MOWMT 16: Board Books with Claire Freeland

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When I transitioned from writing picture books to writing board books, I was struck by their unique challenge. Instead of a focus on plot and story, the focus is on rhythm and participation.

One of the first board books I studied was Anne Wynter’s Hands On!, illustrated by Alea Marley.

It traces a baby’s journey from crawling to walking. It begins:

Hands in light, waking, waking

Hands on dog, shaking, shaking

The text continues in this form, highlighting vivid gerunds until it reaches a turning point. There is a change in the meter, though continuing with simple, rhythmic action-focused words as the baby learns to walk. I was entranced by how much meaning was conveyed with so few words. 

Probably the most prolific board book author-illustrator is Sandra Boynton. I can’t choose a favorite: There are too many, but they are a must for learning the craft. For example, Moo, Baa, La La La!

The book opens with A cow says Moo. A sheep says Baa. Three singing pigs say La La La. Do you wonder if the reader ever learns that pigs actually say oink? You’ll have to read this funny, educational, and adorable book to find out.

In reading board books to littles, I find that energetic language is most engaging. Take a look at Vroom, Baby Driver, Zoom by Lori Alexander, illustrated by Nancy Goulet.

Join Baby Driver from morning until night as the author employs auto racing metaphors, such as:

Cars need cleaning. Swish and slosh! Even driver gets a wash. 

The best board books are short, drawing in babies and toddlers with active, rhythmic language.

When I began writing my soon-to-be released My Passover Seder, I consulted dozens of mentor texts to get a feel for age-appropriate language. I needed to include the main parts of a seder (the home ritual service for the Jewish holiday of Passover), while also engaging young children. 

I was thrilled with Aviel Basil’s expressive illustrations. There’s also a cute cat on many of the spreads.

The two opening spreads:

Welcome guests. Say hello. Start the seder. Ready, go!

Drink the juice, sippy sip. Dip the veggies, drippy drip.

I hope you agree there’s a lot to grab a little one’s attention with active verbs, simple rhymes, and engaging meter. 

Writing board books is an exercise in distilling ideas into their most essential, playful form. At one time, it seemed like most board books were spinoffs from TV shows, movies, and the like, or concept books created by publishers with no outside help, or books originally published as picture books; however, there are many today that are written by authors experienced in writing for this unique genre. I do love board books with moving parts, varying textures, or other almost toy-like aspects, but if you as an author set out to write a board book, you can’t count on those interactive features. So, stick with active and musical text that captures the interest of babies and young children.

PRIZE: Board Book Critique

About the Author: Claire Freeland is the award-winning author of several psychology-based books for children and teens. A career more than three decades long as a child psychologist taught her that the stories you tell yourself and others are formative. She believes in the power of words to do good in the world and create joy. Now she has turned to writing Jewish children’s books to create Jewish joy. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s completing crossword puzzles, spending time with friends and family, volunteering in the community and traveling. 

Instagram: @clairefreelandwrites

Website: https://clairefreelandwrites.com/

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