|
Children's book printing is virtually its own art form, and has been the cradle of many new developments in printing and book publishing. Perhaps most memorable to many of us as children were Pop-up books, with each page popping up into our fascinated eyes and breaking the boundaries of normal books. Children’s books cover an extensive range of styles and approaches, from simple and durable board books for toddlers to sophisticated and magnificent works of art that have forced printers to develop new methods of book printing and assembly. Children's books come equally in both soft and hard cover, depending on both budget and need.
Common additions to children’s books include transparencies, die cuts, unusual papers, and fold outs and pop outs. These effects can help your book stand out amongst the crowd, but remember, it should also support the story. Don’t let a printer talk you into an unnecessary process or effect simply because they can. However, if you have an idea about how you want your book to look, but don’t know if it can be done, be sure to ask several printers, you might be surprised at what can be done with today’s modern printing technologies.
If you are self-publishing your book, then working with your printer is the final stage of production, and if you are looking to produce a quality product the choosing the right printer should not be based on price or convenience alone. Be sure your printer has a strong history of printing children’s books, and that they provide a comprehensive press checking system as many children’s books can be rather complex, with each page its own challenge. Color checks and registration issues will probably be your main concern, so be sure to have someone there to check the printer’s work who knows what to look for in a press check and how to effectively guide the printer back on track.
Finally, one thing many publishers of children’s books are taking more note of is how safe their books are in the hands (and mouths) of children. Are the dye’s non-toxic and bio-degradable? Is the paper bleached with dioxin or a more natural whitening agent? Are the edges or other parts of the book safe for a child if left unattended? These are all concerns that your printer should have ready answers for. As with any printing job, be sure to carefully look at prospective printer’s examples and ask them questions about materials, timelines, press checks and delivery options.
For examples of Children's Books please visit our Children's Books portfolio |
