In recent years, print books have seen a resurgence, and for good reason—they can be better for your brain, health and the planet. With e-waste’s 15% recycling rate, you can feel good about choosing a print book—with paper having a much higher recycling rate (nearly 68%). Plus, paper comes from a renewable resource!
Here are more reasons to choose a paper book:
Readers of print books absorb and remember more of the plot than readers of e-books do, according to a study that was presented in Italy in 2014. In an earlier study, print readers also scored higher in other areas, such as empathy, immersion in the book, and understanding of the narrative. Scientists believe this effect is related to the tactile sensation of holding a book in your hands.
Seeing and feeling how much progress you’ve made in the story can help readers feel like they’re unfolding the story—both literally and figuratively. Plus, with a print book, it’s easier to go back and confirm information you may be unsure of without losing your place and having to scroll or click back on your device.
Children get distracted by the electronic device and have a harder time focusing on the story itself.
Another study of young children between the ages of three and five revealed that kids had lower comprehension of the story when their parents read to them from an e-book as opposed to a print book.
Researchers theorize this arises because children get distracted by the electronic device and have a harder time focusing on the story itself.
Considering that many jobs require you to stare at a computer screen all day, it’s wise to give your eyes a break whenever you can. Electronic books can cause screen fatigue, which may lead to blurred vision, redness, dryness and irritation. With print books, you don’t have to worry about any of that.
Children’s books come in all kinds of sizes and formats – paperbacks, hardbacks, board books. It can get a little confusing, especially if you haven’t come across many board books before having children and are wondering what the differences are. So we’ve pulled together a handy little guide to answer some of the most common questions that we get.
What is a board book?
A board book is a type of children’s book, but not all children’s books are board books. Children’s books, and specifically picture books, come in three different formats – paperbacks, hardbacks and board books.
Paperbacks and hardbacks are very similar, in that they both contain pages made of paper, but paperbacks have a soft flexible cover and hardbacks have a sturdy cover made of paperboard or cardboard. In comparison, in a board book the entire book – including the cover AND the pages – is made of cardboard. Sometimes the pages are made of slightly thinner cardboard, but quite often the pages and cover all have the same thickness.
How many pages are in a board book?
The industry standard for a picture book is 32 pages. That’s because picture books are generally produced in multiples of eight. You can get longer or shorter books too that are multiples of eight, e.g. 16, 24, 40 or 48, but the standard is 32 including title pages and end pages.
Board books tend to be shorter than other pictures books, and they don’t always follow the multiples of eight rule. After a quick look on our book shelf at home, the shortest board book was only 8 pages long, and the longest was 32. The length of text contained in a board book will usually be shorter too. Some board books have as little as a sentence per page, some have just a word, and some even no words at all.
You do get longer board books too though. Some popular picture books – such as the stories by Julia Donaldson – are available in multiple formats so you’ll get the same book in hardback or paperback and as a board book.
Other times, you will find abridged versions of stories, where books that first appeared in hardback or paperback have been shortened for a board book format.
What ages are board books for?
Board books are a lot sturdier than paperback or hardback picture books, and can take a lot more wear and tear, so they are ideal for babies and toddlers, as well as young children who are still very hands on with books. You don’t need to be worried about your little ones tearing the pages.
Board books are a popular format for introducing babies and toddlers to things like colours, numbers, letters or animals, with simple brightly coloured pictures and minimal text. But there is no limit to the themes a board book can cover – you can even get board books introducing topics such as history and science.
So the perfect age for board books is probably from 0 until around age 3. But while board books are often seen as baby books, older children who are still very physical with their books can benefit from them too. As mentioned above, there are many picture books that are published in multiple formats so if you think your child is not ready for paperback picture books, check if the same book is available as a board book.
Board books themselves come in many variations, from lift the flap and pull the tab books to touch and feel books and board book storybooks. You can find a wide selection of board books for sale in our independent children’s bookstore.
Indestructibles
Finally, we couldn’t tell you about baby books without mentioned the amazing Indestructibles we sell in our store.
These are books that are neither board books nor paperbacks, but are perfect for very little ones who really like to get stuck in to their books.
Built for babies, the Indestructibles are chew-proof, rip-proof books that will withstand anything your baby’s got to throw at them. Printed on a unique, 100% non-toxic paper-like material they’re fully waterproof so can easily be cleaned in the sink, bath, or even washing machine!
We have a selection of Indestructibles available in our online store, and they are part of our 3 for £10 deal too!