37-40. Four Board Books

37. Dinosaur Friends. Sara Miller. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board books, dinosaurs]

First sentence: Little Dino is lost. He wants his Mommy. "Are you my Mommy?" he asks Stegosaurus.

Premise/plot: Little Dino is searching for his mommy but not having much luck. This one is essentially a dinosaur themed, condensed version of the classic Are You My Mother.

My thoughts: It was okay. It was decent. I think the cut-out shape of this one is fun and gimmicky. Little dinosaur lovers may enjoy this one. It is a short read. It isn't overly tedious.



38. Gus & Sully: All Week Long. Steve Light. 2026. 16 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board books, friendship, concept book]

First sentence: Sully! I'm excited to spend the week together! All seven days! Can't wait!

Premise/plot: Two friends spend the week together. Different activities every day. The two friends don't always agree on everything, but fun is had.

My thoughts: I liked this one okay. Again, it was decent. I have not read any Gus & Sully books before. It seems like these two might star in several books. IF your young reader loves these characters, this one is definitely something to consider. I also think as far as concept books go for days of the week, it isn't bad.



39. Glow with Sounds and Lights. Nicola Edwards. Illustrated by Sophie Ledesma. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [2 stars, interactive board book]

First sentence: Moon's glow is so bold--she lights up the light! I'm supposed to shine, too, but I don't know how...

Premise/plot: Firefly isn't glowing. If he was, well, it would be a very short book. As he goes in search of his glow, little ones have things to press for glowing effects and sound effects.

My thoughts: This one is all about the gimmick of lights and sound. Thankfully there is an off/on switch. Though the existence of the off/on switch does not mean that little ones OR parents will remember to turn it off to save batteries. Try reading this one without the special effects and you'll see what I mean about this one being gimmicky. I also don't like the owl's eyeball glows.

It is okay. It is decent.

40. My Daddy is Everything (Board book) Carole Boston Weatherford. Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin. 2026. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, board books, family]

First sentence: My daddy is everything in my eyes. He's the answer to my hows and whys. Daddy's a tugboat that pulls me along. Daddy's a rock band playing our song. Daddy's the seeker whenever I hide.

Premise/plot: This book celebrates the love of a child and his father. The first sentence says it all. What you see is what you get!

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love, love, love, love this one!!!!! Carole Boston Weatherford is a great writer. I love the story. I love the narrative. I love the illustrations. IT's just such a great read!


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

35. This Little Dinosaur (Board book)

35. Board book: This Little Dinosaur. Ingela P. Arrhenius (illustrations). 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, interactive book, dinosaurs]

First sentence: This little dinosaur has soft shiny spines. This little dinosaur has big, pointy teeth.

Premise/plot: This board book is published by Nosy Crow. It is an interactive board book for the youngest of readers.

My thoughts: I can be VERY opinionated when it comes to interactive, touch and feel books. I am an overthinker. Many readers are not overthinkers. Most toddlers are not going to overthink this one. I would say all, but, there may always be young Sheldon Cooper's out there who would.

I did enjoy the texture of the dinosaur on the cover. This texture is repeated once in the book. (On the cover it is padded underneath. On the last page it is not.) Most of the textures are soft fabric, padded fabric, sparkly fabric. I cannot emphasize enough that SPARKLY and shiny are not things that you can touch and feel. They are just not. I also thought it weird that "pointy" teeth are soft fabric--padded. Teeth shouldn't squish. I also don't think spines would be soft.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

34. Board book: Buzz Like a Bee

34. Buzz Like a Bee (Board Book) Guilherme Karsten. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, activity book, interactive books]

First sentence: Spin like a spider way up high. Can you spin like a spider?

Premise/plot: This is an interactive board book with sliders to push and pull...and things to spin. It is focused on bugs? insects? bugs and insects?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I think it is probably best suited for home libraries. I think library copies that get frequently checked out may wear out quickly. Especially if checked out by a family with a young reader that becomes fixated on one activity. The pull out zooming bee, for example, may just prove too tempting for wee little hands. It is a FUN book.

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

31. Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct

31. Board book: Edwina The Dinosaur Who Didn't Know She Was Extinct. Mo Willems. 2006/2026. 38 pages. [Source: Library] [animal fantasy]

First sentence: Everyone in town knew Edwina. She was the dinosaur who played with the neighborhood kids. She was the dinosaur who did favors for anyone who asked. Edwina helped little old ladies cross the street. And she baked chocolate-chip cookies for everyone. Everyone loved Edwina...except Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie.

Premise/plot: Reginald Von Hoobie-Doobie spends most of the book trying to convince everyone [and Edwina] that dinosaurs are extinct. Can Edwina's awesomeness convince Reginald to become a better, kinder person???

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I love Mo Willems most of the time. Edwina is a great dinosaur. I enjoyed this one.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

30. 1, 2, 3, Can You Count Along?

30. Board book: 1, 2, 3, Can You Count Along? Alice Hemming. Illustrated by Nichola Slater. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

First sentence: Tap, tap, tap! "What's the strange sound coming from that tree, Bird?" "Maybe it's one of our friends, Squirrel. Let's take a look..."

Premise/plot: Count along with Squirrel.

My thoughts: I am not familiar--or if I am I've completely forgotten--with the "Leaf Thief" series of books. I'm going to go out on a limb (pun intended) that they may be better than this one. Squirrel hears plenty of things and does some counting--one to five.

Counting books aren't particularly ever going to be full of thrills. This one was fine.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

27-28. Two board books

27. Board book: Just Because. Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault. 2026. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, bedtime book, board book, imagination, creativity, curiosity]

First sentence: Why is the ocean blue? Every night when you go to sleep, the fish take out guitars. They sing sad songs and cry blue tears.

Premise/plot: A father answers his child's questions. These curious questions come right before bedtime! Though I have a strong feeling that his child is FULL of questions morning, noon, and night! The questions may feel familiar, but, the answers are super creative.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved this one!!!! There are SO many great questions and answers. My favorite:

What happened to the dinosaurs? Millions of years ago, thousands of asteroids fell on the earth. But the dinosaurs had planned for this. They fastened themselves to big balloons, floated up to space, and stayed there.
What are black holes? The mouths of dinosaurs.

I highly recommend this one!



28. Board book: Fix This Book! A Dinosaur Broke It! Silver Dolphins Books. 2026. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, board book, interactive]

First sentence: There once was a curious little dinosaur...Wait a minute! Where is he? He stomped right through the page! It's OK, we can fix it!

Premise/plot: A baby dinosaur IS eating the book you're reading! Can the book be fixed?!?!

My thoughts: This one is SO fun and whimsical. I think my favorite spread is the shredded page.

I definitely enjoyed this playful interactive board book. It's just right for little dinosaur lovers!

© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

14-16 Three Jamie Oliver Board Books

14. Board Book: Let's Make Pizza. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]

First sentence: Are you read? Let's start with...puff pastry. Roll, roll. Tomato sauce. Swirl, swirl.

Jamie Oliver has written a handful of board books for the youngest audience. Super, super, super simple text. Basic instructions. Each two-page spread of the board book features a flap to unfold that continues the recipe. (Rolling, swirling, etc.) So one page ingredient, second page, activity.

The illustrations are super bright and bold.

This one is Let's Make Pizza. It was an enjoyable board book.




15. Board book: Let's Make Pancakes. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]

First sentence: Are you ready? Let's start with....flour. Tip, tip. Egg. Crack, crack. Milk. Whisk, whisk.

Jamie Oliver has written a handful of board books for the youngest audience. Super, super, super simple text. Basic instructions. Each two-page spread of the board book features a flap to unfold that continues the recipe. (Rolling, swirling, etc.) So one page ingredient, second page, activity.

The illustrations are super bright and bold.

This one is Let's Make Pancakes. It was an enjoyable board book.



16. Board book: Let's Make Pasta. Jamie Oliver. Illustrated by Adrian Johnson. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, cooking, food]

First sentence: Are you ready? Let's start with...tomatoes and garlic. Crush, crush, squish, squish. Basil. Pick, pick.


Jamie Oliver has written a handful of board books for the youngest audience. Super, super, super simple text. Basic instructions. Each two-page spread of the board book features a flap to unfold that continues the recipe. (Rolling, swirling, etc.) So one page ingredient, second page, activity.

The illustrations are super bright and bold.

This one is Let's Make Pasta. It was an enjoyable board book.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

2. Squirrel Sits Still (Board Book)

2. Squirrel Sits Still (Board Book). Christianne Jones. Illustrated by Jayri Gomez. 2026. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [board book, 5 stars, animal fantasy]

First sentence: It's hard for Squirrel to sit still. She's still working on that skill. She tries to get the wiggles out. She jumps and shakes and moves about. She hurries to her story spot. She thinks about what she's been taught.

Premise/plot: Squirrel struggles with sitting still. In this context, Squirrel is trying to sit still during a library story time. The story is written in rhyme (see quote above).

My thoughts: Rhyming books don't always work for me. BUT the rhyming in this one seems natural and not forced in terms of rhythm and flow. IT works. Squirrel is adorable enough as the protagonist. I enjoyed the text and the illustrations.


© 2026 Becky Laney of Young Readers

86-87 Two Board Books

86. [Board book] I Will Love You Till the Cows Come Home. Anne Matheson. Illustrated by Kim Crumrine. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, parental love]

First sentence: I will love you till the cows come home! No matter how long it takes or how far they roam. They can wander forever to places unknown. I will love you until they find their way home. 

Premise/plot: A parent's love is unconditional in this predictably super-sweet board books for little ones.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. The text is simple, predictable, super-sweet. The illustrations are of farm animals. Both are pleasant enough.

87. [Board book] Grumpkin. Nicola Edwards. Illustrated by Sian Roberts. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, Halloween]

First sentence: Hey, I'm Grumpkin. I'm a pumpkin (obviously), and no one ever lets me forget it. This is my least favorite time of year. I really can't stand Halloween. That's right, I said it. Why could I have been a summer squash instead? Or an orange soaking up the California sun? Or a coconut swaying on a palm tree on a desert island....that's the dream.

Premise/plot: Grumpkin does NOT want to be a pumpkin and he does NOT want to celebrate Halloween. Can Grumpkin ever learn to be content?

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. Grumpkin is VERY grumpy, cranky, out of sorts. There is a lesson to be learned--obviously. And it's done in a story. This one has more story to it than many other 'Halloween' board books.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

80-81. Two Animal Board books

 80. Board book: Cute Cats: A Lift the Flap Book. Christie Williams. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, cats, pets]

First sentence: Rupert likes a long nap. His favourite spot? A nice warm lap! Leo leaps to catch a fish. Will it make it to his dish? 

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get! Cute cats, cute cats, and more cute cats. Little ones will meet Rupert, Leo, Snowflake, Milo, Coco and Luna. Parents can read the last page of the book to get question ideas to ask while little ones while they read. Questions like, "What's the funniest thing you've seen a cat do?"

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. It was cute. It was sweet. It was simple. Rhyming text. Flaps to lift. It was a solidly good read IF you are looking for a cat-themed board book to share with toddlers. Don't expect a story, a plot. But what you do have are cute cats being cute.

81. Board book: Cute Dogs: A Lift the Flap Book. Christie Williams. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book, dogs, pets]

First sentence:  Pug likes chewing on a shoe. Let's see what her friend Tom can do. 

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get! This one is similar to Cute Cats, except obviously DOGS. Simple rhyming text. Flaps to lift. Cute dogs being cute. This one is slightly different in that it highlights the dog TOM in most of the text. The dogs your little one will be meeting: Tom, Max, Tilly, Charlie, Pug, and Milo.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Again, IF you have a little one that loves pets--cats, dogs, then this one is a delightfully cute read. Short. Simple. Cute. I do like the question section at the end. I'm not sure it's absolutely necessary, however, it is nice. It might prove a useful reminder to parents that yes they can ask questions while reading to keep the experience interactive and engaging.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

70. We Are Sneetches

70. We Are Sneetches. (Board book). 2025. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [board book, Dr. Seuss legacy]

First sentence: We are the Sneetches, 
and we'd like to say
it is good to meet you
on this very fine day.
There's only one place
where you will find Sneetches--
that's spending our days
on hot, sandy beaches!
That's where we swim
and that's where we play.
We have so much fun.
We stay out there all day!

Premise/plot: This is NOT a board book of Dr. Seuss' The Sneetches. It is not. It is a new story featuring The Sneetches. Is this new Sneetch book in line with the original? No. Not really. It is very much "We Are The Buddy Bears" (if you know, you know). This one comes with a not subtle, sweet, moralistic message and no humor.

My thoughts: I don't care for this one as much as I'd hoped. I hoped it was a board book adaptation of The Sneetches. That's a misunderstanding on my part. This book could have an audience, I suppose.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

69. This Is My World

 

69. Board book: This Is My World:  High Contrast Touch and Feel Book (Board Book). Hannah Eliot. Emily Spikings Illustrator. 2025. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, board book]

First sentence: This is the sun that rises each day. These are the colors you'll see when you play. These are the sounds you may hear, inside and outside, far and near.

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. A high contrast, touch and feel book. Each spread introduces the youngest of little ones to the world around them. 

My thoughts: The book is high contrast. Black, white. Primary colors. Everything is bold. The illustrations are simple. The touch and feel elements are perhaps not as many as I'd like. Shiny isn't something you can touch and feel, for example. There are really only two textures that offer enough of a sensory experience (crinkly and soft). The book ends with a mirror which I believe is always a hit with little ones.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

36. Board book: Richard Scarry's Bunnies

 

36. Board book: Richard Scarry's Bunnies. Richard Scarry. 1976/2025. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, bunnies, board book]

First sentence: The cottontail rabbit has a little white tail. Bunnies love to eat the cabbage...in Farmer Brown's garden. Some rabbits have GIANT ears...and some have tiny ones. The snowshoe hare changes the color of his coat to white in the winter...and to brown in the summer.

Premise/plot: Richard Scarry's Bunnies is a classic Golden Book newly republished in board book format. Each two-page spread shares another detail about bunnies...or rabbits. There really is not a cohesive narrative. 

My thoughts: I love Richard Scarry. I do. I grew up with Richard Scarry books. For that reason I will always enjoy rereading these when they're republished. I LOVE all the bunny illustrations. I do. I think parents (guardians, loved ones, etc.) can read these books slowly and talk about the illustrations and the text.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

24. Hi, Cat. Bye, Cat.

 

[Board Book] 24. Hi, Cat. Bye, Cat. Jade Orlando. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [board books, cats]

First sentence: Hi, cat. Bye, cat. LOUD cat. Shy cat. One cat. Four cats. Even more cats!

Premise/plot: Hi, Cat. Bye, Cat is a BOARD book for cat-loving babies. Well, for the youngest of 'readers' whose caregivers love cats. It is written in rhyme. The illustrations are super-bold and colorful. There isn't much text per page--which makes it a great fit for the youngest readers. It's a silly book with plenty of illustrated cats. It also features opposites.

My thoughts: I love, love, love cats. I do. This one was fun and joyful. I enjoyed it.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

6. What-a-baby

 

6. What-a-baby First Words Book. (Whataburger). Blue Star Press. 22 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, board book, novelty book]

First sentence:  Whataburger. Lettuce. Tomato. Onion. Pickles. Patty. Cheese. Bacon. 

Premise/plot: A board book of vocabulary words taken from the Whataburger menu. This novelty book for the youngest of fans may delight adults more than little ones, however, any time spent reading aloud to little ones is a bonus. 

What would make this one even better would be if there was an audio book read by Matthew McConaughey. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I thought it was fun in a novelty-silly way. The illustrations could be better, could be worse. They have a retro-dotted style about them. I liked the wide range of words included. 

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

153. Board book: Persuasion

153. Board book: Persuasion: A Colors Primer. Jennifer Adams. Illustrated by Alison Oliver. 2024. 22 pages. [Source: library] [3 stars]  

First sentence: Beige house. Sage dress. Navy coat. Ivory sails. Mauve ribbons.

Chances are you've heard about picture books for older readers or picture books for adults. This is an example of board books for adults. The babies that get Persuasion read aloud to them will have parents that love, love, love Jane Austen and/or love English literature. It's not a super-practical book when it comes to actually being a concept book teaching colors. Not a primary color to be found. 

What the book accomplishes is being cutesy. If Persuasion is one of your favorite books. If you love reading and watching Persuasion. If you know the story backwards and forwards. Then this book might bring a smile. 

I enjoyed it. Persuasion is my favorite Austen. I don't think it's a super-necessary books for most parents. However it is a novelty-board book of sorts--targeting adults who LOVE Austen.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

128-129 Two MORE board books

128. Board book: Let's Eat (An All Are Welcome Book) Alexandra Penfold. Illustrated by Suzanne Kaufman. 2024. 26 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: I like noodles. I like beans. I like rice. I like greens. I like bread. I like fruit. 

Premise/plot: The [illustrated] kids that star in Alexandra Penfold's newest board book love to eat...and love to eat all together with their friends. This is an incredibly simple, bare-bones book to share with little ones. It follows a pattern. I like fill-in-the-blank....except for the one time when they throw in a toot joke. 

My thoughts: Not enough of a story to entertain me personally. However if I had a little one to read aloud to, this one would fit in just fine. When it comes to books and exposure to books, more, more, more I say.  I wouldn't not read this one. Here's another thing, as adults you can never predict what book your little one might absolutely love and form a connection with. It isn't always the one that you would think it would be. 

129. Board book: I Love You Berry Much! Rosamund Lloyd. Illustrated by Kat Uno. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

First sentence: Rise and shine--
it's a brand-new day.
Look who's strolling up my way.
You're so fine-apple!

You make me laugh,
you make me smile.
You look so sweet in any style.
You're one in a melon!

Premise/plot: This is a [mostly] fruit themed book of sentimental puns to share with little ones. Essentially one of those foods-with-faces books that are always equal parts cheese and sugar. (That is cheesy and super sweet.) 

My thoughts: This one is supposed to have lots of bumps for tactile learners. However in my personal opinion the bumps were almost non-existent. So nonexistent that I didn't catch onto the fact that the book was supposed to feature bumps specifically for children who are all about tactile experiences. I had to hunt for the bumps. And I was ultimately disappointed with what I "found." I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE tactile books. So I would have loved it if the book had delivered on that.

So why four stars if I found the book disappointing? I actually enjoyed the illustrations and the rhyming narrative. I thought both were well done.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

125-126. Two board books

125. You're The Pumpkin In My Pie (Board book). Laura Gehl. Illustrated by Vanessa Port. 2024. 20 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars] 

First sentence: You're the sunny in my sunrise
You're the honey in my tea
You're the sugar on my donut
You're the leaf, and I'm the tree

Premise/plot: This is a fall-themed board book for parents to share with little ones. What you see is essentially what you get. Cutesy pictures packed with sentiment.

My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. I did not like the lack of punctuation. Not a single period in the book. And that's not because the author went with exclamation marks instead. (Which definitely could have been the vibe, a little over the top, but potentially workable.) I do love fall. I especially love pumpkins. I think my favorite line might be, "I'm the ghost and you're my boo."

 126. Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks Touch and Trace (board book). Richard Scarry. 2024. 14 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: My! Isn't Busytown a busy, busy place? Just look at all those cars and trucks! The  Pig family is going to the beach to have a picnic. Can you help them find their way there? Please hurry up, Ma Pig!

Premise/plot: What you see is what you get. That's not a bad thing. A busily illustrated book that asks little ones to 'touch and trace' their way through various mazes. Each maze covers a two-page spread. 

My thoughts: I grew up reading Richard Scarry's books. I will never not like a Richard Scarry book. This one is in a board book format. The details are very, very, very small. Then again the target audience is very small, so probably not much of an issue. But Richard Scarry books used to be OVERSIZED in a delightful way. It was easier to spot the many, many details--the little things, the side quests if you will. I do like that there is more than one way to solve each maze.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

123. D is for Dogs (Board book)

123. Board book: D is for Dogs. Greg Paprocki. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

First sentence: A is for athletic. B is for barking. C is for cuddly. D is for dogs. E is for eating. F is for fluffy. G is for good. H is for helpful. 

Premise/plot: This board book celebrates dogs a to z. 

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I would have loved it even more if it was cat-themed. However, this one is delightful enough. I think the illustrations are what makes this one work well. I loved how detail the illustrations are for each letter. Plenty to look at. One could definitely slow down the pace of this read aloud by asking more questions. One question, for example, you could ask for each page is how many dogs can you find in this picture? Or what are the dog(s) doing? I definitely recommend this one for dog lovers.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers

122. Board Book: Let's Put That Away!

 122. (Board book) Let's Put That Away: My First Book of Organizing. Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin. 2024. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars]

First sentence: All day long, we take things out and we put things away. Everything has a home! You just have to know where it is. Where do toys go? In the bins! Where do books go? On the bookshelf! 

Premise/plot: A board book concept book on tidying up. It is more about teaching kids to be responsible--at least in part--for tidying up. 

My thoughts: I never knew I needed this book. It is a simple book, in some ways. I love the question and answer format. I don't necessarily love, love, love the illustrations. However I enjoyed the text.

 

© 2024 Becky Laney of Young Readers