Board Book Printing

What Is a Board Book?


A board book is a children's book format printed on thick, rigid paperboard (greyboard) instead of regular paper pages. Board books are designed for the youngest readers — infants, toddlers, and preschoolers — who chew, drool, throw, and tug at their books. The thick pages are difficult to tear, resistant to moisture, and have rounded corners for safety. Board books typically have 8–24 pages and are printed in full color on both sides of the board.

How Board Books Are Made
Board books are printed on large sheets of greyboard (1–3 mm thick), not on standard paper. The printing process differs from regular books:
1. The board sheets are printed on one side only (the reverse side may be left white or printed with a second color)
2. After printing, the sheets are laminated with a matte or gloss film for moisture resistance and durability
3. Sheets are die-cut into individual pages with rounded corners
4. Pages are glued back-to-back (two printed faces outward) to form a double-thick page
5. The stack of double-thick pages is Smyth-sewn or perfect bound at the spine
6. A printed cover is case-bound around the board pages
7. Final round-corner trimming and quality inspection

Key Advantages
- Extremely durable — withstands chewing, dropping, throwing
- Waterproof — lamination protects against drool and spills
- Safety — rounded corners, non-toxic inks and materials
- Bright colors — high-quality printing on coated board stock
- Long lifespan — a well-made board book lasts through multiple children

Printing Specifications
- Page count: 8–24 pages (4–12 double-sided board sheets)
- Board thickness: 1–3 mm greyboard (1.5 mm is most common)
- Cover: Whiteboard or greyboard + printed paper wrap + lamination
- Binding: Smyth-sewn (most durable) or case bound
- Finishing: Matte or gloss lamination, spot UV, foil stamping
- Safety: Conforms to ASTM F963 and EN 71 toy safety standards

Common Types of Board Books
- Standard Board Book — the classic format, 10–20 pages, square or rectangular
- Novelty Board Book — includes flaps, textures, mirrors, or sound modules
- Bath Book — waterproof plastic or laminated pages for bath time
- Board Book with Rounded Corners — safest option for infants
- Board-on-Board — extra-thick pages for the youngest toddlers