Exploring Common Board Book Themes

from ABCs to Opposites

Today, I want to share with you a few of the most popular types of baby board books. You might be asking, “Denise, why does this even matter?” Great question my friend!

It helps to understand what’s being published, because the more you know about the market, the better prepared you are to work in it. Seeing which types of baby board books are out there might spark an idea for a portfolio piece or even inspire you to write your own.

I’ve had the opportunity to give a few lectures on baby board books and every time I review my notes, I’m amazed at just how many different types there are! So many, in fact, that I get to break them down into more than one newsletter!

Concept books are where it all begins. They introduce numbers, letters, shapes, colors and animals in simple, engaging ways. The basic words in these books build vocabulary and help with early language development.

Let’s not forget that board books are educational and entertaining! They help little ones connect spoken words with images. The large, bold text makes it easy to follow along. As babies grow, they start to recognize letters, sounds, and even begin forming their own words. Learning is fun!

If you’re dreaming of writing or illustrating for board books, these classic concepts are a great place to start. You can play with them, bend them, and make something entirely your own.

Let’s jump in!

ABC’s

Alphabet books introduce structure. These books tend to be the first ‘order’ that babies recognize. As a caregiver reading, an ABC book opens up chances to talk about each letter and its sound.

If you are thinking about creating your own alphabet board book, start by researching what’s already published. Then, find your twist. Something new, unexpected, or even personal, that is your key to making a book that feels unique.

COUNTING

Counting books are all about rhythm and repetition. One apple, Two bananas, Three oranges; but they’re also about pattern and play. These books teach babies that numbers represent the quantity. As illustrators, we get to turn that idea into movement, texture, and story.

In a writing class I once took, we were given the prompt ‘taking a trip’ and told to turn it into a counting book. The first idea that popped into my head was a trip to Grandma’s house and what you’d need to pack along the way! Now comes the fun (or tricky) part: writing it for a baby. Keeping it simple, rhythmic, and full of playfulness, that is where the magic happens.

COLORS + SHAPES

Color and shape books are all about how babies see. These books teach how to notice, name, and feel through form and hue.

As an illustrator, these books can be really fun to design. How can a single color carry emotion? Or how can a circle become an object? Try limiting yourself to one color or one shape and see what story appears.

OPPOSITES

Board books about opposites are build on contrast; big/small, day/night, loud/quiet. For little ones, this introduces them to pattern, comparison, and logic.

As a creator, opposites let you build a world of relationships and emotions. How can you show contrast in a way that feels new?

These popular concepts might seem simple, but they hold endless creative potential. Whether you’re using these concepts to create portfolio pieces, writing your manuscript, or just looking for a spark of inspiration, these themes are a great place to start.

What unique way could you show babies how the world looks, sounds, and feels?

This issue’s a little late - but for a good reason! I just wrapped up two big projects and recorded an interview with Lizzy Doyle from Lizzy Dee Studio for the November newsletter!

I’m thrilled to start sharing a series of podcast-style chats with creators of baby board books. These conversations are really special to me, and I hope you’ll enjoy them as much as I do.

I’m still figuring out how to make these interviews extra meaningful and how to best support the artists and writers I feature so I can compensate their time.

One idea:

• Audio for everyone

• Video for paid subscribers

but I’d love to hear your thoughts!

For now, I hope today’s concepts spark ideas and give you something fun to play with.

See you next month and thanks for being here!