Baby & Toddler
Best Touch-and-Feel Books for Your Baby’s Bookshelf
by Janssen Bradshaw
There’s nothing quite as wonderful as a book for babies, and when that book has not only images and text but also tactile elements for your baby to explore? Well, you’ve just reached the pinnacle of board books.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift or a book to keep your baby entranced, these ten titles are sure to be great hits!
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The Touch Book
Also available from:Introduce your child to new concepts and words with this Montessori-inspired board book. Through the highly touchable pages, babies will experience textures found in nature like rough bark, sticky honey, and fluffy wool.
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Pat the Bunny
Also available from:Now that those little hands aren’t putting everything directly into their mouths, it’s a good time to bring out touch-and-feel classics like Pat the Bunny. With different textures on each page, this bestseller offers a playful and engaging experience for babies.
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Night-Night: A Touch-and-Feel Playbook
Also available from:Get ready for bed with this adorable touch-and-feel book. Snuggle up with your baby, say goodnight to all the animals, explore the textured patches, and look through the die-cut holes. This comforting book is the perfect addition to your baby’s bedtime routine.
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Peter Rabbit Touch and Feel
Also available from:With Peter Rabbit’s world so full of energy, it seems only right to have a book where readers can explore and engage with it in a tactile way. With original Beatrix Potter illustrations, this charming book has 11 textures, from duck feathers to a tortoise shell.
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I Thought I Saw A Crocodile!
Also available from:Babies that like playing peek-a-boo will get a giggle out of this clever board book. A crocodile is hiding on every page, but you’ll have to move the sliders to see it. If you like this title, you’ll also enjoy the rest of the books in the I Thought I Saw series.
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Baby Touch and Feel: Fluffy Animals
Also available from:Your little one might be overwhelmed by real animals that can be pretty large to a small child, but they can get a glimpse of that experience in this sweet board book that lets them pet animals to their heart’s content — no worries about nibbled fingers!
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What Are Unicorns Made Of?
Also available from:Bright colors, a cute unicorn character, a touch-and-feel cover, and a pop-up at the end will make this a storytime favorite for your baby. Filled with magic, adventure, and silliness, this delightful board book is perfect for the tiniest unicorn lovers.
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Llama Llama Sand and Sun
Also available from:Are there any more beloved book characters than Llama Llama and his ever-patient Mama? In this perfectly summery book, the two spend a day at the beach, where little Llama explores everything from the sand to the water in these beautiful spreads full of interactive elements.
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Peekaboo: Sun
Also available from:If your baby loves the beach, they’ll also love this board book. With an interactive element on every page, there are plenty of things for little fingers to touch. They’ll enjoy the bright colors, the beach theme, and playing with the sliders to reveal hidden surprises.
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Baby Touch and Feel: Things That Go
Also available from:For the child who can’t get enough of cars, boats, airplanes, and everything else that goes, this book is a dream come true — they can get up close to the myriad textures of those prized vehicles.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2019 and updated in 2021.