giftbubsF If you’re in the market to buy a book for a baby or toddler this Christmas, board books are the way to go. The chunky, thick pages will withstand any chewing or ripping a baby can throw at it, and the bright illustrations and wonderful read-aloud stories will captivate them.

9781877467875 The Big Book of Words and Pictures
Ole Könnecke

The title does not lie. This really is a big board book full of both words and pictures to accompany them. And what wonderful pictures they are! German illustrator Ole Könnecke’s book of first words is absolutely charming. The pictures are arranged by scene (living room, circus, seasons etc), so little readers will have an easier time recognising the words that go along with them.

cvr9780857073181_9780857073181 Moo
Matthew van Fleet

Matthew van Fleet’s board books are always full of so much lift-the-flap and touch-and-feel action that little hands won’t be able to keep away. Moo has all their favourite barnyard animals complete with furry manes and even a pull-tab cow to milk.

Have a look inside the book

9780714860718 The Game of Finger Worms
Herve Tullet

Herve Tullet’s Let’s Play Games board books really stand out from the rest because they’re so interactive. Each one in the series encourages readers to play around with the book itself in different ways. Finger Worms has holes to poke fingers into, much to the delight of little readers.

9780143501763 Where is the Green Sheep?
Mem Fox

This is the book that every baby or toddler should have. There are all kinds of sheep in this world, like bath sheep and bed sheep, but where has the green sheep gone? Mem Fox’s rhyming text is simple and is lots of fun to read aloud. (Also available in a fantastic book and toy set.)

9780603565793 Thomas Steam Team Collection

Thomas the Tank Engine is an A-list celebrity in the world of little readers, so watch their faces light up when you get them a collection of Thomas books in hardy board book format. This contains six books (Thomas in a Rush, Thomas’ Busy Day, Percy’s Big Mistake, Toby’s Milk Round, James’ New Coat, Percy Plays Tricks) plus a poster of Thomas and friends.

9780731814831Grug
Ted Prior

Everyone’s favourite Burrawang tree is back, and now Grug is in board book format too! Learn all about colours, numbers and letters with Grug, whose antics are sure to get a giggle from even the toughest little critic. These small, Aussie-themed books are also perfect presents to send overseas.

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holly-pic Holly Harper is a children’s bookseller at Readings Carlton. She also writes books for younger readers under the name H.J. Harper. Find out more about her books here and follow her on twitter - @hj_harper.