• Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Big Books, Little Ears

Reading chapter books to toddlers, preschoolers, and beyond

  • Books to Read Aloud
  • Tips for Reading Together
  • Book Activities
  • Books for Moms
  • About
  • Contact Me
You are here: Home / Book Reviews / The 12 Best NEW Board Books of 2020

The 12 Best NEW Board Books of 2020

July 25 by Kristin Wynalda

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email

2020 might have been pretty disappointing in a lot of ways, but there is one thing to be thankful for – board books for babies are plentiful right now! These new board books of 2020 are the ones that should be in your book basket.

Heads up for those that come to the blog for faith based reviews: this list is all secular books.

If you click on the book title it will take you to the Amazon page to purchase the book. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Some of these books have not even come out yet, but preorder them now so you get your copy ASAP!

The 12 Best Board Books of 2020

Llama Llama Hide and Seek by Anna Dewdney

I love anything Llama Llama. Even better, kids love anything Llama Llama. It rhymes, the pictures are beautiful, and the family dynamics are charming. This board book has flaps to let little listeners look for Llama Llama’s stuffy. Because this is a board book, it is simpler text than the normal Llama Llama books, like Llama Llama Red Pajama. So, this might not be quite right for your elementary-aged Llama Llama lover. However, it’s perfect for babies and toddlers!

Your Nose by Sandra Boynton

Sandra Boynton writes board books for babies and those who love them. Your Nose is no different – it’s about how sweet little noses are. The illustrations are of a fox kit and it’s fox parent. Everything Sandra Boynton touches is board book gold, and this is definitely going to be one of the best board books of 2020.

(Recently I was asked what my favorite Sandra Boynton board book was. It’s Hippos Go Berserk. When my oldest turned one he loved that book so much that we had a Hippos Go Berserk themed birthday party.)

best new board books of 2020

How Big is Zagnodd? by Sandra Boynton

Sandra Boynton has charmed readers with every creature on earth, so now she draws inspiration from aliens. How Big is Zagnodd? asks questions about darling aliens and monsters from across the galaxy. I think this particular Boynton board book actually trends for an older age group than most of her other books. Personally I would say 2 and up for this board book, to really get the sillyness of the aliens.

Speaking of Sandra Boynton, I’d like to draw your attention to the fact that her classic Christmas book, Christmas Parade, is being rereleased this fall in board book form, and is available for preorder. I have it on this list of the Best Christmas Picture Books NOT About Jesus. Prior to this reprint it was nearly impossible to get a hold of, so I think it should be in every stocking of kids ages zero to four.

The Kids on the Bus by Kirsten Hall

The Kids on the Bus is a fun look at emotions set to the tune of The Wheels on the Bus. Heads up that the only negative emotion is “angry.” There’s no “sad,” or “worried,” or anything like that. That’s a shame, I think, but overall it’s a great book, and fun for singing aloud.

The Wizard of Oz, Jack and the Beanstalk, and A Little Princess by Penguin Bedtime Classics 

Where my lit nerds at? Penguin Bedtime Classics simplify classic stories, pair them with beautiful pictures of diverse characters, and make them accessible to even the tiniest listener. These board books are based on the original stories, not the movies. (Shout out to Dorothy having silver shoes, instead of red!) The Nutcracker and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland came out previously, and these three new titles expand the series.

Never Touch a Panda!, Never Touch a Tiger!, and Never Touch a T. Rex! by Rosie Greening

These new additions to the touch and feel board book market are darling. I was familiar with them because there are quite a few books in this series already. However, these new additions are awesome! Every animal has a sturdy plastic texture piece for little hands to feel. They’re so fun!

Peek a Flap: Dirt by Jack Redwing

This lift the flap board book series has indestructible flaps. Well, maybe not indestructible, but they’re certainly better than those flimsy lift the flaps that are normally in books! Seriously, these flaps will stand up to little fingers. We’ve owned one for almost a year, it still is in great shape, even with the baby looking at it independently. Dirt is the newest book in the Peek a Flap series, and it is great for those littles who love tractors! Peek a Flap Who is my personal favorite board book for toddlers from the series if you like the concept of sturdy flaps, but not the dirt.

Richard Scarry’s Busytown Seek and Find! by Richard Scarry

Of course, Richard Scarry is picture book royalty. This newly published board book takes some of his wonderful pictures of Busytown and makes them sturdy enough for little hands. (THIS IS A NEW EDITION OF THE OLDER Richard Scarry’s Seek and Find book. It has a new title, so don’t be fooled if you have the old book from your own childhood. It’s the same.)

Heads up that I think this book needs a grown up to help read the words and tell the number of how many of each object the child is supposed to find. (If you’re looking for a truly independent seek and find book for kids who don’t read yet, I recommend the My First Look and Find series. Or, if you’re looking for something faith-based, I’m obsessed with Seek and Find: Old Testament Bible Stories.)

Bonus Best Board Book of 2019:

Poke a Dot Under the Ocean by Melissa & Doug

My toddler is OBSESSED with the Poke a Dot books. And therefore, I am OBSESSED with the Poke a Dot books. They’re like never ending bubble wrap for your baby. I highly recommend for ages 12 months to whenever they stop being obsessed with them. 

Heads up that although the bubbles never wear out, the book binding itself doesn’t last forever with all that baby use. Quite frankly, the binding itself is looking pretty rough after 8 months of heavy use. However, I like it enough that when our current copy wears out, I’m buying another. Yes.

Seriously, this is one of the best board books ever. I wish they were coming out with another one in the series this year so that I could buy it and add it to the 2020 list.

Related: Best Picture Books to Give as Baby Shower Gifts

Share this post:

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Email

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Children's Book Review Lists, Children's Books, secular lists

More stuff to help you…

Christmas Picture Books for Shepherd’s Dinner

Specific Books From Growing Home Together!

Five Simple Ways to Talk with Preschoolers about God as our Loving Shepherd with Author Laura Sassi

Primary Sidebar

Hello! I’m Kristin.

It can be hard to find good Christian books, so I do the work for you through thorough Christian book reviews! That doesn’t mean I only look at Christian books – it means that I review all types of kids’ books through the lens of my faith. Let’s find you something to read aloud!
  • Join the conversation on Facebook!
  • Follow me on Instagram!

There's more to read!

Join the newsletter list to receive the latest content from Big Books, Little Ears. Get tips, book suggestions, and deals that are only sent out in my newsletters!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

I won't send you spam, and I'd never sell your information. You can unsubscribe at any time. Powered by ConvertKit

Looking for something?

More articles you might like:

  • The Absolute BEST Christian Kids’ Books Published in 2022 – The Golden Paw Print Awards
  • Who Won What? 2022 Christian Children’s Book Awards Roundup
  • Theologically Sound Advent Devotionals for FAMILIES

Footer

Legal Stuff

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Website Disclaimer and Disclosures

Copyright Big Books, Little Ears© 2023

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT