I prepare for this post all year. It’s time for me to share my favorite picture books of 2025 with the Growing Book by Book community. Get comfy under a blanket with a nice warm drink and let’s get reading.
I read thousands of picture books through my educator and parent lense. I enjoy sharing my favorites with you here on Growing Book by Book, through my newsletter, and on Instagram. Here are my tip-top picks of 2025.
Please note that these are my personal favorites that I have read. Though I read a lot of children’s books throughout the year, I haven’t read them all. I’m sure there are some great ones that I have missed.
You can shop for all the books I share below HERE. Or, click on each link or book cover in the descriptions below.
It seems every year there are multiple books that have a reappearing topic, theme or item. Well in 2025, we saw lots of ghosts and bananas.
Jodie’s Favorite Children’s Books of 2025
Full Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
On Growing Book by Book, I focus on great books for kids ages 0-8. I share mostly read-alouds and some books new independent readers can read to themselves.
Best Illustrations in a Picture Book
This category is always hard for me to narrow down. I always have lots of honor books because it’s so hard to choose.
Travel along on an emotional journey as Mei Mei works through the emotions she has after accidently breaking her Ama’s mug. This book would work for SEL lessons on guilt, truth, anxiety and more. Plus, it’s a well done story kids will relate to. Enjoy Broken by X. Fang
Since I have 14 more honor books, I put them all on one list for you HERE.
Favorite Book for Toddlers
Let’s Be Bees by Shawn Harris is a lovely interactive read-aloud that invites our young listeners to join in and participate being different things in the book from buzzing bees to rustling trees. So imaginative and fun!
Fairy Tale Mash-Ups and Vibes
Bear and the Three Goldilocks by Patrick Horne changes the point of view from our traditional tale. The Goldilock family goes on a hike and their campsite is visited by a Bear. Bear needs to check out their s’mores, instruments, and tents. But, none of them seem “just right.”
HONOR
The Bear Out There by Jess Hannigan
Laugh Out Loud Funny Read-Alouds
Who Ate Steve? by Susannah Lloyd and Kate Hindley is a fun read-aloud will have kids giggling throughout. In fact, you can even have the book read aloud to you. Just scan the QR code on the back of the book.
HONORS
A Quick Trip to the Store by Sam Wedelich
Don’t Trust Fish written by Neil Sharpson
Circle Time Picks to Capture a Crowd’s Interest
Here’s another category that I always have a hard time narrowing down so we’ve got lots of honors.
Jashar Awan is a master at early childhood read-alouds. Every Monday Mabel highlights that glorious event each week for so many kiddos. The day the refuse collector arrives on the block. Mabel lives for this even each week with purpose and satisfaction. The kids will enjoy this read-aloud over and over again.
I even created literacy resources to go with the book.—> Every Monday Mabel Book Activities
It Started With a P written by Brittany Pomales
We Are the Wibbly! A Tadpole’s Tail written by Sarah Tagholm
Cranky, Crabby Crow (Saves the World) by Corey R. Tabor
Dear Duck, Please Come! by Sarah Mackenzie
Bear Loves His Home by Karen Jameson
Summer Reads That Take You Right Back to the Season
Fireworks by Matthew Burgess and Cátia Chien showcases the iconic sight and sound of summer- fireworks. You even get to unfold the pages in the book for the grand finale. If summer came in a book, this would be it.
I could have easily put this one in the best illustrated book category too.
Celebrating Inclusivity Through Books
Everybelly by Thao Lam shows us that all people are different and that is just fine. Be uniquely you!
HONOR
Mama Car by Lucy Catchpole
SEL(Social Emotional Learning) Nugget of the Year
Zip Zap Wickety Wack by Matthew Diffee fits our desire for a book to teach a lesson but in a clever and entertaining way. Think a barnyard of bickering critters meets an alien from outer space.
Gather Grateful by Megan Litwin
The Hare Who Wouldn’t Share by Steve Small
The Mushroom of Doom! by Becky Davies
Wordless Wonders
Community Snowman by Deborah Kerbel is a wordless book that invites readers to narrate their own story about kindness and community in a local park. Bring on the snow!
A Place for Us by James E. Ransome
The Polar Bear and the Ballerina by Eric Velasquez
Informational & Nonfiction Pick
Our two characters Stalagmite and Stalactite carry on a conversation as they grow together over the course of millions of years in Stalactite & Stalagmite by Drew Beckmeyer
Meet the Mini-Mammals by Melissa Stewart
The Escape Artist by Thor Hanson
Hurricane by Jason Chin
Math Book that Gets Us Counting
Menudo Sunday: A Spanglish Counting Book by María Dolores Águila gets us counting in this beautiful book full of family and Spanglish.
HONOR
All About Patterns by Elizabeth Rusch & Elizabeth Goss
Holiday Picks Throughout the Year
The Grumpy Ghost Upstairs by Mamiko Shiotani is a beautifully illustrated book about new friendships. Though our main character ghost enjoys being alone, it turns out meeting a new friend can be enjoyable too.
HONOR
Mr. Willowby’s Head Over Heels Christmas by Robert Barry
Out of the Box/Unique Pick
Check out Papilio by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor, and Andy Chou Musser Three author/illustrato/friends collaborated on this book that walks us through the challenges and joys of change as we watch a caterpillar become a butterfly. Such a cleverly done book!
The Agatha Case Files: Welcome to Kittyville! by Paul Martin
Beginning Reader Gems
Pack your tacos and go on six fun, silly, clever, and intriguing adventures with our duo friend group. Everyone has something on their head from volcanoes to toilets in Cabin Head and Tree Head by Scott Campbell
HONORS
Stop That Mop! by Jonathan Fenske
Earl & Worm #1: The Bad Idea and Other Stories by Greg Pizzoli
The Letter Setters in BOP! by Ethan Long
What new books did you enjoy this year?
I’m already starting my list for 2026. You can see the sneak peeks of that too.—>Books Jodie is Looking Forward to in 2026
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