The Best Picture Books
of 2025 (So Far)
by Naima Jasmine Russell
If your family is looking for some great summer reading recommendations, we’ve rounded up the best picture books of 2025. This year’s lineup includes laugh-out-loud adventures, YouTube and TV sensations, beautifully illustrated bedtime stories, and rallying cries to action.
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The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever
Available from:This hilarious picture book is a must-have for new parents and big siblings. A young family tries everything to get their baby to go to sleep, but as the hours tick by, the family becomes increasingly exhausted, and the baby becomes more awake. The rib-tickling artwork and unexpected humor in this book will have you in stitches — or tears, depending on how much sleep you’ve had.
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100 First Words (Ms. Rachel)
Available from:Calling all Ms. Rachel fans! The much-loved YouTube sensation is back with another fun and interactive book. This board book features 100 high-frequency words for babies to learn. Words like “mama” and “dada” are categorized into colorful sections and paired with familiar characters and gestures from her videos. Tips and advice in the back of the book give caregivers more insight into speech development.
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To See an Owl
Available from:Do you have a budding ornithologist at home? Janie wants to see an owl, but because they are nocturnal creatures, she has yet to spot one. For months, she searches for signs of different kinds of owls on the prairie, the beach, and the woods near her home with no luck.
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The Interpreter
Available from:Discover the heartfelt story of Cecilia, a soccer-loving girl who balances her passion for the game with the responsibility of translating for her Spanish-speaking parents. As an immigrant daughter, she helps them navigate everyday challenges. Olivia Abtahi's insightful text and Monica Arnaldo's delightful illustrations highlight the resilience and teamwork in bilingual families.
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Girls on the Rise
Available from:Amanda Gorman, the youngest presidential inaugural poet in US history, authored one of my favorite picture books, Change Sings. Her latest book promises to be just as soul-stirring as it celebrates girlhood in all its forms. Who are we? We are a billion voices, bright and brave; we are light, standing together in the fight.
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RELATED: Black Girl Magic: 33 Picture Books Featuring Black Female Protagonists
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Mistaco
Available from:Booklist calls this book "a reassuring story of big feelings and belly laughs." Izzy has had a terrible day at school, with one mistake after another. Thankfully, her dad helps her feel better by showing her how to turn her mistakes into tasty mis-tacos!
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A Pocket Full of Rocks
Available from:Celebrate your child’s creativity with this heartfelt picture book about a child who collects rocks in their coat pocket. Although the family doesn’t understand the child’s preoccupation with stones, the pebbles transform into magical worlds through the power of imagination. As the seasons change, so do the objects the child collects. This sweet book is an ode to creativity, nature, and the magic of childhood.
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The Gathering Table
Available from:If you're looking for a feel-good picture book about family, food, and community, this is an excellent choice. A young boy shares his fondest memories made around the family table. Whether it’s a wedding, a new baby, or an elderly relative’s birthday, he feels his family’s love with every bite of food and every tradition they make.
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It Started with a P
Available from:When King Liam dreams that something starting with a P will ruin his birthday party, he does what any (ir)rational person would — he banishes everything that begins with the letter P! From the pizza to the piñatas, everything must go. But when he goes a step too far, he realizes that he ruined his party all by himself. This hilarious picture book will have kids and grown-ups alike giggling through every silly page.
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Brave Buzzy Bee
Available from:Former Miss USA Rima Fakih Slaiby teams up with Theresa AlHayek to create this story about bravery and perseverance. Buzzy Bee wants to win an upcoming race, but he’s not very fast. Does Buzzy give up? No way! He practices and practices to get better.
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RELATED: Hurry Up and Read These Picture Books About Patience
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The Littlest Drop
Available from:When a hummingbird finishes building her nest, a spark lands on a nearby leaf, starting a forest fire. While the rest of the animals watch the flames from a distance, the hummingbird determines to save her home. At first, the animals laugh at her efforts, but when an elephant joins in, the rest follow suit and fight against the flames. This inspiring picture book shows readers of all ages the enormous impact that small acts of bravery can have.
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Papilio
Available from:Told in three parts by three beloved children’s book creators, this story follows a butterfly’s lifecycle. Papilio is a caterpillar who can’t wait to become a butterfly. However, growing up isn’t easy, and she faces numerous challenges and dangers as she navigates the phases of her life. Humor, heart, and vibrant illustrations make this informative picture book a delight to read!
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Home
Available from:From Matt de la Peña, the award-winning author who gave us gems such as The Last Stop On Market Street, Carmela Full of Wishes, and Love, comes another heartfelt picture book. Home is a lyrical reflection on “the places we feel most comfortable, loved, and protected.” With Loren Long as the illustrator, this book is a must-read.
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What's Scarier Than Thunder?
Available from:Claire can’t go to sleep because there is a big storm outside, keeping her awake. With her parents' help, she thinks of things scarier than thunder. For example, a violin-playing scorpion named Finn, a snake with big fangs and uneven bangs, and Rance, a dragon with ants in his pants. The sillier the list gets, the smaller the storm becomes for Claire.
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Don't Trust Fish
Available from:I am a huge fan of humor in children’s books, and Dan Santat’s illustrations never disappoint. Fish are weird and clearly not trustworthy. They live out of sight under the water and are probably plotting our doom in their “schools,” muses author Neil Sharpson. I can’t say I disagree.
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RELATED: Hilarious New Read-Alouds To Share With Kids
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Bored Panda
Available from:This charmingly witty picture book about being bored is definitely not boring to read. When a screen-loving panda loses power, he’s forced outdoors — and discovers a day full of possibility and fun surprises!
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One Day in June
Available from:This brilliantly illustrated picture book is a tribute to Marsha P. Johnson, a Black transgender woman who used her voice to inspire those around her. Readers will follow her through New York City as she creates flower crowns, spreads joy, and advocates for the rights of Black trans people. Her efforts during the Stonewall Riots helped pave the way for PRIDE month.
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Little Troublemaker Defends Her Name
Available from:Little Luvvie is back and ready to tackle her first day at a new school — but nothing goes as planned. Someone makes fun of her name, and she forgets her lunch at home. Then, her teacher finds a note she wrote about how much she doesn’t like her school. Can a little troublemaker learn to turn things around?
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Next to Me
Available from:A husband and wife team brings a joyful read-aloud to life, encouraging children to pay attention to the everyday wonders in the world around them. Cut paper collage illustrations have always been a favorite for me; the time and effort it takes to create these works of art are always impressive.
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