Best Board Books for Learning Colors (2026): 5 Picks

A toddler pointing at a red apple and naming the color is learning to read the world, and the best board books for learning colors turn that moment into a daily game. We compared board books by listed reading age, page count and how each one presents colors.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	First 100 Box Set by Priddy	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	My First Colors by DK	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	My First COLORS by Abbott	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	First 100 Big Board by Priddy	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Colors by Wonder House Books	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

First 100 Box Set by Priddy

Roger Priddy·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A box set of three small board books covering first words, animals, and numbers, colors and shapes.

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Pros

• Three board books in one box, including a colors volume
• Each book has color photographs and first words
• Tough board pages with a softly padded cover

Cons

• Colors share the box with words and animals
• No page count is stated for the set
• Reading age is marked as from customers

2

My First Colors by DK

DK·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A board book introducing colors one page at a time, with bright photographs and clear word labels.

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Pros

• One color per page, using objects or animals
• Photographs beside word labels build vocabulary
• Chunky tactile pages suit a toddler

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers
• No grade level is stated
• Colors only, so other concepts need another book

3

My First COLORS by Abbott

Simon Abbott·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A padded board book pairing illustrated characters with full-color photographs to introduce first colors.

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Pros

• Illustrated characters with full-color photographs
• Padded cover is easy for little hands to grip
• Rounded corners help reduce board book wear

Cons

• Reading age is marked as from customers
• No grade level is stated
• Part of a series, so fans may want more

4

First 100 Big Board by Priddy

Roger Priddy·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A large board book introducing letters, numbers and colors together in a sturdy format.

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Pros

• Covers colors with ABC and numbers together
• Large, colorful and sturdy format
• Listed at 14 pages, a short first book

Cons

• Colors share the book with letters and numbers
• Publication date of April 15, 2008, an older edition
• Reading age is marked as from customers

5

Colors by Wonder House Books

Wonder House Books·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A board book with large, easy-to-read text pairing familiar objects with clear color words.

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Pros

• Large, clear text makes learning simple
• Familiar objects encourage pointing and naming
• Thick pages with rounded edges suit little hands

Cons

• Listed at 10 pages, the shortest pick
• No grade level is stated
• Listed age starts at 2 years, later than others

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More picks to compare

• Colors by PriddyTwo examples of each color for babies learning color wordsCheck on Amazon
• Touch and Feel ColorsTextures and peek-through holes for sensory explorationCheck on Amazon
• Babies Love ColorsPop-it buttons and sounds pair colors with familiar wordsCheck on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level. All five listings give a reading age, and two give a grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best board books for learning colors

Match the reading age to the child

The listings give reading ages from Baby to 2 years up to 2 to 5 years, and two also give a grade level of Preschool. A baby under 2 years fits the picks whose listed age starts at Baby or 1 year, while a preschooler fits the Wonder House book, whose listed age runs to 5 years; see also high contrast board books for sturdy formats.

Decide between colors only and colors plus more

A colors-only book like My First Colors keeps every page on one concept, which suits a child just starting to name colors. A book that also covers letters and numbers suits a child ready to move past colors. For more color-focused choices, see picture books about colors.

Before you buy

• Check the format: the Priddy box set is three books, not a single volume.
• For a series, confirm which book comes first.
• Compare the listed reading age with the child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What age suits a board book about colors?

The picks list reading ages from Baby to 2 years up to 2 to 5 years. Use the listed age as a starting point.

Should I buy a colors-only book or a set that also covers words and numbers?

A colors-only book suits a child just learning color names, while the Priddy box set suits a child ready for more.

Does a board book about colors need large print?

Large print helps during shared reading, and the Wonder House book lists large, easy-to-read text.

Still deciding? Our top pickFirst 100 Box Set by Priddy

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Related lists

See every picture books list and all kids and teens lists.

More lists: picture books about colors, board books for travel, high contrast board books and interactive board books for babies.