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Printing built for little hands

Children's books get loved hard. We help you print on the right paper, with sturdy binding and rich color, and you approve a physical proof before any full run.

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- what it is

The format and finish your story deserves

A children's book is a physical object that gets carried, dropped, and read a hundred times. The paper, binding, and finish matter as much as the art on the page.

We help you choose the right format, from board books for toddlers to hardcovers for gifting, and send a real printed proof before any full run.

Board, paperback, or hardcover guidance
Durable paper and binding for real use
A physical proof before any full run

Children's book printing at Purple Giraffe Press

- our catalog

Stories we have brought to life

Children Book

Tilly's Rainbow Adventure

by Jessica Schoettle

Children Book

Whatever You Do, Don't Fall Asleep!

by Ashlee Ridlon

Children Book

100,000 Whys - The Big Journey for Curious Kids

by Rayan Yale

Children Book

Sticks and Stones May Break My...

by V Moua

Children Book

I Am Not a Dinosaur!

by V Moua

Children Book

Don't Worry, Cookie. We'll Save You!

by V Moua

Children Book

The Ultimate Road Trip Activity Book For Kids 8-12

by Sophie Harbor

Children Book

The Ultimate Campfire Book for Kids

by Bobby B. Loo

Children Book

The Epic Science Challenge For Super Smart Kids

by Charlie Maple

Children Book

The Mehrabian Rule for Kids

by Jeffrey Kyle

Children Book

The Great Neurotrainer Workbook for Smart Kids

by Gabriel Nedelcu

Children Book

The Worst Vacation Book in the Whole Entire World

by Joey Acker

- how it works

Your Children's Book Printing journey, step by step

Here is exactly how your project moves from first hello to finished book, one clear step at a time.

Specify

We choose the format, paper, and finish that suit your story and reader. Board, paperback, and hardcover each have their place. We weigh durability, feel, and budget together. The right choice protects both your art and your wallet.

Prepare files

We check your files meet print requirements for colour and bleed. Catching issues now avoids costly reprints later. We confirm resolution, margins, and trim. Your files leave correct and print ready.

Proof

A real physical proof of your book is produced. You see and feel the actual object, not a screen. Colour, paper, and binding can finally be judged in your hands. This is the moment surprises get caught.

Approve

You review the printed sample and approve it before the run. Nothing prints in volume until you are happy. We note any final adjustments together. Your sign off protects the whole order.

Print

We run the full order on quality stock with accurate colour. Your art stays warm and true to the proof. Binding is built to survive real use. The result is a book made to be loved hard.

Fulfill

Books are prepared for shipping or onward distribution. We make sure they are packed to arrive in great shape. You decide where the copies go. The finished books are ready to reach readers.

Purple Giraffe Press children's book printing

- why purple giraffe

Made to survive a thousand bedtimes

Children's books are handled hard. We help you choose paper, binding, and finish that hold up to daily love.

You approve a real printed proof before the full run, so the book in your hands is the book you imagined.

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Standard book sizes

Choosing the right trim size is the very first print decision you will make. It shapes illustration layout, production cost, shelf presence, and reader experience.

Standard Picture Book

8.5 × 8.5 in216 × 216 mm

📖 24-40 pages👶 Ages 3-8

Industry standard for picture books on Amazon and in bookshops worldwide.

Premium

Large Square Picture Book

10 × 10 in254 × 254 mm

📖 24-48 pages👶 Ages 3-8

Gives illustrators more canvas space, for a more premium, gift-book feel.

Unique

Landscape Picture Book

11 × 8.5 in279 × 216 mm

📖 24-40 pages👶 Ages 2-6

The wide format lends itself to sweeping landscapes and action sequences.

Ages 0-3

Board Book

6 × 6 in152 × 152 mm

📖 12-24 thick boards👶 Ages 0-3

Each page is a thick laminated board, roughly 3 to 5 mm thick. Completely chew-proof.

Ages 0-3

Classic Board Book

7 × 7 in178 × 178 mm

📖 12-24 pages👶 Ages 0-3

The most common board book size seen in supermarkets and toy stores.

Ages 5-12

Early Reader / Chapter Book

6 × 9 in152 × 229 mm

📖 48-200 pages👶 Ages 5-12

The standard trade paperback format, familiar from school library shelves.

Activity

Activity / Colouring Book

8.5 × 11 in216 × 279 mm

📖 32-100 pages👶 All ages

US Letter size gives children the most space for colouring and activities.

All sizes above are available through both print-on-demand and offset printing at Purple Giraffe Press. We will recommend the best size for your story and illustration style during your project consultation.

Paper types and weights

Paper stock has a bigger impact on your book's perceived quality than most authors realise. It affects colour vibrancy, durability, weight, and cost.

60 lb (90 gsm) Uncoated Offset

Black and white or limited colour

Cream or white, slightly textured, easy on the eyes, like a novel.

Best for: Chapter books, early readers, text-heavy novels.

Pros

Lowest cost per page
Lightweight, good for thick books
Easy for children to write or annotate on

Watch-outs

Not ideal for high-resolution full-colour illustrations
Limited colour gamut

80 lb (120 gsm) Gloss Coated

Full CMYK colour, ideal

Smooth and shiny, colours pop with high saturation.

Best for: Picture books with vibrant full-colour illustrations.

Pros

Exceptional colour reproduction
Makes illustrations look vivid and professional
Industry standard for full-colour picture books

Watch-outs

Heavier than uncoated
Slight glare under direct light
Slightly higher cost

80 lb (120 gsm) Matte Coated

Full CMYK colour, excellent

Smooth but not shiny, a soft premium feel with no glare.

Best for: Picture books, premium gift editions.

Pros

Excellent colour depth without glare
Feels luxurious to touch
Popular for premium and award submissions

Watch-outs

Fingerprints show more easily
Slightly more expensive than gloss

100 lb (150 gsm) Silk / Satin

Full CMYK colour, premium

Between gloss and matte, a silky, high-end feel.

Best for: Collector editions, gift books, premium picture books.

Pros

Premium appearance and touch
Outstanding colour fidelity
Impressive durability

Watch-outs

Higher cost per page
Heavier finished book

Board Stock (280-400 gsm)

Full CMYK on laminated surface

Rigid cardboard, extremely durable, cannot be torn easily.

Best for: Board books for babies and toddlers.

Pros

Survives everything a toddler throws at it
Laminated for spill and chew resistance
Safe for ages 0 and up

Watch-outs

Much higher production cost
Minimum print runs are larger
Heavier to ship

Recycled / FSC-Certified

Full colour, warm white point

Slightly textured cream or natural white, warm and organic.

Best for: Eco-conscious authors and publishers.

Pros

Environmentally responsible
FSC chain-of-custody certification available
Appeals to eco-aware buyers

Watch-outs

Slightly lower colour brightness than gloss
Small premium in cost

Cover types and binding

The cover is the first thing a child and parent touch. Your binding choice signals quality, durability, and price before the book is even opened.

Hardcover (Case Bound)

A rigid board cover wrapped in printed laminated paper. The gold standard for children's picture books. Extremely durable, perceived as premium, and typically priced higher ($14.99 to $24.99).

Gloss or matte lamination over the board
Rounded or square spine
Optional spot UV varnish for raised gloss
Optional foil stamping in gold, silver, or holographic
Retail standard for picture books ages 0 to 8

💰 Higher cost, premium retail position

Softcover / Trade Paperback

A flexible printed cover, usually 300 gsm and up with lamination. Lower production cost and lighter weight, common for chapter books, activity books, and budget editions.

Gloss or matte lamination
Optional spot UV on the title or logo
Significantly lighter than hardcover
Standard for chapter and activity books
Lower retail price point ($7.99 to $14.99)

💰 Lower cost, broader accessibility

Board Book (Casebound Boards)

Every page is its own thick, rigid laminated board. Interior boards are typically 2 to 4 mm thick greyboard wrapped in printed, laminated paper.

2 to 4 mm greyboard per page
Pages glued together in pairs
Waterproof laminated surface
Rounded corners for safety (optional)
Indestructible for toddlers

💰 Higher cost, high minimum quantities

Spiral / Wire-O Bound

Pages held together with a wire or plastic coil spine. They lay completely flat when open, perfect for activity, workbook, and colouring formats where children write or draw inside.

Lays completely flat when open
Ideal for activity and colouring books
Available in plastic or metal coil
Cover can still be a laminated softcover
Not standard for retail distribution

💰 Mid-range cost

Print methods explained

Understanding how your book is physically produced helps you make smarter decisions about cost, quality, and distribution.

Print-on-Demand (POD)

Each book is printed digitally only when an order is placed. Zero upfront inventory cost, and ideal for self-publishing authors.

Advantages

No minimum order quantity, no inventory risk
Integrates directly with Amazon KDP and IngramSpark
Automatic fulfilment, we never touch the books
Easy to update or edit files at any time

Limitations

Slightly higher cost per unit than offset
Limited paper and binding options
Less consistent colour between batches

🎯 Best for: First-time authors, low-volume titles, Amazon self-publishing

Offset Lithographic Printing

Printing plates are made and ink is applied via rollers. The highest quality output and the lowest per-unit cost at scale, from 500 copies and up.

Advantages

Superior colour accuracy and consistency
Significantly lower cost per unit at volume
Widest choice of paper, finishing, and binding
Required for bookshop and retail distribution

Limitations

Minimum print run typically 500 to 1,000 copies
Higher upfront cost
Longer lead time, 4 to 8 weeks from file approval

🎯 Best for: Authors launching with bookshop distribution, school sales, bulk orders

Digital Short-Run

Digital printing for small batches of 25 to 500 copies. It bridges the gap between POD and offset, great for event stock, reviewer copies, and school visits.

Advantages

Low minimum quantities, from 25 copies
Fast turnaround, 5 to 10 business days
Better quality than POD for large batches
No plate setup costs

Limitations

More expensive per unit than offset at high volumes
Narrower paper weight range than offset

🎯 Best for: Pre-launch reviewer copies, event stock, school visits, gift editions

Finishing and special effects

Premium finishing turns a good book into a remarkable one. These touches make books gift-worthy, award-worthy, and shelf-standout worthy.

Gloss Lamination

Shiny protective film over the cover. Makes colours pop and is highly durable.

Matte Lamination

Soft, non-reflective finish. A premium tactile feel that reduces fingerprints.

Spot UV

High-gloss varnish applied selectively, for example just the title or a character. Creates striking contrast against matte lamination.

Foil Stamping

Metallic foil in gold, silver, holographic, or rose gold, applied under heat and pressure. Instantly signals a premium gift book.

Embossing / Debossing

Raises or indents part of the cover into the board for a 3D tactile effect. Often combined with foil.

Rounded Corners

Available on board books and some hardcovers. Child-safety compliant and adds a premium finish.

Ribbon Markers

A fabric ribbon attached inside the spine for bookmarking. Found in premium gift-edition hardcovers.

Endpapers

The decorative pages glued to the inside of a hardcover's boards. A chance to add illustration detail, often a repeat pattern or map.

Quick reference

Book type comparison chart

At a glance, the most common specifications for each children's book format.

Book type	Trim size	Paper	Cover	Pages
Board Book	6 × 6 in / 7 × 7 in	280-400 gsm board	Casebound boards	12-24
Picture Book	8.5 × 8.5 in	80 gsm gloss/matte	Hardcover (standard)	24-40
Premium Picture Book	10 × 10 in	100 gsm silk	Hardcover + foil	24-48
Early Reader	6 × 9 in	60 gsm uncoated	Softcover	48-100
Chapter Book	6 × 9 in	60 gsm uncoated	Softcover	100-200
Activity / Colouring	8.5 × 11 in	80 gsm uncoated	Softcover / Spiral	32-100

Not sure which print spec is right for you?

Every Purple Giraffe Press project includes a dedicated print consultation. We will recommend the perfect size, paper, cover, and method for your story and budget.

Get a Free Print Quote → View Packages

- author love

Authors who said yes, and never looked back

★★★★★

“Who knew publishing could be this much fun? They handle the heavy lifting so I can focus on making kids laugh.”

Marcus BrambleThe Pigeon Who Lost His Bus Pass

★★★★★

“A truly exceptional design team. They understand that negative space and timing are everything in a picture book.”

Jonah ClayThe Hat That Wandered Off

★★★★★

“Purple Giraffe Press brings an unforgettable, vibrant quality to everything they touch. Total professionals.”

Dana SantiagoThe Adventures of Little Beacon

★★★★★

“The editing team helped me refine my rhymes without losing the charm. It is now a bedtime favourite across the country.”

Maria RossiThe Sleepy Little Owl

★★★★★

“Translating a classic song into a new book was tough, but their audio and design teams rocked it completely.”

Selina JauryMs. Macdonald Had a Farm

★★★★★

“An incredibly empowering experience. They give you the tools to succeed and you keep your rights.”

Vashti HarlowLittle Leaders, Big Dreams

- explore more

Our most popular services

Editing

Developmental and line editing that strengthens pacing, voice, clarity, and the read aloud rhythm kids respond to.

Learn more

Book Cover Design

Covers kids reach for, designed to shine in print, in online thumbnails, and on the bookstore shelf.

Learn more

Marketing & Publicity

Reviewer outreach, library and school positioning, podcasts, and social launch support to help your book find readers.

Learn more

Book Publishing

Full service publishing from manuscript to launch, with ISBN, print and ebook setup, and global distribution, while you keep 100% of royalties.

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Custom Illustrations

Hand crafted illustrations built around your characters, world, and your reader's age, from first sketches to final spreads.

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Author Websites

A storybook feel website to showcase your book, grow your mailing list, and connect with families and schools.

Learn more

- before you print

Printing questions, answered.

Honest answers to the questions authors ask most before going to print. If yours is not here, a quick consultation will cover it.

Book a Free Consultation →

01 Can you print board books?

Yes. We print board books, paperbacks, and hardcovers, and we will recommend the format that fits your story and reader age.

02 Do I get to see a proof first?

Always. You approve a physical printed proof before we run the full quantity, so there are no surprises.

03 What is the minimum print run?

We can arrange both short runs and larger quantities, and will recommend what fits your launch and budget.

04 Can you print in color throughout?

Yes. Full color interiors are standard for picture books, and we tune the printing to keep your art warm and true.

05 Do you offer hardcover with a dust jacket?

Yes. We print paperback, board books, and hardcovers with or without a jacket.