Today's board books are printed on hard cardboard, both the cover and the limited number of pages. The books are intended for toddlers and designed for durability (wet hands, teething, etc.).
In 1922, one could purchase Bookie-Blox. Pictured is one volume of eleven sold as a set; Mother Goose with pictures by Blanche Fisher Laite. These mechanical blocks are made of solid wood with a metal spine and color paste labels presenting Mother Goose Rhymes.
Although wood and metal are durable, earthy materials, they are not at all cozy for small children. Modern toys and educational items lack the quality and artistry of their vintage and antique counterparts. Board books however, are better without the 'board'. I find it so interesting to see a good idea before it has been reworked and improved.
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