The Best Picture Books of 2025
by Miranda Rosbach
Some people have a favorite author or musician they ardently follow. Whenever a new book or album drops, those loyalists swoop in to devour the comfort they crave. That’s why I look forward to year-end roundups: To stand with book loyalists everywhere. Whether it’s the New York Times’ Best Illustrated Children’s Books list or Publishers Weekly’s annual highlights, I’m a sucker for any yearly book roundup. From aliens to rocks, here are the best picture books of 2025!
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Don't Trust Fish
Buy from:Publishers Weekly Best Picture Books of 2025
Mammals, reptiles, and birds are easy to identify. Fish, however, are rebels and outlaws! Some have lungs, others have gills. Some lay eggs, others do not. Some fish eat plants, while others eat other fish. The largest fish in the ocean is the size of a bus, while others are tiny. Fish might be swimming in your home right now, watching your every move. Don’t trust fish! If you buy only one book from this list, make sure it’s this one.
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Mistaco
Buy from:Amazon's Best Children's Books of 2025
Izzy was the queen of mistakes. When she makes mistakes, she feels awful, so she does not want to tell her family about the fiasco at school. When it’s time to make tortillas, Izzy’s attempt results in a misshapen flop. Frustrated, Izzy explodes and pours out the details of her GIANT school mistake. With tenderness, Lito asks Izzy to recount the events. Carefully, he figuratively adds them to his mistake taco (mistaco). As the entire family shares their mistakes, Izzy feels better. This book pairs well with a warm stack of homemade tortillas.
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The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever
Buy from:At 8 o’clock, Baby’s family says goodnight, but they return an hour later, doling out binky after binky. At 10 o’clock, they cuddle Baby, to no avail. An hour later, the downstairs neighbor gets upset about the noise. At 1:00 AM, Baby kicks off a dance party. As the night progresses into morning, Baby is the only family member who doesn’t want to sleep. For every exhausted parent of a newborn, this book adds a dose of humor to an otherwise bleary phase.
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A Pocket Full of Rocks
Buy from:“You can do a lot with a pocket full of rocks.” In winter, a child gathers rocks to etch drawings into the sidewalk or use as a snowman’s mouth. In spring, they place the stones into a jar, and the child fills their pocket with petals. In summer, they collect shells, and autumn means gathering little acorns with their tiny fairy hats. Each season brings an abundance of natural materials, which the child gathers and shares with their family members. This joyful story reminds grown-up readers that rocks are more than just rocks to a child. It’s definitely in our top five favorite picture books of 2025!
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Wish in a Tree
Buy from:Target's 2025 Kids' Book of the Year
Oliver’s mind is always whirring — full of bright thoughts that zip, dance, and zigzag like fireflies in a jar. Inspired by a beloved character from Fish in a Tree, this joyful picture book brings Oliver’s wonderfully busy mind to life with energetic artwork and a heartfelt message: different ways of thinking are strengths, and everyone belongs in the “colony.” A hopeful read-aloud about creativity, belonging, and being proud to be uniquely you.
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It Started with a P
Buy from:Frustrated by a nightmare about the possibility of a ruined birthday party, King Liam only remembers that the offending troublemaker started with the letter P. At his command, the king’s attendant removes the presents, piñata, and all traces of a party. Next, he exiles the people and his pet parrot, too. Eventually, the King leaves his palace for a deserted island, where nothing starts with a P. Will King Liam ever remember what started this pandemonium in the first place? Kids and adults alike will love this alliterative read-aloud gem.
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Bored Panda
Buy from:When Panda’s device runs out of power, he becomes bored. Mom Panda suggests a walk in the woods, which Panda reluctantly agrees to. Along the way, he meets Porcupine, Owl, and Dung Beetle, who each offer to include him in their activity. He declines all three. Just as Panda is about to turn around, he discovers a gathering of creatures in the forest and marvels at the collection of art and sculpture they’ve assembled. Inspired, Panda rushes home and begins tapping into his imagination for an afternoon of creative play.
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Girls on the Rise
Buy from:Amazon's Best Children's Books of 2025
A diverse group of girls gather, holding a banner that reads: Liberation. Freedom. Respect. These girls are rising into adulthood, gathering their voices throughout all nations and uniting with one purpose of heart. When one girl feels down, lost, or alone, the others lift her up, stand beside her, and make her strong. Poet Amanda Gorman captures generational movements of women in this rhyming anthem.
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Just Shine!
Buy from:Celina grew up poor in Puerto Rico. At age nine, her mother died, and she went to live with an older sister. Although she had difficulty finding playmates, Celina cleaned the house and visited an older woman in the neighborhood. At seventeen, Celina joined the US Army and left for a new place, where she felt small but met new friends who felt like family. Eventually, Celina became a nurse and shared her healing talents with everyone she encountered. As she grew older, the people whose lives she touched came to visit her. This book is a poignant tribute to the author’s mother and a timeless message about the importance of connecting with others.
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The Interpreter
Buy from:In addition to being a kid, Cecilia has another job. She acts as an interpreter for her parents. At the doctor’s office, DMV, mechanic, hair salon, post office, grocery store, and over the phone, Cecelia translates every conversation. She works relentlessly. At parent-teacher conferences, Cecilia finally breaks down, explaining how exhausted she is from working overtime. They have a family meeting and call in reinforcements (her brother and aunt). This is a must-read for any bilingual household!
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Broken
Buy from:A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Book
While pestering the cat, Mei Mei knocks the side table, sending Ama’s cup crashing to the ground. Mei Mei runs and hides, imagining the worst. When Ama blames the cat for breaking the mug, Mei Mei knows she needs to tell the truth. Ama doesn’t get mad; she knows exactly what to do. Fang's rich illustrations expertly convey the emotions and perspectives of a child, making it a favorite among young readers.
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A Book of Maps for You
Buy from:A young artist creates maps of their town and collects them into a guidebook in this beautifully illustrated picture book. With maps of the best places in town, from the spookiest home at Halloween to the school and the library, each one is rendered with care. With its Richard Scarry vibes, this book is a beautiful ode to finding one’s place in the world, wherever that may be.
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Zip Zap Wickety Wack
Buy from:In a farmyard filled with animals, each one has its own sound. Cow says “moo,” and Horse says “neigh.” But when Sheep and Goat discover that they both say “baa,” neither one wants to share the sound. Sheep decides to make a new sound, which results in big-bellied laughter from the other barnyard animals. Soon, a miniscule alien arrives with an unexpected solution. A mix between The Book with No Pictures and the song “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” the not-so-subtle moral is expertly conveyed with a hefty dose of silliness.
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Family Feast!
Buy from:“Tastes like home when family meet; a bond so warm, so strong, so sweet.” Up since dawn, Pops and Big Ma work in the kitchen. From miles away, families travel, all gathering into the warm, welcoming house. Uncles and cousins share stories and jokes while sizzling smells fill the air. The entire family pitches in to prepare the feast — rice and beans, collard greens, a pineapple ham, and a turkey, too. This rhyming book is a celebration of family joy at holiday gatherings.
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We're Different and It's Totally Cool!
Buy from:“Do you know there’s something totally cool about each of us? We’re different!” Some differences are small, like having glasses or freckles. Others are more noticeable, like our size, shape, or color. Some differences are on the inside, while others are on the outside. We come from different families and homes, which makes us unique. Bold, kawaii-style illustrations make this book an excellent addition to any classroom!
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Everyday Bean (Tiny Bean's Big Adventures, Book #1)
Buy from:This adorable picture book is about a little hedgehog named Bean who lives with her grandma. Readers will find several cozy everyday adventures featuring Bean, including a story about her special blanket, which shrank over time and became a special handkerchief. Other stories include being brave while waiting out a thunderstorm, launching off a swing, and using a giant box to create anything she desires. This heartwarming tale feels like a cozy, warm sweater. With its short chapters, it is ideal for newly independent readers.
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Words with Wings and Magic Things
Buy from:Whoever you are,
Wherever you are,
However near or far,You’re welcome here
So begins this collection of wonderfully wrought poems. Poems about jet-pack sneakers and dragon piñatas, of tigers and alligators and primordial slime, and of pizza and strawberries and wishing wells. Salati’s vibrant illustrations accompany Burgess’s lively, rhyming poems to make an unforgettable reading experience. Honestly, we can’t recommend this book enough.
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To See an Owl
Buy from:A young girl goes searching for owls with her mother, but doesn’t see any. Her teacher, Mr. Koji, shares his own birding experiences with her class and tells them what clues to look for (pellets and whitewash). To see an owl takes patience and persistence. Still, visits to the harbor, prairie, and cemetery yield no results. When the girl treks off on a snowy morning, she is rewarded with a magical owl sighting. This is another outstanding title from beloved children’s author Matthew Cordell.
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The Arguers
Buy from:When an argument started over how to untangle the King’s beard, the disagreements spread until people argued about everything from lettering to spoons. They argued forwards and backwards, up and down, and through all sorts of weather. Finally, a royal decree announced a contest to find the best arguer in the land. Unexpectedly, a fire brings the townspeople together, if only for a moment. Lavish, billowy illustrations make this timely tale a unique read.
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Forts
Buy from:Forts are fun for kids of all ages. They can be found in a tree hollow, beneath the sweet peas in the garden, under the stairs, or in blankets and couch cushions. Forts can be located inside or outside; they can be one that already exists or one that you build. You can share it with a friend or use it as a place to be alone. Forts offer solace from noise or whenever life gets overwhelming. This book will inspire your child to spend the afternoon building their own special fort.
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Thunderland
Buy from:A young girl dreads the cracks, crashes, and booms of a raging thunderstorm. When she hides under the kitchen sink, her dad coaxes her out with snacks and a “trip” to Thunderland. Nestled under a living room fort, they enjoy a front row seat to the raging sky. Each time the storm rumbles, they roar back. The girl gradually feels her anxiety and fear recede. Soon, the sun streams down, and the pair goes outside to bid the storm farewell. Bold artwork and palpable emotions make this book an ideal read-aloud story.
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