What is the difference between a board book and a picture book? The most obvious difference is that a board book is published on a hard recycled cardboard while a picture book is publish on soft paper. As a result, board books published on cardboard are intended to be more durable so that they are perfect for small children to use and play with, as well as luxurious editions of regular books. You can find board books made of different materials. Arranging in quality, they are white board (or “white art board”), gray board, and card stock.