Early childhood teachers can attest that board books really are the best thing since sliced bread. They are the gateway to literacy and art for young children. Their sturdy pages mean that toddling paper-tearers everywhere can have the freedom to hug and hold and feel and tug on and turn pages of their favorite books, without causing expensive damage or requiring constant close supervision. But like every transitionary tool, there comes a time for the next step. Children become eager for the bigger, bolder illustrations and longer stories in hardcovers. These seven books feature thicker pages to stand up to those learning to turn pages in hardcover books.