August's list of board books is a hodgepodge of recent releases as well as older ones that I've been meaning to feature. I'm hoping to have a list of fall board books up soon, but until then here's a previous list of fall-themed recommendations. There's this post as well.

1. Kind Crocodile by Leo Timmers

A board book I've been meaning to feature for over a year, Kind Crocodile will have little ones smiling with amusement. When a mouse is being chased by a a snake where will it run to? To the kind crocodile of course! As one animal after another runs to Crocodile for protection, soon Crocodile is covered with animals. In a plot twist Crocodile decides to make a loud GRRR noise at all of the animals he was protecting (scaring them away!)...but he's only kidding! Crocodile is a kind crocodile. Teasing isn't funny.

2. Big by Pete Cromer

A board book that introduces little ones to seven Australian animals, Big is a visual gem. With paper-cut artwork by Pete Cromer and thick, sturdy pages, Big provides interesting facts about red kangaroos, wombats, lace monitors, koalas, emus, pelicans, and black swans.

3. I'm Not Small by Nina Crews

I'm always on the lookout for creative board books and this one definitely ticks the creative box. A board book that gives children a broader perspective on what it means to be big or small, I'm Not Small is a wonderful introduction to comparisons and critical thinking skills.

4. Look, It's Moo Moo Cow by Camilla Reid & Illustrated by Clare Youngs

A felt-flap series which includes, Woof Woof Dog, Roar Roar Lion, and Hoot Hoot Owl, illustrator Clare Youngs did a beautiful job of brining a popular board book genre (farm animals) to life with her patchwork of patterns, textures, and shimmery surfaces. A beautiful series and one that will have little ones excited to name the animals and mimic their sounds.

5. Catch That Chicken by Atinuke & Illustrated by Angela Brooksbank

From the author of B is for Baby and Baby Goes to Market, author Atinuke has created another noteworthy board book (which I should have featured much, much sooner). With intricate illustrations by Angela Brooksbank, Catch That Chicken introduces readers to Lami, who is the best in her village at catching chickens. But when Lami hurts her ankle she becomes worried that she won't be able to catch chickens anymore. Thankfully, Nana Nadia reminds her that "it's not quick feet that catches chickens...it's quick thinking." Until Lami's ankle heals, she has a new way of catching chickens!

6. Bee-bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park & Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee

This is such an adorable board book! Written in rhyme, Bee-bim Bop! is a joyful celebration of one child's excitement to make (and eat!) the popular (and delicious!) Korean dish, bibimbap (or bi bim bop). With illustrations that will make your tummy rumble, Bee-bim Bop! is a delightful introduction to one example of Korean cuisine.

7. Coffee by Robyn Wall & Illustrated by Lydia Nichols

My First Book of Coffee is short and sweet and gives little ones the essence of what coffee is (and the ways to make it). For example, little ones might glean from the board book that coffee is often hot and steamy, sweet, flavorful, and that you often drink it in the morning. Children will also see that coffee beans need to be ground and soaked. My favorite quote from the book is at the end: there are "So many ways to make a cup but you're my favorite pick-me-up." For parents of babies or toddlers, drinking a warm cup of coffee in peace is often hard to come by, but My First Book of Coffee might get your little one(s) excited to watch you make coffee as well as encourage imaginary play with their own cup of "coffee."

8. Two Dogs on a Trike by Gabi Snyder & Illustrated by Robin Rosenthal

A board book that reminds me of Go Dog, Go! Two Dogs on a Trike takes readers on an adventurous trip through the city, countryside, up in the sky, and over the ocean. With so many dogs to count, little ones will have to look closely...is that a cat lurking in the background? All in all a fun-filled counting board book for kids and one that's full of amusing illustrations by illustrator Robin Rosenthal.

9. The Old Truck by Jarrett Pumphrey & Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey

The Old Truck came out in board book format in January (along with The Old Boat) and I was immediately drawn to the neutral Boho color palette and the matte finish. With an endearing story about a family, a truck, and a farmer who grows up, The Old Truck celebrates aspirations, perseverance, and -- in a sense -- the American Dream.

10. Organic Farm Alphabet by Mrs. Peanuckle's & Illustrated by Jessie Ford

Another addition to Mrs. Peanuckle's alphabet series, Organic Farm Alphabet is full of strong vocabulary words like compost, harvest, irrigation, jungle, legumes, nutrition, and others! With fact-filled pages, little ones will be farming experts by the end of this book!

11. Baby Triceratops and Baby Diplodocus by Julie Abery & Illustrated by Gavin Scott

Well it's taken me long enough to feature Baby Triceratops and Baby Diplodocus that's for sure, but better late than never! This attractive-looking board book with its pop of bright purple from baby triceratops makes you want to have a pet triceratops! Okay, maybe not a real one since that's impossible, but just look at how cuddly that little dinosaur illustration is! A board book that accompanies Baby Stegosaurus and Baby T-Rex (along with Baby Diplodocus), this series will delight children with its splash of adventure, suspense, and trip to the Mesozoic Era!

Enjoy!!