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Children's Book Printing
Bring your stories to life with our children's book printing services, where imagination meets craftsmanship. Whether it's a whimsical picture book, an enchanting storybook, or a heartfelt read-aloud, we transform your vision into vibrant, full-color prints on premium gloss or matte paper. Choose from elegant binding options like hardcover binding, perfect bound, or board book binding to create books that little hands will cherish.
Children's Book Printing Instant Price
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Hardcover Children's Book
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Soft Cover Children's Book
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Self-Cover Board Children's Book
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Hardcover Board Children's Book
Common Children's Book Sizes
The size of printing a children's book bears much importance from the visual appeal to handling. Following are some of the most popular sizes:
- 8.5" x 8.5": This is one of the very popular sizes for picture books, considering the ample space it leaves for illustrations and text.
- 8" x 10": It is a good, slightly bigger alternative to the above, normally used both for storybooks and for educational books.
- 7" x 7" (Square): Very young readers, fewer pages with larger illustrations.
- 10" x 8" (Landscape): Books with wide illustrations, mainly for storybooks with panoramic illustrations.
- 5.5" x 8.5" (Digest): This size is more compact and is well applied to chapter books or smaller picture books.
Here's a rough breakdown of common sizes in regard to the target age group:
- Board Books (0-4 years): The smaller, more sturdy books-like the 6" x 6"-are perfect for preschoolers and toddlers. These books are easy to hold, and their thicker pages are ideal for little hands to turn.
- Picture Books (4-8 years): Picture books sometimes use landscape formats to show full-page illustrations. Common sizes range from 8" x 8" to 12" x 9", allowing space for both images and text.
- Early Readers (4-8 years): Early readers usually run in portrait formats, between 5.5" x 8.5" and 9" x 12". They balance images and text well to help kids go from picture books to reading themselves.
- Chapter Books: Children just beginning to read to themselves have chapter books published in 5.5" x 8.5" or 6" x 9" formats, much like a standard paperback.
- Middle Grade Fiction (9-12 years): These books are usually printed in 5.5" x 8.5" or 6" x 9", providing enough space for more complex text and occasionally illustrations.
Custom Sizes: By default, QinPrinting provides flexibility in size for both hard and softcover books. For the hardcover book, the width can range from 3.74" to 12.6" and the height from 3.74" to 13.5". For softcover books, the width is from 3.74" to 12" and the height from 3.74" to 13.5".
Check out our handy children's book size chart to explore the possibilities and help you to decide which size would best suit your children's book.
Common Children's Book Size Chart
| Square | 6" x 6" | 7" x 7" | 8" x 8" | 8.5" x 8.5" | 9" x 9" | 10" x 10" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Portrait |
5.5" x 8.5" |
6" x 9" |
8" x 10" |
8.5" x 10" |
8.5" x 11" |
9" x 12" |
|
Landscape |
8.5" x 5.5" |
9" x 6" |
10" x 8" |
10" x 8.5" |
11" x 8.5" |
12" x 9" |
Children's Book Paper Options
The right selection of paper is important in children's books with vibrant illustrations and artwork to bring the colors alive.
- Gloss Art Paper: It is ideal to be used for full-color spreads with less text. Glossy paper gives more life to the vividness of illustrations, which makes them stand out.
- Matte Art Paper: It is ideal for books with more text and fewer illustrations. It allows for rich color reproduction and ensures that the text will be easy to read.
- Uncoated Paper: Ideal for interactive books such as coloring and activity books. The paper is absorbent and enables kids to write, color, and paint without bleeding through the pages.
For books with fewer pages, 32 pages or less, we suggest the employment of 200 gsm / 135 lb coated paper for its durability.
Some other typical interior paper weights for children's books are 128 gsm / 86 lb, 157 gsm / 106 lb, or 200 gsm / 135 lb coated or uncoated paper, depending on feel and durability desired.
Children's Book Paper List
Paperback Cover Paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb gloss cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb gloss cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb gloss cover paper
- 350 gsm / 129 lb gloss cover paper
- 200 gsm / 74 lb matte cover paper
- 250 gsm / 92 lb matte cover paper
- 300 gsm / 111 lb matte cover paper
Hardbound cover Paper
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 2.5 mm grey board
- 157 gsm / 58 lb coated cover paper wrapped on 3 mm grey board
- Other paper wrapped on grey board
Interior Paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb gloss text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb gloss text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb gloss text paper
- 128 gsm / 86 lb matte text paper
- 157 gsm / 106 lb matte text paper
- 200 gsm / 135 lb matte text paper
Bindings for Children's Books
Several binding styles may suit your children's book project. While each binding has its particular qualities, which may make it suited to one kind of book rather than another, they are all viable options and the choice in the end is a personal one. These are the best bindings for children's books:
- Description: The pages are printed in “signatures,” stitched together, and then bound into a hard outer casing. The cover is wrapped with a printed cover sheet that slightly overhangs the interior pages.
- Best For: Picture books, and early readers.
- Description: Pages are prepared in “signatures,” which are stitched together, glued at the binding edge, and attached to a flexible printed cover. This style is also known as “sewn perfect binding” and is durable and sturdy.
- Best For: Picture books, early readers, and chapter books.
- Self-Covered Board Book Binding: The front, back, and spine of the book are wrapped with a printed sheet.
- Hardcover Board Book Binding: The front and back faces are wrapped with a printed sheet, with a hardcover added for additional durability.
- Best For: Preschoolers and toddlers. Board books are known for their sturdy construction, ideal for young readers.
- Description: Pages are folded, stacked, and stitched together with staples or a separate cover sheet on the outside. This binding is often used for small, simple books.
- Best For: Picture books with fewer pages (12-32 pages), activity books.
- Description: Pages are perforated and bound together with a colored plastic coil or soft vinyl covers. This binding is flexible and allows the book to lay flat.
- Best For: Activity and coloring books where kids need to easily turn the pages.
Binding Styles for Specific Children's Books
Board Books
Typically glued together, these books are designed for preschoolers and younger children. A hardcover option can also be added for extra durability.
Find out more about our board book printing services here.
Picture Books
Often larger-sized, these books may use saddle stitching for fewer pages (usually 12 to 32 pages) or hardcover binding for premium books.
Early Readers
These books are often bound like picture books or may be perfect bound if they have more text and fewer illustrations.
Chapter Books
Generally perfect bound in paperback form due to their length (10,000 to 20,000 words). Hardcover binding can also be an option for special editions.
Middle Grade
These books, which can range up to 45,000 words, are typically perfect bound, though hardcover binding is also an option for more prestigious editions.
The QinPrinting Eco-Friendly Promise
At QinPrinting, we are very conscious of our responsibility to develop our industry in a sustainable way that respects the life of the planet and of future generations. For that reason, we use paper stock that's sourced from FSC-certified sustainable forestry whenever possible. We can provide recycled paper material on request. We also use environmentally-friendly soy inks—based on harmless, biodegradable vegetable products—rather than toxic resins and solvents. Getting your book printed in batches with an offset printer — rather than one at a time with a print-on-demand service — is also significantly more energy efficient, saving both water and electricity.
When you order from us, we can include the FSC-certified logo and an environmental guarantee from the manufacturer of the soy inks.
Why Print Your Children's Book at QinPrinting?
At QinPrinting, we're dedicated to bringing your children's book vision to life with the highest standards of quality and professionalism. Here are some key reasons to choose us:
25+ Years of Expertise
Over two decades of experience in printing high-quality children's books.
Premium Quality Materials
Glossy or matte paper, durable bindings, and vibrant color reproduction.
Customizable Options
Choose paper weight, cover finish, and binding type to suit your vision.
Expert Support
Dedicated team offering assistance throughout the entire printing process.
QinPrinting Rated Excellent for Children's Book Printing
FAQs
How much does it cost to print a children's book?
- For 32 pages + 4 pages cover:
- 100 copies: $3.36 per unit, total $336
- 500 copies: $0.97 per unit, total $485
- 1000 copies: $0.62 per unit, total $617
- 2000 copies: $0.47 per unit, total $949
- For 40 pages + 4 pages cover:
- 100 copies: $3.98 per unit, total $398
- 500 copies: $1.15 per unit, total $576
- 1000 copies: $0.75 per unit, total $750
- 2000 copies: $0.57 per unit, total $1,142
- For 48 pages + 4 pages cover:
- 100 copies: $4.44 per unit, total $444
- 500 copies: $1.29 per unit, total $645
- 1000 copies: $0.84 per unit, total $839
- 2000 copies: $0.65 per unit, total $1,297
- For 32 pages:
- 100 copies: $7.03 per unit, total $703
- 500 copies: $2.00 per unit, total $998
- 1000 copies: $1.53 per unit, total $1,530
- 2000 copies: $1.37 per unit, total $2,736
- For 40 pages:
- 100 copies: $7.85 per unit, total $785
- 500 copies: $2.22 per unit, total $1,108
- 1000 copies: $1.68 per unit, total $1,684
- 2000 copies: $1.47 per unit, total $2,949
- For 48 pages:
- 100 copies: $8.45 per unit, total $845
- 500 copies: $2.39 per unit, total $1,193
- 1000 copies: $1.79 per unit, total $1,788
- 2000 copies: $1.56 per unit, total $3,119
- Inner Pages: 157 gsm / 106 lb coated text paper
What is the MOQ for children's book printing?
The minimum order quantity is 100 copies.
What are the available options for cover finishes?
We offer a range of finishes for children's book printing, including gloss, matte, and cloth covers. You can also opt for foil stamping, embossing, or debossing for added flair.
You can choose the finishes in our instant quote calculator.
What is the standard production time for chidlren books?
- For hardcover children's books, the typical production time is around 3 weeks.
- For paperback books, it usually takes about 5 to 10 days.
Shipping times vary based on your location and shipping method.
What are the available children's book sizes in QinPrinting?
At QinPrinting, we offer a variety of sizes for both hardcover and softcover children's books.
- For hardcover books: The width should be between 3.74" and 12.6", and the height should be between 3.74" and 13.5".
- For softcover books: The width should be between 3.74" and 12", and the height should be between 3.74" and 13.5".
Do you use environmentally friendly materials in children's book printing?
Yes, we use FSC-certified paper for our children's books if requested, ensuring that the paper comes from responsibly managed forests. We also use soy-based inks, which are safer for the environment and healthier for kids.
Do you offer safety certifications for children's books?
We can provide the necessary safety certifications for your children's books, including CPC and CE certifications, to ensure they meet all required safety standards.
How can I prepare my children's book files for printing?
To ensure the best print quality for your children's book, please submit your files in the following format:
- High-resolution PDF (300dpi) for sharp, clear images.
- 3mm bleed on all sides of the design to prevent cutting errors.
- Embedded fonts to avoid text issues.
If you need assistance with file preparation, feel free to contact us!
Do you provide a document checking services?
Yes, we offer a free manual document-checking service to ensure your files are print-ready. Our team will review the document layout, bleed, resolution, and other technical details, allowing you to correct any issues before production begins.
Do you offer paper and printing proofs?
Yes, we provide both digital and physical proofs. Digital proofs help you review the layout on screen, while physical proofs allow you to check the material, color, and finish before mass printing. Visit our Proof Support Page or contact our team for help.
Let's Talk!
If you're an indie author or a small press wanting to print a children's book — and only the finest product and unbeatable customer service will do — we should talk. Get in touch today to chat through your needs or to ask for a no-obligation quote. We can't wait to help you make your next book the best ever!