Indestructibles: Things That Go! – A Chew-Proof, Rip-Proof Adventure for Little Explorers

Introduction: A Book That Can Survive Babyhood

Every parent knows the struggle: you buy a beautiful board book for your baby, and within minutes, it’s chewed, drooled on, or torn to shreds. Enter Indestructibles: Things That Go! by Amy Pixton—a book designed to withstand even the most enthusiastic baby handling. This isn’t just another baby book; it’s a nearly indestructible, washable, and non-toxic adventure that introduces little ones to the exciting world of vehicles.

But does it live up to the hype? As a parent who’s seen more than a few books meet an untimely demise, I put this one to the test. Here’s my in-depth review of why Indestructibles: Things That Go! might just be the perfect first book for your tiny explorer.

Plot Summary: A Whirlwind Tour of Vehicles

Unlike traditional storybooks, Indestructibles: Things That Go! doesn’t follow a narrative plot. Instead, it’s a vibrant, wordless journey through different modes of transportation. Each page bursts with colorful illustrations of cars, trucks, trains, planes, and boats, designed to captivate a baby’s attention.

The lack of text is intentional—this book is all about visual engagement. Parents can point to the images and name the vehicles, encouraging early language development, or simply let their baby explore the bright, high-contrast artwork. The simplicity makes it endlessly adaptable, whether you’re reading to a newborn or letting a toddler “read” it themselves.

Character Analysis & Development: The Vehicles Take Center Stage

Since this is a wordless book, the “characters” are the vehicles themselves. Each one is illustrated with bold, exaggerated features that make them easily recognizable even to the youngest readers. The firetruck isn’t just red—it’s gloriously red, with oversized wheels and a ladder stretching toward the sky. The airplane soars dynamically across the page, making it feel like it’s in motion.

The lack of human characters means the focus stays entirely on the vehicles, which is perfect for babies who are naturally drawn to bright, simple shapes. The illustrations by Stephan Lomp are playful yet clear, ensuring that even a six-month-old can engage with the book.

Writing Style & Narrative Technique: Visual Storytelling at Its Best

Since there’s no text, the storytelling relies entirely on the illustrations. This is a brilliant choice for babies, who process images long before they understand words. The book’s design encourages interaction—parents can make engine noises, ask “What’s that?” or create their own mini-stories about the vehicles.

The absence of words also makes it universally accessible. Whether your household speaks English, Spanish, Mandarin, or any other language, this book works seamlessly. It’s a fantastic tool for bilingual families or anyone who wants to customize the reading experience.

Themes & Deeper Meanings: More Than Just a Book

At first glance, Indestructibles: Things That Go! might seem like a simple picture book, but it’s actually a powerful early learning tool. Here’s what it subtly teaches:

  • Object Recognition – Babies begin associating names with images, building vocabulary.
  • Cause & Effect – Turning pages and seeing new images helps develop cognitive skills.
  • Fine Motor Skills – The lightweight, flexible pages are easy for little hands to grasp.
  • Imagination – Without prescribed words, kids (and parents) can invent their own stories.

It’s also a book that grows with your child. A newborn might just stare at the colors, while a toddler might start mimicking vehicle sounds or pointing to their favorites.

Personal Reading Experience: A Parent’s Perspective

As a parent, I’ve gone through my fair share of baby books—some torn, some stained, some abandoned after the first read. Indestructibles: Things That Go! was different. My baby immediately gravitated toward the bright red firetruck, gnawing on the corner (as expected). Unlike other books, this one survived. No tears, no soggy disintegration—just a quick rinse under the faucet, and it was good as new.

What surprised me most was how often my little one returned to it. Even now, at 18 months, it’s still a favorite. The lack of words means we can “read” it differently every time—sometimes focusing on colors, sometimes making up silly stories about the rocket ship.

Comparison to Other Baby Books

Most baby books fall into two categories:

  1. Traditional Board Books – Sturdy but not indestructible. (RIP, Goodnight Moon after one teething session.)
  2. Fabric or Plastic Books – Durable but often lack engaging visuals.

Indestructibles bridges the gap. It’s as tough as a cloth book but with the visual appeal of a high-quality board book. Compared to other wordless books like Tana Hoban’s black-and-white infant books, Things That Go! stands out for its vibrant colors and thematic focus.

Strengths & Minor Weaknesses

Strengths:

✅ Durability – Lives up to its “chew-proof, rip-proof” claim.
✅ Washable – A quick rinse removes drool, food, or worse.
✅ Engaging Artwork – Bold, high-contrast images hold attention.
✅ Adaptability – Works for newborns up to toddlers.

Minor Weaknesses:

❌ No Text – Some parents might miss having words to read aloud.
❌ Limited Storytelling – Not a book for narrative-loving kids.

Target Audience: Who Is This Book For?

This book is perfect for:

  • Newborns to toddlers (0-3 years)
  • Parents who want a durable, long-lasting book
  • Families who prefer wordless, interactive reading
  • Daycares or libraries (since it’s easy to sanitize)

If you’re looking for a traditional storybook, this isn’t it. But if you want a nearly indestructible, visually stimulating book that encourages early learning, Indestructibles: Things That Go! is a winner.

Memorable Illustrations & Replay Value

While there are no words to quote, certain images stand out:

  • The zooming race car, with motion lines that make it feel fast.
  • The chugging train, with bold black-and-white wheels.
  • The soaring rocket, which always gets an excited point from my little one.

The fact that my child still reaches for this book after a year speaks volumes about its replay value.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Baby’s First Library

Indestructibles: Things That Go! isn’t just a book—it’s a parenting hack. It solves the problem of destroyed books while providing endless engagement for babies. The artwork is delightful, the durability is unmatched, and the wordless format makes it adaptable for any family.

If you’re tired of replacing chewed-up books or just want a fun, interactive way to introduce vehicles to your little one, this is a fantastic choice.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

Discussion Questions for Parents:

  • What’s your baby’s favorite vehicle in the book?
  • How do you “read” wordless books with your child?
  • Have you tried other Indestructibles titles? Which ones are hits in your house?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how this book works for your family!

Get this book on Amazon

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