Short answer: Hardcover books usually provide more pages and a conventional reading experience; board books use thick mounted pages and are designed for frequent handling by younger children.
Decisions to make before requesting a quote
Reader age
Compare the available choices against use, appearance, durability, cost, proofing, production, and delivery requirements.
Page construction
Compare the available choices against use, appearance, durability, cost, proofing, production, and delivery requirements.
Binding and durability
Compare the available choices against use, appearance, durability, cost, proofing, production, and delivery requirements.
Cost and retail value
Compare the available choices against use, appearance, durability, cost, proofing, production, and delivery requirements.
A practical approval sequence
- Define the finished product and who will use it.
- Identify the choices that affect appearance, durability, cost, and freight.
- Choose proofs or samples that answer specific risks.
- Record approved specifications before bulk production.
- Inspect packing and delivery requirements as part of the product—not as an afterthought.
What to send a printer
Provide finished size, page count or box dimensions, materials if known, quantity tiers, destination, target date, artwork status, sample needs, and reference products. If a decision is still open, describe the result you want rather than guessing a technical specification.