Big Feelings, Bold Art: My 2025 Picture Book Must-Reads
Every year I look forward to discovering picture books that surprise, inspire, and stay with me long after I turn the last page—and my favorite picks for 2025 did exactly that. I selected these titles because they blend powerful storytelling with gorgeous illustrations, inviting readers into worlds filled with courage, culture, imagination, and heart.
From the science and community spirit in Hurricane to the playful mischief of Don’t Trust Fish, these books offer a mix of wonder and joy. Stories like Brave, Giving Thanks with Halmoni, and A Change Is Gonna Come celebrate identity, tradition, and resilience, while The Interpreter and Wanda Hears the Stars highlight the strength found in everyday challenges and extraordinary determination. And for a touch of magic, Hello, I'm an Axolotl brings readers into the sparkling world of one of nature’s most fascinating creatures.
These books remind me why picture books matter—they ignite curiosity, honor diverse experiences, and create moments of connection for readers of all ages.
Hurricane by Jason Chin (2025)
Hurricane follows a community on Hatteras Island as they prepare for a powerful hurricane while meteorologists and storm-chasing pilots track the storm’s path. The book alternates between scenes of scientific monitoring and the daily actions families take to stay safe. The book shares both the danger of hurricanes and the tools people use to understand and respond to them.
Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat (2025)
In Don’t Trust Fish, fish are portrayed in a silly and exaggerated way to show that they should “never, ever be trusted.” The narrator humorously lists reasons—such as fish spying on humans and reporting back to a “king fish.” Because fish live underwater and out of sight, the narrator insists we can’t know what they're plotting in their “schools,” so we should not trust fish.
The History of We by Nikkolas Smith
What does “the beginning” look like? The History of We highlights that all humans can trace their ancestry back to Africa, celebrating our shared beginnings. Through powerful illustrations, the book imagines what it might have been like for early humans to paint, create music, explore, and discover.
Forts by Katie Venit, illustrated by Kenard Pak (2025)
The world is filled with forts.
Tiny worlds within this world…
With vivid pictures, Forts demonstrates that everyone needs a personal space—a spot to retreat, imagine, and dream. Whether it’s a tree house outside or a blanket fort indoors, these special places are filled with creativity and possibility.
Brave by Weshoyot Alvitre 2025
Brave follows a young Native American boy who chooses to wear his hair in long braids as part of his cultural tradition. When others tease him, he remembers the strength and resilience of his ancestors who were forced to cut their hair. By staying true to himself, he learns that bravery means honoring who you are.
Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok the Korean Harvest Festival by Kathleen Choi and Sook Nyul Choi, Illustrations by Sung No
Giving Thanks with Halmoni follows Su-Jin as she helps her grandmother prepare for Chuseok, Korea’s harvest moon festival, sometimes referred to as the Korean Thanksgiving. She invites her friends to join in the traditions, including cooking, wrapping gifts, and honoring ancestors. Through the celebration, the girls learn about Korean culture, gratitude, and the joy of sharing traditions with others.
A Change Is Gonna Come words and Music by Sam Cooke and Music and Illustrations by Nikkolas Smtih
A Change Is Gonna Come pairs Sam Cooke’s iconic civil rights anthem with Nikkolas Smith’s powerful illustrations to guide young readers through key moments in the ongoing fight for justice and equality. Through its stirring lyrics and evocative art, the book honors Black resilience, celebrates freedom fighters, and inspires readers to continue pushing for meaningful change
The Interpreter by Olivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
Cecilia spends her days juggling soccer games with acting as the family interpreter, translating between Spanish and English at appointments and errands. Although she’s proud to help, the constant responsibility begins to overwhelm her, leaving her feeling pulled in two.
Wanda Hears the Stars by Amy S. Hansen, Wanda Díaz Merced, and Rocio Arreola Mendoza:
Wanda Hears the Stars shares the true story of Wanda Díaz Merced, a Puerto Rican astronomer who lost her sight in college due to complications from diabetes but refused to give up her dream of studying the universe. By using sonification to listen to star data, she discovered a new way to “hear” the cosmos and make groundbreaking contributions to science.
Hello, I'm an Axolotl (Meet the Wild Things, Book 4) by Hayley Rocco, Illustrations by John Rocco
This fun and fact-packed book introduces young readers to the axolotl, a sparkling, limb-regrowing amphibian with some truly amazing superpowers. Told with kid-friendly facts and lively illustrations, it also highlights the axolotl’s endangered status and encourages readers to help protect this extraordinary creature
