporter
    Recent Articles
    • The Only Me, by Marissa Bader | Dedicated Review
    • A Brief History of Life on Earth | Book Review
    • Desiree Blanchard Discusses My Home Filled with Love
    • New Children’s Book Teaches Children How To Love and Be Loved
    • August or Forever, by Ona Gritz | Awareness Tour
    TCBR Supporters
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today

    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    sponsored | become a TCBR supporter today
    Discover Kids Books by Age
    Best Books For Kids
    Media Kit: The Children's Book Review
    Author and Illustrator Showcase
    SEARCH
    BOOKS BY SUBJECT
    Archives
    Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest YouTube LinkedIn TikTok
    • Book Shop
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Buzzworthy Mentions on the Path to Growing Readers!
    • About TCBR
    © 2023 The Children’s Book Review. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.