Best Picture Books of 2025!

From an author standpoint, it was an AMAZING year for picture books! I may be a *little* biased, but I felt like there were so many heartfelt, creative, new ideas that came out. In a year that also saw a rise in poor-quality AI generated books, I want to take a moment to celebrate some really wonderful works of art from wonderful, REAL people.

There aren’t just the ones from big publishers with big advertising budgets (although you’ll see some of those… when they’re awesome) but also some smaller books that my family has loved this year!

2025 Best Books For Families

When a parent has a chronic illness: KENZIE’S LITTLE TREE by Alison McGauley

The importance of family traditions: THE JADE BRACELET by Hà Dinh

Staying connected long-distance: BEA’S BALIKBAYAN BOX OF TREASURES by Christine Alemshah

When a parent has an addiction: SOMETIMES STORMY by Amanda Davis

Finding hope in conflict: THE FIG TREE by Costantia Manoli 

Learning to share: MITHAI BOX IS NOT EMPTY by Namrata Agarwal 

Celebrating non-linear thinkers: SAWYER’S BIG IDEA by Kimberly Horch

Best book for quiet kids: ONE CAN BE by Pat Zietlow Miller 

2025 Best Books About Nature

Best Climate Fiction: THE OCEAN PROTECTORS: COLORS OF THE CORAL REEF by Blair Williamson

Learning about seasons: SEASONS ON THE FARM by Chelsea Tornetto

Encouraging outdoor play: CHALK THE WALK by Chelsea Tornetto

Best nature wonder book: WIND WATCHERS by Micha Archer

2025 Best Holiday Books

Christmas joy:THE WORLD’S BEST CHRISTMAS LIGHT by Chelsea Tornetto

When holidays don’t go as expected: THE CHRISTMAS THAT ALMOST WASN’T by Laura Alary

Making traditions your own: THE MOON LANTERN by Hà Dinh

2025 Best Laugh-Out-Loud Books

Hilarious Chaos: BIRTHDAY BASH by Blair Williamson

Rollicking fun: THIS IS NOT A SLEEPY BEAR BOOK by Brian Gehrlein

Absurd humor: DON’T TRUST FISH by Neil Sharpson

Funny… but true: I’M VERY BUSY: A (NEARLY FORGOTTEN) BIRTHDAY BOOK by Oliver Jeffers

2025 Best Nonfiction

Learning about self-sustainability: M IS FOR MASON JAR: A HOMESTEADING ALPHABET by Carolyn Bennett Fraiser

Best animal story: CHEETAHS RETURN TO INDIA: THE TRUE STORY OF AASHA AND PAVAN by Kate Rietema

Best STEM book: ZERO! THE NUMBER THAT ALMOST WASN’T by Sarah Albee

Fun learning: THERE ARE NO SILLY QUESTIONS by Mike Rampton

Did I miss any of your new favorites? Let me know what 2025 books I missed!