What are high contrast books? These books are simple board books that feature bold, stark patterns. Typically these images are sharp black-and-white or bright primary colors. Why these colors? They are designed to stimulate cognitive and visual development in newborns and young infants. High contrast shapes and lines catch young children’s attention as they cannot easily process soft pastels or complex shapes. Below I have gathered a list of new high-contrast books that, as of this writing, are all owned by the Davenport Public Library. Descriptions are provided by the publishers.

Bright baby illustrations, design, and text by Rebecca Weerasekera

Learn first concepts with this fun, multisensory, high-contrast board book for little ones, with tactile pictures and a mirror.

Filled with features to stimulate a baby’s senses, this high-contrast black, white, and blue book is full of raised pictures to touch, a peep-through cover, and a mirror.

Babies and toddlers will love getting hands-on, exploring every sensory page, and touching raised pictures of favourite animals such as a black-and-white zebra and a big-eared rabbit. At the end of the book when they turn the final page, they’ll be delighted by the shiny mirror surprise. – DK Children

Busy little bee : a high-contrast baby book

Let’s shake and dance like we have ants in our pants! Let’s explore this place at a slow snail’s pace!

Watch your baby light up as they follow along with this high-contrast board book specially designed for developing eyes and minds. The black-and-white photos paired with the bold and simplistic rhyming text make this the perfect book for introducing your growing baby to the world of reading. – Flowerpot Press

Farm illustrated by Leeza Hernandez ; designed by Mary Cartwright

This robust board book will fascinate babies and introduce them to life on the farm, from big animals to bees and tractors. Every page is designed to stimulate developing minds, with striking high-contrast illustrations and inviting holes to peek through. – Usborne

Moimoi, where are you? illustrated by Jun Ichihara ; edited by Kazuo Hiraki

Meet moimoi! These playful creatures with high-contrast stripes were chosen by babies, for babies, at the University of Tokyo “Baby Lab.” Their bold colors and silly sounds work like magic to grab Baby’s attention.

Moimoi, Where Are You? continues the fun of Moimoi—Look at Me! with cutouts on every page that create a clever game of hide-and-seek. Yoo-hoo, moi moi? Peekaboo, moi moi!

Parents in Japan have purchased over a million books, and swear that moimoi can even soothe a crying tot. Your newborn or toddler will love moimoi, too! – The Experiment

Pan dulce : a high contrast yummy board book written and illustrated by Aaron Bowersock

Conchas, empanadas, churros—it’s pan dulce time! This bilingual English-Spanish board book introduces little ones to the scrumptious world of Latin American sweet breads, like orejas and galletas. Created with high-contrast imagery, Pan Dulce is the sweetest board book for your little ones to enjoy, with each spread specifically designed to help strengthen their growing eyes. – Lil’ Libros

Snug as a bug : a high-contrast baby book by Stephanie Meyers

Let’s play in the house as quiet as a mouse! Give me a snug hug like a bug in a rug!

Watch your baby light up as they follow along with this high-contrast board book specially designed for developing eyes and minds. The black-and-white photos paired with the bold and simplistic rhyming text make this the perfect book for introducing your growing baby to the world of reading. – Flowerpot Press

Things that go illustrated by Leeza Hernandez ; designed by Mary Cartwright.

This robust board book will fascinate babies and introduce them to all kinds of things that go, with quirky animals driving, flying and riding along. Every page is designed to stimulate developing minds, with striking high-contrast illustrations and inviting holes to peep through. – Usborne

What does baby see? On the farm : a first high-contrast book written by Mara Conlon ; illustrated by Simon Abbott.

”Windmill blowing, tractor plowing. What does Baby see?”

On the Farm: A First High-Contrast Book, with bold, black-and-white images, will introduce your baby or toddler to important first concepts for every growing child! Newborn babies see the world differently. Their eyes pick up light and dark, but in their early weeks, they’re still learning to focus, and most things look blurry. Simple black-and-white images offer healthy stimulation, encouraging focus and visual exploration! From the farm’s sheep and cow, to its hen and her chick, adorable high-contrast images will keep Baby engaged. – Peter Pauper Press

Whose nose? Written and illustrated by Kristina Jones

Do you see a nose? Whose nose is it?

In this charming board book for the youngest of future readers, author-illustrator Kristina Jones uses textured black-and-white art to show familiar backyard animals, including a puppy and a squirrel and ending with a human baby. Each spread poses a question, and the answer is revealed in a peek-a-boo style when the page is turned. The high-contrast art helps babies focus, and spots of red highlight noses. A great baby shower gift for new parents to read with their little ones. – Amicus Ink