Indestructibles: The wheels on the bus and Old Macdonald had a farm by Vanja Kragulj

It's been a while since I reviewed Indestructibles, so I thought this was a good moment to check in and see how they're going. They were originally created in 2012, by Amy Pixton, and the first titles featured blocky, collage-style illustrations and very basic texts. The most notable part about them is, of course, their composition; they're made of a kind of blended paper that is similar to that used in packaging containers. The paper feels smooth and, well, paper-like but is advertised as "chew proof, rip proof, nontoxic, 100% washable." Now, this does not mean that it's rip-proof for the average adult fingers - give it a really good try and you'll probably get it to tear. But it's certainly rip-proof for baby and toddler hands. Each book is three spreads, sewn down the middle to create six pages.

I have not personally tested the chewing and washing, but I've been circulating Indestructibles for years in my toy kits and they have definitely lasted without any issues. The most that can be said is that they do eventually get a little crumpled, but that's after literally hundreds of uses (and honestly I suspect they can be ironed, I've just never bothered to try.) As far as use in a library, although some people consider them "board books" they really don't fit well in that collection. They're thin and, because of their unique structure, it's difficult to tag them and/or stick a barcode on them. However, it's pretty easy to stamp them with the library's name and their lasting quality makes them a great addition to toy and storytime kits.

Looking at these two titles in particular, there have been previous versions of these classic children's songs, but these follow the newer model of Indestructibles with a diversity of skin colors. Old Macdonald had a farm features an older brown-skinned man with white hair and a beard and a red-headed child. They live on a traditional, Western farm with red barn, cows, chickens, and pigs. In The Wheels on the Bus there is a female bus driver reddish-brown skin and a variety of ages and races depicted in those riding the bus. Both books are shortened versions of the songs, adapted so they fit in the six pages.

Verdict: If you circulate storytime or toy kits, these are a go-to choice to include; their sturdy composition means they are unlikely to be damaged and they are generally inexpensive, so easy to replace if lost. I also like to give them as gifts to friends with new babies and they are a great way to introduce the littlest of listeners to books.

Published December 2022 by Workman; Review copies provided by publisher

Wheels on the Bus. ISBN: 9781523517725

Old Macdonald had a farm. ISBN: 9781523517732