From Pakistan to Spain to ordinary neighborhoods, the power of books has never been more visible than in these 65 gems plucked from the mines of picture books published in the first half of 2025. 

Abbas, Marzieh. The Camel Library: A True Story from Pakistan. illus. by Anain Shaikh. Feiwel & Friends.
K-Gr 3–This celebration of creativity and resilience is a first purchase for school and public libraries.

Abbott, Zoey. This Year, a Witch! Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy.
PreS-Gr 3–A must-buy. Young readers love exploring their independence, and this delightful story might just inspire a few more to embrace their unique selves—just like this little witch and her dad.

Agostini, Alliah L. Scarecited on the First Day of School. illus. by Lala Watkins. Farrar.
PreS-Gr 3–Fun, humorous, and realistic, with a great representation of students and an emphasis on learning language in a fun manner, this book is a must-have for both libraries and classrooms.

Águila, María Dolores. Menudo Sunday: A Spanglish Counting Book. illus. by Erika Meza. Dial.
K-Gr 3–The abuelitos are a loving couple who warmly welcome their family to a celebration of love and connection; the counting and addition of well-chosen and highly supported Spanish is a bonus.

Alcántara, Jacqueline. Tíos and Primos. Penguin/Nancy Paulsen.
K-Gr 3–A beautiful picture book about the love that connects families, even across distance and language barriers, this would be an excellent addition to children’s picture book collections.

Alper, Sascha. The Littlest Drop. illus. by Jerry Pinkney & Brian Pinkney. Random/ Anne Schwartz.
PreS-Gr2–A gorgeous and uplifting tale that will find a home in all collections.

Andruetto, María Teresa. Clara and the Man with Books in His Window. tr. from Spanish by Elisa Amado. illus. by Martina Trach. Greystone.
K-Gr 2–Best for cozy story hours, small classroom settings, or home reading, this unique picture book celebrates the power that friendship has to open up the world in more ways than one.

Avery, Sean E. Frank’s Red Hat. Walker Australia.
Gr 1-4–The art seems to be a tip of the hat to Jon Klassen’s enigmatic work in the humor, the controlled palette, and the incredible story line. Teachers and kids will love this whole package.

Awan, Jashar. Every Monday Mabel. S. & S.
PreS-Gr 1–Children will be empowered to declare their own special events each week while educators and parents will see that even small moments are worthy of celebration.

Barnes, Brynne. Black Boy, Rise. illus. by Bryan Collier. Chronicle.
Gr 1-4–An essential resource to celebrate diversity, promote positive representation, and engage readers in meaningful conversations about identity, joy, and the power of self-belief.

Beaton, Kate. Shark Girl. Roaring Brook.
K-Gr 6–A relevant and redemptive tale of hope in the darkest of times, with gregarious graphics to satisfy kids and a message to crack even the most callous adult’s bitter shell.

Bell, Davina. What to Do When You’re Not Sure What to Do. illus. by Hilary Jean Tapper. Little, Brown.
PreS-Gr 1–A gentle, appealing concept book, sure to inspire valuable conversations about social-emotional learning.

Bethencourt, Regis & Kahran Bethencourt. Greatness. Little, Brown.
K-Gr 3–A creative and engaging look at Black history that will draw kids in to learn more. A must-purchase for all libraries.

Borgh, Jo van der. The Terrakeet. illus. by Jo Beasley. Candlewick.
K-Gr 2–Friends are simply strangers we have yet to meet; the endearing terrakeet and a hearty message will encourage readers to learn and engage with new things.

Brown, Peter. The Wild Robot on the Island. Little, Brown.
K-Gr 2–This adaptation successfully distills the heart of the story, making it a wonderful gateway for young readers eager to explore this world further.

Burgess, Matthew. Fireworks. illus. by Cátia Chien. HarperCollins/Clarion.
PreS-Gr 1–This joyful title will capture young readers and win the hearts of all ages. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.

Campbell, Chelsea M. When You Go to Dragon School. illus. by Charlene Chua. Feiwel & Friends.
K-Gr 2–With a compelling and funny voice that will find a place among strong read-alouds and back-to-school books, this one will leave kids wanting more.

Cate, Annette LeBlanc. Seven Little Ducklings. Candlewick.
PreS-Gr 2–A joyous celebration of diversity and nurturing, this is a book to enliven story hours and one that children will want to share with friends and family.

Chase, Kristen Mei. We Are American, Too. illus. by Jieting Chen. Farrar.
PreS-Gr 3–A stunning story of family history and heritage, identity, and the power of protest, this is a highly recommended purchase for all collections.

Colón, Justin. The Zombees. illus. by Kaly Quarles. S. & S.
PreS-Gr 3–A collection must, this charming read-aloud will be requested on repeat.

Commeh, Kobina. Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim. illus. by Bárbara Quintino. Barefoot.
Gr 1-3–A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of attempting something new by accepting help from others.

Dandurand, Joseph. The Bears and the Magic Masks. illus. by Elinor Atkins. Nightwood Eds.
Gr 3 Up–Whether for middle school writing classes, social studies, or elementary ELA, this book invites students to consider familiar literary themes in connection with new works.

Fajardo, Sara Andrea. Crack Goes the Cascarón: An Eggcellent Not-Just-for-Easter Shellebration! illus. by Rocío Arreola Mendoza. Knopf.
K-Gr 3– Filled with the bright, inviting colors of Easter, this is a playful and unique addition to holiday book collections.

Garland, Sally Anne. Spooky. Sunbird.
K-Gr 3–A beautifully illustrated, tenderly told story for fall reading or any unit on empathy and inference.

Gledhill, Carly. Pencil’s Best Story Ever. Post Wave.
K-Gr 3–Perfect for rigid thinkers, this book will help children understand that play can be cooperative and imaginative rather than directive. Essential.

Gutta, Razeena Omar & Faaiza Osman. Ramadan on Rahma Road: A Recipe Storybook. illus. by Atieh Sohrabi. Barefoot.
PreS-Gr 3–An exceptional book about Ramadan that celebrates the breaking of the daily fast and the sharing of the transcendent power of food.

Hall, Michael. Punch!: A Story About Kindness. Greenwillow.
PreS-Gr 2–This visually appealing work is full of warmth and sensitivity toward its audience. Highly recommended.

Hannigan, Jess. The Bear Out There. HarperCollins/Quill Tree.
Gr 1-4– A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel.

Hegedus, Bethany. Batter Up for the First Day of School!illus. by Nomar Perez. Viking.
PreS-Gr 1–This is a peppy first day of school story to knock game-day jitters out of the park.

Jones, Erika Lynne. Zara in the Middle. HarperCollins.
PreS-Gr 2–A warm and empowering story about finding one’s voice and celebrating the love of family.

Judge, Lita. Old Blue Is My Home. Abrams.
Gr 1-4–A family who lives in their van has everything they need in this important book about a seldom-discussed topic done extremely well. A must-have for most libraries.

Kang, Angie. Our Lake. Penguin/Kokila.
PreS–A gentle and heartfelt exploration of grief, this book is a must-have addition to any library shelf.

Keller, Shana. CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella. illus. by Laura Freeman. Charlesbridge.
Gr 2-5–This rich and complex story is no fairy tale, but a retelling that amplifies courage and perseverance in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Khan, Hena. Dark Nights and Light Hearts: A Muslim Book of Opposites. illus. by Mehrdokht Amini. Chronicle.
PreS-K–This title is as educational as it is visually stunning and is an insightful addition to any collection.

Kim, Jihyun. Blue Sky Morning. tr. from Korean by Polly Lawson. Floris.
K-Gr 2–The author-illustrator brilliantly conveys the joy and beauty found in an autumn morning, making every small moment relatable and wonderful.

Kulekjian, Jessica. Yay!illus. by Zara González Hoang. Bloomsbury.
K-Gr 2–A celebratory, visually engaging book that highlights resilience and affirmation, this is perfect for libraries looking to inspire an uplifting sense of can-do in young readers.

Lam, Thao. Everybelly. Groundwood.
K-Gr 2–An exuberant love letter to all sorts of bellies and the people they belong to.

Lee, Y.S. Mrs. Nobody. illus. by Marie Lafrance. Groundwood.
PreS-Gr 2–There are many stories about standing up to an overbearing friend, but the fanciful twist on this one makes it stand apart.

Mahoney, Kristin. A Pocket Full of Rocks. illus. by E.B. Goodale. Knopf.
K-Gr 2–A must-have for libraries serving young children and an excellent choice for a seasons- or imagination-centered story time.

Manoli, Costantia. The Fig Tree: A Story About Building Friendship and Peace in Cyprus. illus. by Leah Giles. Roaring Brook.
K-Gr 3–A great narrative nonfiction purchase on a topic that is rarely discussed.

Miller, Sharee. Jordan’s Perfect Haircut. Little, Brown.
PreS-Gr 2–This heartwarming picture book models the joy and strength of just being oneself.

Montgomery, Ross. Ant Party. illus. by Sarah Warburton. Candlewick/Walker.
PreS-Gr 3–This clever tale about fun-loving, hardworking, and resourceful ants is sure to delight young children.

Park, Linda Sue. Smiling Eyes. illus. by Lenny Wen. Harper/Allida.
K-Gr 2–The illustrations and the author’s use of rhyme work wonderfully together in this lovingly crafted story of diversity.

Petty, Dev. Don’t Lose Mr. Cuddles. illus. by Mike Boldt. Doubleday.
Gr 2-4–Readers will relish the doggone humor and joyous artwork with a canine point of view.

Rayner, Catherine. Molly, Olive, and Dexter: Who’s Afraid of the Dark?Candlewick/Walker.
PreS-Gr 1–The animals glow in the illustrations, drawing readers into their magical world while reminding them that facing fears makes everything better.

Robeson, Teresa. Clear and Bright: A Ching Ming Festival Story. illus. by William Low. Astra.
K-Gr 3–A touching story about a family’s celebration of Ching Ming, this is an important story to add to elementary school collections.

Rosie, Tanya. The Night of the Hedgehog. illus. by Chuck Groenink. Candlewick.
Gr 1-3–A beautifully crafted book about the joys of sharing a special moment, this will inspire in children an appreciation of nature.

Schwartz, Joanne. Head Full of Clouds. illus. by Afsaneh Sanei. Tundra.
Gr 1-4–Lyrical writing and meticulous attention to detail make this a beautiful and worthwhile addition to any collection.

Sharpson, Neil. Don’t Trust Fish. illus. by Dan Santat. Dial.
PreS-Gr 3–A must for every library. It is accessible to young and old, wildly entertaining, and effortlessly instructive.

Smalls, Alexander & Denene Millner. When Alexander Graced the Table. illus. by Frank Morrison. S. & S./Denene Millner.
K-Gr 4–This stunning picture book deserves a spot in all collections serving young readers. Hand to young chefs and anyone with a sweet tooth.

Soltis, Sue. The Moon Moved In. illus. by Sonia Sánchez. Chronicle.
K-Gr 4–Perfect for a bedtime story or as a companion to a unit on the moon, this book delivers a strong dose of fun and facts.

Stead, Philip C. A Snow Day for Amos McGee. illus. by Erin E. Stead. Roaring Brook.
K-Gr 4–Building an understanding of winter vocabulary, this is an excellent addition to any collection.

Stead, Rebecca. Anything. illus. by Gracey Zhang. Chronicle.
K-Gr 3–Moving is a common experience in the lives of many children; here its ups and downs are explored with rare attention and sensitivity.

Stremer, Jessica. Wonderfully Wild: Rewilding a School and Community. illus. by Josée Masse. S. & S./Beach Lane.
K-Gr 2– Rich with information and heart, this standout blends STEM learning with community building in a memorable package.

Sullivan, Annie. Ghouldilocks and the Three Ghosts. illus. by Paula J. Becker. Random House Studio.
PreS-K–Fun and clever, this book is a unique addition to library collections for preschool readers and is an enjoyable story to read aloud as Halloween approaches.

Tagaq, Tanya. I Would Give You My Tail. illus. by Qavavau Manumie. Tundra.
Gr 2-4–A gratitude-enriched lesson for children that everyone has a different purpose, this book has a quiet but lasting impact for lessons on being true to oneself.

Takahashi, J.P. Waiting for Hanami. illus. by HifuMiyo. HarperCollins.
K-Gr 3–The author highlights Japanese culture in a seamless way that works well within the story.

Tolentino, Marcelo. Sunday. tr. from French by Rahul Bery. Blue Dot.
PreS-Gr 2–A breathtaking trip through one boy’s imagination, this beautiful picture book is highly recommended for school and public libraries.

Vail, Rachel. You and Me, Anemone: A Story About Friendship and Personal Space. illus. by Chris Raschka. Greenwillow.
PreS-Gr 1–A lyrical lesson on personal boundaries with illustrations guaranteed to help enhance young readers’ vocabularies and imaginations. A must-buy for story hour shelves.

Waldman, Jenna. A Purr-fect Passover. illus. by Erica J. Chen. Apples & Honey.
PreS-Gr 1–Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining, this book highlights families and traditions and is certain to be a Passover favorite.

Ward, Lindsay. Sunnyside School: A Community Helpers Book. HarperCollins.
K-Gr 3–This is an awesome addition to all collections. People are always looking for community helpers books, and the bonus here is the school setting.

Wenzel, Brendan Good Golden Sun. Little, Brown
PreS-Gr 3–From break of dawn to day’s end, the journey of the sun as captured in lyrical text and stunning illustrations is a joy to behold.

Wilson, Rachel Michelle. To Catch a Ghost. Scholastic/Orchard.
Gr 1-3–This story of unexpected friendship is sure to appeal to younger readers.

Yahu, Yaram. My Afro Is a Rising Sun. illus. by DeAnn Wiley. Hachette/Running Pr.
K-Gr 3–An uplifting message of positivity about culture and a first choice for elementary-level libraries.

Young, Jessica. Today at School: With Yesterday and Tomorrow. illus. by Renée Kurilla. Knopf.
PreS–For back-to-school or any time, this is an SEL must-purchase.