Board book printing is a specialized book printing process that is specifically designed to create books for very young children. Unlike regular paperback or hardcover children’s books, board books feature thick, durable pages that can withstand everything kids put them through, from chewing to throwing.
This surprising manufacturing process is crucial for creating books that are safe and engaging for little ones. But board book printing has unique specifications compared to other printing formats. So I realized that many people have questions about what exactly board book printing is, how it works, and why it’s essential for children’s literature.
That’s why I put together this comprehensive guide on board book printing. As a professional children’s board book printing provider, I’ll explain what board books are, why they’re important, the key steps in the board book printing process, and how you can work with a specialized printer to create your own durable books for toddlers and babies.
So whether you want to publish illustrated board books for your little ones or better understand how their cherished bedtime stories are made, read on for an insider look at this unique printing method!
What Are Board Books?
Before we dive into board book printing, it helps to understand exactly what board books are.
Board books are a special, durable type of children’s book meant for babies and toddlers. The key distinguishing feature of board books is their ultra-thick pages, called board.
As the name suggests, board book pages are made from sturdy pressed cardboard or thick paperboard. The boards typically range from 1.1mm to 1.5mm thick, compared to 0.1mm for regular book paper.
Why the Thick Pages?
Board book pages need to hold up to kids’ rough handling without ripping or creasing easily. Pages made from thick board prevent tearing while also providing just the right flexibility so little hands can turn them.
Board book covers are made from the same durable pressed board as the inner pages. And both covers and pages receive a laminate coating for extra protection from moisture and sticky fingers.
In short: board books are designed from the ground up for little kids to explore without damaging their beloved books!
Why Are Board Books Important?
Board books might seem simple, but these pint-sized books serve a crucial role in early childhood literacy and development. Here are some of the key reasons board books matter:
Withstand Rough Use
Let’s be honest: babies and toddlers aren’t exactly gentle with their things. Board books’ durable construction means kids can safely throw, chew, bend, and otherwise mangle their beloved books for story time.
Support Early Literacy
Thick board book pages are easy for little hands to grasp and turn, which encourages young readers to actively participate. Board books help babies and toddlers develop fine motor skills while discovering the joy of reading independently.
Engage Young Minds
Board books tend to use simple vocabulary and bright, engaging illustrations. This combination promotes childhood learning and brain development key for early literacy.
What is Board Book Printing?
Board book printing refers to the process of creating durable, child-friendly books specifically designed for very young children. These books are characterized by their thick, sturdy pages made from heavy cardboard stock, which can withstand rough handling, chewing, and drooling by toddlers.
Key Features of Board Books
Durability: Board books are made from thick cardboard, making them robust and able to endure the wear and tear from young children.
Safety: They often have rounded corners to prevent injuries and are laminated with gloss or matte finishes for extra protection.
Design: Board books typically feature large text and bright, vibrant colors to capture the attention of young readers. They may also include interactive elements like flaps, textures, or die-cuts to engage children further.
Size and Page Count: Common sizes range from 3 inches to 12 inches, and the page count usually falls between 8 and 36 pages, depending on the thickness of the pages and the intended use.
The Board Book Printing Process
Now that we’ve covered the importance of board books, let’s explore how these special children’s books go from manuscript to printed product. Here’s an overview of the unique board book printing process:
1. Design and Layout
Like any book, the printing process starts by finalizing the board book’s design and layout. This involves decisions about:
- Book size and dimensions
- Number of interior pages
- Visual theme and illustrations
- Font selections
- Cover design
Experienced printers can provide templates and guidance to ensure your layout adheres to industry standards for maximum child safety. Common board book sizes range from 5 x 5 inches up to 8 x 8 inches square.
2. Print Interior Pages
Once the design is finalized, it’s time to print! Board book printing uses thick paperboard rather than flimsy paper. Printers source high-quality boards ranging from 1.1mm to 1.5mm thick to meet safety standards.
The printing process relies on offset lithography presses to apply images and text to both sides of the sturdy boards. Using eco-friendly inks specially formulated for children’s products ensures bright, accurate colors and images that won’t fade over time.
3. Apply Protective Lamination
Freshly printed board book pages then head to the laminating machine! Board books receive a liquid lamination coating that adds a protective barrier against moisture, spills, sticky fingers, and everything else kids dish out.
Lamination also provides a smooth, glossy finish that makes wipe cleaning simple. Some board books may receive a soft touch matte lamination instead for an ultra-luxe, velvety feel.
4. Bind Pages
What transforms a stack of printed boards into a book? Binding! Board book printing uses a specialized mechanical binding method called notch binding to assemble the book.
The thick boards stack closely together, then pass through a machine that cuts small notches along the spine edge. Flexible glue seeps into these notches, securing boards together once it cures.
Notch binding allows the book to lay flat while providing the flexibility for little hands to easily turn pages.
5. Apply Covers
Board book covers also undergo printing, lamination, and binding as separate components from the inner pages. Most board books use “self covers”, meaning the front, back, and spine all consist of a single wrapped board.
After inner pages finish binding, covers get attached to encase and protect the book. Glueapplied to the cover spine secures the inner pages once the book passes through the casing-in machine.
6. Final Touches
Before shipping off toeager tiny readers, board books undergo final manufacturing steps to maximize safety, durability and visual appeal. These include:
- Die cutting: intricate custom shapes cut into pages or covers
- Rounded corners: smooth edges prevent scratches
- Quality checks: meticulous inspections ensure perfection
And…done! It’s incredible to think such well-loved children’s books start from simple manuscript drafts!
Finding a Board Book Printer
As you can see, board book printing requires specialized expertise compared to standard bookbinding. Between sourcing thick boards, notch binding, and laminating, it’s crucial to partner with knowledgeable printers.
Here are top tips for finding an exceptional board book printer:
- Focus on children’s book experience – their portfolio should showcase toddler titles
- Emphasize safety – from materials to manufacturing
- Highlight customization – size, themes, finishes etc.
- Share samples – ask to see prior board book samples
- Offer guidance – take cues from their recommendations
By keeping these tips in mind while vetting printers, you’ll discover a knowledgeable partner ready to bring your board book dreams to life!
In Conclusion
Whether you’re looking to publish the next beloved bedtime story or create a custom alphabet book for your little one, I hope this peek into the unique world of board book printing gave you a helpful foundation! Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments.