The only thing better than a board book is a BIG board book. Roughly the size of a trade picture book, these books offer all the durability of a board book in a much larger (and therefore illustration enhancing package). Obviously not every title is available in this very specialized format, so if you have a treasured classic that you just HAVE to get for the new arrival, this might be the time to seek it out. So you’re giving Goodnight Moon. FINE. At least it will be the biggest, most long lasting Goodnight Moon out there, gosh darn it. Try searching for either “lap board book” or “oversized board book” for a peek at your options.
My pick was Goodnight Gorilla about a zookeeper who is followed home by his menagerie, a fact his wife discovers upon wishing her husband goodnight and getting a half dozen responses. An adorable story to begin with, in its larger form, it’s magnificent. Whether you follow the progress of the balloon, or watch the window of the neighbor’s house, even after your one millionth read, you won’t be disappointed.
Another fun choice is Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? No special small details to catch in Carle’s illustration, but this extra-large version features a sliding door where you can peek at the next animal. My littles loved sliding those doors open and closed and we haven’t had one break yet *proceeds to knock on things*. Brown Bear is such a perennial favorite with kids that among all the first graders I taught it was the most common book that they could “read” (as in, had memorized and could recite properly while turning pages).
But mainly, this is a great opportunity to pick something you just love! Have fun with it!
