The children’s book publishing category makes up a significant slice of the U.S. book printing and distribution industry. The Association of American Publishers (AAP) estimated 2024 sales revenue for children’s and young adult books at $2.4 billion — more than 7% of total book printing sales nationwide. Even in an increasingly digital world, children’s book publishing remains resilient.
However, small- and medium-sized publishers of children’s literature must juggle conflicting priorities as they manage tight timelines and work within limited budgets — all while meeting the unique quality and the safety requirements of children’s book publishing. The following guide to printing children’s books is intended to help publishers of children’s literature bring high-quality books to market quicky and affordably.
We explain how to make a children’s book by focusing on 11 key questions — answered from the viewpoint of a small- or medium-sized children’s book publisher.
- What is a children’s book?
- What are the types of books for kids?
- How do you choose between book printing services?
- How can you avoid mistakes and delays when making a children’s book?
- How can you ensure illustration quality and print fidelity?
- What paper is best for printing children’s books?
- What is the best font size for children’s books?
- What are the key safety considerations in children’s book printing?
- How can I balance the need for both speed and scale?
- After printing, how can I streamline book distribution?
- Why is building a reliable, long-term print relationship important?
1. What is a children's book?
Generally speaking, publishers of children’s literature subdivide the overall children’s book publishing market into juvenile (ages 0–11) and young adult categories (ages 12–18). While both categories fall under the umbrella of children’s books, book printing services themselves often look to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for guidance. According to the CPSIA, “children’s products” — items intended primarily for ages 12 and under — can trigger more stringent safety and labeling requirements. Some of those unique safety requirements will be addressed later.
2. What are the types of books for kids?
Selecting the right format for a children’s book is more than a design decision — it’s a strategic choice that affects durability, readability, cost and distribution. Ultimately, it’s the format that makes a children’s book. Each age group has distinct developmental needs and expectations, and aligning your book’s format with those needs is essential for market success.
Ways to Form a Children's Book for the Reader
- Baby Books (Ages 0–3): These children’s books must withstand chewing, tugging and enthusiastic page-turning. Board books with thick, laminated pages and rounded corners are ideal. Safety is paramount, so materials must be non-toxic and compliant with CPSIA standards. Baby books are often sold in retail environments or gifted, so visual appeal and durability are key.
- Picture Books (Ages 3–7): Often oversized and hardcover, picture books are designed to be read aloud and enjoyed visually. A larger trim size (typically 8x10 or 9x12 inches) allows illustrations to shine. Hardcover book printing and binding adds perceived value and durability, especially for libraries and gift markets.
- Early Education Books (Ages 3–7): These include activity books, alphabet primers and basic concept books. They may use spiral or saddle-stitch binding for ease of use and lie-flat functionality. Format decisions here should prioritize interactivity and accessibility.
- Early Readers and Chapter Books (Ages 5–9+): These books transition children from visual storytelling to text-heavy narratives. Lightweight softcovers are preferred for affordability and portability, especially for classroom use. Trim sizes are typically smaller (5x8 or 6x9 inches) and perfect binding is common.
Binding Options and Page Count Considerations
- Saddle-Stitched: Ideal for books under 48 pages, especially activity books or short stories. Economical and fast to produce, but limited in durability and spine visibility.
- Perfect Bound: Suitable for longer softcover books, including early readers and chapter books. Offers a professional finish and spine printing but is less durable than case binding.
- Case Bound (Hardcover): Best for picture books and premium editions. More expensive but adds longevity and shelf appeal. Requires careful planning for spine thickness and cover wrap.
- Reinforced Library Binding: Accomplished by sewing through the side of the book, creating an almost indestructible binding. Meets the ISBN Library Standard for longevity and openability in high-circulation environments like schools and libraries.
- Trim Size and Spine Thickness: These affect not only aesthetics but also cost and logistics. Larger children’s books cost more to print and ship. Thicker spines require precise file setup and impact shelf presence.
- Inventory Impact: Format and binding choices influence storage needs, shipping costs and reprint flexibility. For example, hardcover children’s books take up more space and cost more to ship while softcovers are easier to store and distribute in bulk.
3. How do you choose between book printing services?
For smaller publishers of children’s literature, choosing the optimum book printing service can seem like a daunting process. A consultative book printing and distribution partner transforms complexity into clarity, guiding you from concept to completion based on prior experience.
Why Small Children's Book Publishers Benefit from a Consultative Printer
- Material Selection and Trim Specs: A good book printing partner helps you choose the right paper weight, finish and trim size based on your audience and budget. For example, they might recommend 2mm greyboard for board books or 128gsm matte coated stock for picture books.
- File Setup and Layout Advice: Book printing services that specialize in custom book printing can flag common issues like incorrect bleeds, low-resolution images or misaligned text. Their input ensures your files meet production standards and avoid costly rework.
- Print Finishes and Compliance: From spot UV to foil stamping, your book printing service can suggest finishes that elevate your book’s appeal. More importantly, they ensure compliance with safety standards like CPSIA and ASTM F963.
- Production Planning: A consultative book printing partner helps you plan for launch cycles, reprints and seasonal demand. They can advise on lead times, batch sizes and cost-saving strategies.
The Right Partner Reduces Delays, Rework and Stress
A trusted book printing service acts as an extension of your publishing team. They anticipate challenges, offer proactive solutions and keep your project on track. This collaboration minimizes delays, reduces stress and ensures your book reaches readers on time and on budget.
4. How can you avoid mistakes and delays when making a children's book?
The quality of your print-ready files is paramount. File preparation is one of the most overlooked yet critical stages in children’s book publishing. Errors here can derail timelines and inflate costs. Fortunately, most issues are preventable with the right practices and a book printing partner who supports your workflow.
Layout Tips for Consistent Results Across Print Runs
- Safe Zones and Full-Bleed Art: Ensure all critical text and imagery stay within safe zones and be sure to extend background art beyond the trim line for full-bleed printing. This prevents white edges and cut-off content.
- DPI and CMYK Settings: Use 300 DPI resolution for all images and convert files to CMYK color mode — not RGB — to match print output. RGB may look vibrant on screen but can result in dull or inaccurate colors in print.
- PDF/X Standards and Preflight Checks: Export files as PDF/X-1a or PDF/X-4 for print consistency. Run preflight checks to catch missing fonts, low-res images or incorrect color profiles before submission.
Streamline Handoff Between Designer and Printer
Establish clear communication between your designer and book printing service. Share templates, trim specs and file requirements early. A shared checklist or style guide can prevent misunderstandings and ensure smooth handoffs.
Find a Print Partner with a Front-End Solution
Some book printing companies offer online portals or front-end tools that simplify file uploads, proofing and order tracking. These platforms reduce friction and give children’s book publishers more control over the print production process.
5. How can you ensure illustration quality and print fidelity?
Publishers of children’s literature know that their books often succeed or fail based on their illustrations. Vibrant, accurate color that “pops” is essential to capturing young readers’ attention and conveying emotion. Achieving this requires more than good design. It demands technical precision.
Why Color Accuracy Matters in Kids' Books
- Soft Proofing and Calibrated Workflows: Use calibrated monitors and soft proofing tools to preview how colors will appear in print. Tools like X-Rite or Spyder help ensure what you see is what you get.
- Preventing Muddy Hues and Washed-Out Pastels: Avoid oversaturation and poor contrast by designing in CMYK and testing color combinations. Pay special attention to skin tones, greens and reds, which often shift in print.
- Paper Type Affects Color Vibrancy: Glossy coated papers enhance brightness and contrast, while matte or uncoated stocks offer a softer, more tactile feel. As we explore next, your printer can help you choose the right stock for your illustrations and audience.
6. What paper is best for printing children's books?
Paper choice affects not only aesthetics but also durability, cost and reader engagement. For children’s books, the stakes are higher. Materials must be safe, sturdy and suited to the age group.
Recommended Materials by Age Group and Book Type
- Baby Books (Ages 0-3): Use laminated board pages with rounded corners. These resist tearing, chewing and spills. Glossy finishes add visual appeal and wipe-clean functionality.
- Picture Books (Ages 3–7): Matte or uncoated stocks offer a warm, tactile experience. They reduce glare and enhance the emotional tone of illustrations. Consider heavier weights (157gsm or higher) for a premium feel.
- Early Readers (Ages 5–9+): Cost-effective coated stocks (e.g., 128gsm) balance quality and affordability. These books are often printed in bulk for classrooms or libraries, so durability and price matter.
Durability Features for Children's Books
- Lamination: Lamination protects covers and pages from wear and moisture. It is available in gloss, matte or soft-touch finishes.
- Rounded Corners: Rounded corners reduce injury risk and extend book life, especially for board books.
- Tear Resistance: Reinforced paper or synthetic print substrates can prevent damage from rough handling.
7. What is the best font size for children's books?
Font sizing in children’s book publishing is not one-size-fits-all. Once again, it depends on age group, reading level and format. The goal is to balance readability with design aesthetics while supporting early literacy.
Recommended Font Sizes by Age Group and Book Type
- Baby Books (Ages 0–3): Use large, bold type — typically 18–24 pt — to help caregivers read aloud and to make words visible from a distance. Simple sans-serif fonts (e.g., Helvetica, Futura) work well for clarity.
- Picture Books (Ages 3–7): Most picture books use 14–18 pt type for body text. This size accommodates short sentences and integrates well with illustrations. Avoid overly condensed fonts and allow generous leading (line spacing) for improved legibility.
- Early Readers (Ages 5–9+): For leveled readers and beginning chapter books, 14–16 pt is common, often paired with extra spacing between lines and words to support decoding skills.
- Chapter Books, Middle-Grade Books (Ages 8–12): Font size typically drops to 11–13 pt, similar to adult books but with slightly looser leading and wider margins for comfort.
8. What are the key safety considerations in children's book printing?
Safety isn’t optional — it’s a legal and ethical imperative. Children’s book printers must meet stringent standards to ensure that the finished product is safe for young readers.
Materials That Meet CPSIA and Other Safety Standards
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) mandates that children’s products — including books — meet specific safety criteria. This includes testing for lead, phthalates and mechanical hazards.
Non-Toxic Inks and Coatings
Use vegetable-based or soy inks and water-based coatings. These are safer for children and often more environmentally friendly. Here again, a truly consultative book printing service will certify that all materials used meet safety regulations.
Risk-Minimizing Finishes and Bindings
Avoid sharp edges, loose parts or adhesives that could pose choking hazards. Choose binding methods that withstand repeated use without exposing staples or glue. Case binding and board book construction are ideal for durability and safety.
9. How can I balance the need for both speed and scale?
For smaller publishers of children’s literature, agility is everything. Whether you're testing a new title, fulfilling a classroom order or responding to seasonal demand, scalable print solutions allow you to move quickly without compromising quality or overextending your budget.
Why Small Publishers Need Scalable Print Solutions
- Print-on-Demand (POD): POD is a game-changer for initial releases, niche titles and direct-to-consumer sales. It eliminates the need for large upfront print runs, allowing publishers to test market interest before committing capital. POD is especially useful for author-driven projects, classroom sets or limited-edition releases. With no minimum order quantities, you can print exactly what you need — when you need it.
- Offset or Digital Short Runs: Once a title gains traction, short-run printing offers a cost-effective way to fulfill reorders, stock events or support promotional campaigns. Digital short runs are ideal for quick turnarounds and smaller quantities, while offset printing becomes more economical at higher volumes. A consultative custom book printing partner will help you choose the right method based on your timeline, budget and quality expectations.
- Faster Turnarounds Without Sacrificing Quality: Speed is critical in children’s book publishing, especially when responding to school schedules, holidays or viral trends. Scalable solutions allow you to meet demand quickly while maintaining consistent quality across formats and reprints. Look for book printing services with streamlined workflows, automated proofing and responsive customer support to keep your projects moving.
Managing Inventory Without Overcommitting Capital
Traditional publishing often requires large print runs and warehousing, tying up capital and risking unsold inventory. Scalable print models flip that equation. By printing children’s books in smaller batches and leveraging POD, you can:
- Reduce storage costs and free up space
- Minimize waste and environmental impact
- Respond to demand in real time
- Keep cash flow healthy and predictable
This flexibility empowers smaller publishers of children’s literature to experiment, iterate and grow without the financial strain of traditional inventory models.
10. After printing, how can I streamline book distribution?
Printing the children’s book is only half the battle; getting it into readers’ hands is where the real magic happens. A custom book printing partner who supports fulfillment can help you bridge the gap between production and delivery, saving time and reducing complexity.
Support for Warehousing, Shipping, and Retailer Fulfillment
- Drop Shipping for Direct-to-Consumer or Author Sales: Many children’s book printers offer drop shipping services, allowing you to send children’s books directly to customers without handling inventory yourself. This is ideal for author websites, crowdfunding campaigns or small-scale eCommerce operations. It also enables personalized packaging or inserts, enhancing the customer experience.
- Integration with eCommerce or Wholesale Channels: A modern children’s book printing partner should integrate with platforms like Shopify, Amazon, IngramSpark or Bookshop.org. This streamlines order processing, automates inventory updates and ensures consistent fulfillment across channels. For wholesale distribution, look for partners who can handle bulk shipments, retailer-specific labeling and compliance with vendor requirements.
Freeing Up Time for Marketing and Editorial Efforts
By outsourcing fulfillment, publishers of children’s literature can focus on what they do best — creating and promoting great books. Instead of managing logistics, you can invest time in:
- Building your author’s brand
- Running targeted marketing campaigns
- Engaging with educators and librarians
- Developing new titles and series
A custom book printing partner who handles the operational heavy lifting gives you the bandwidth to grow your publishing program strategically.
11. Why is building a reliable, long-term print relationship important?
In children’s book publishing, consistency and trust are everything. A reliable book printing partner is more than a vendor. They become a collaborator, helping you scale your vision and maintain quality across every title.
Consistency Across Reprints, Formats, and Future Titles
Children’s books often go through multiple printings, format variations and series expansions. A strong print partner ensures:
- Color fidelity across reprints
- Matching trim sizes and binding specs
- Consistent paper and finish selections
- Seamless transitions between hardcover, softcover and board book formats
This consistency builds brand trust with parents, educators and retailers — and simplifies your production workflow.
A Partner Who Grows With Your Publishing Program
As your catalog expands, your needs evolve. A good book printing partner adapts with you, offering:
- Scalable production options (POD, short run, offset)
- Flexible fulfillment models
- Strategic guidance on new formats or markets
- Support for international distribution or translation projects
They understand your goals, anticipate your challenges and invest in your success. Whether you're launching your first title or managing a growing series, finding the right book printing service helps you deliver high-quality children’s books — quickly, affordably and with confidence.
Taylor: Custom children's book printing services
A global print and communications company with 97 locations worldwide, Taylor provides custom book printing services including hardcover book printing, digital book printing and turnkey book printing and distribution services. Our expertise with commercial book printing encompasses all of the following:
- Advanced print technologies
- Book delivery and storage options
- Book design services
- G7® Certified color management, and more
However, we take special pride in our children’s book publishing capabilities. Taylor applies its materials science savvy, in-house compliance expertise and legendary color management methodology to empower smaller publishers. The result is children’s books that are engaging, appealing and safe for young readers.
Looking for a partner who specializes in the unique requirements of children’s book printing? Contact Taylor to request a children’s book printing sample kit or an in-depth consultation on your book printing needs.