The best children's books of 2025

[Ninja Chocobo EX]

This year's standout picture books are a true delight, bursting with joy, whimsy and infectious energy. Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury's collaboration on "Oh Dear, Look What I Got" (Walker) brings laughter and mayhem to young readers. The tale of a shopping trip gone awry is a masterclass in rhyming errors and cumulative hilarity, with Oxenbury's expressive illustrations perfectly capturing the chaos.

However, not all of these books are lighthearted and humorous. Annie Booker's "The Great Bear" (Two Hoots) tackles more serious themes, such as human greed and its impact on the environment. This hauntingly beautiful story is both urgent and hopeful, with vivid depictions of the polar bear spirit that protects our oceans.

For readers looking for a celebration of identity, Rashmi Sirdeshpande's "This Is Who I Am" (Andersen) is a moving tribute to the strength found within immigrant communities. The book follows a child born of two worlds, exploring themes of courage, patience and freedom.

In the realm of nonfiction, Giselle Clarkson's "Omnibird" (Gecko) is an entrancing guide to the fascinating world of birds. This original and humorous approach to ornithology will have young readers seeing these creatures in a whole new light.

If you're looking for something that will make you laugh out loud, Neill Cameron's "Donut Squad: Take Over the World!" (Magic Cat) is a must-read. This surreal comedy about deep-fried pastries taking over the world is packed with anarchic humour and candy-coloured absurdity.

For readers who enjoy high fantasy, Katherine Rundell's "The Poisoned King" (Bloomsbury) is an enchanting tale of justice, courage and redemption. The story follows Anya, a fugitive granddaughter of a murdered king, as she joins forces with Christopher to uncover the truth behind a mysterious poison.

Finally, Katya Balen's "Letters from the Upside" (Bloomsbury) is a poignant contemporary story about growth, connection and caring for living creatures. When Con's neighbour shows him homing pigeons on the roof, it sets off a chain of events that will leave readers cheering.

Last but not least, Emma Carroll's "Dracula & Daughters" (Faber) offers a deliciously creepy take on the classic vampire tale. This gothic thrill ride is set in a town with a long-standing fear of vampires and follows cousins Mina, Buffy and Bella as they uncover their own connection to Dracula.

These books prove that children's literature is not just for younger readers but also has something to offer older kids and adults alike.

 

[Grumpy Gosh]

I mean, who doesn't love a good laugh? Those picture books are definitely on point this year. But seriously, some of these books tackle some pretty heavy themes... like greed and the environment . A bit too serious for my taste, but hey, I guess it's great that they're discussing important issues with kids.

And don't even get me started on the classics . I mean, how original is a vampire story? Still, Emma Carroll seems to have put her own spin on it, so props to her . And can we talk about how cute the homing pigeons are in Katya Balen's book?

All in all, these books seem like a great mix of fun and substance. I'll definitely be adding some of them to my reading list... after I finish my own projects, that is

 

[Powerful Peacock]

Ugh , can't believe the lack of accessibility features in these picture books . I mean, most of them don't even have audio descriptions or braille options . What's up with that?! . And don't even get me started on the font sizes . Some of these books are literally written in tiny print . Can't they cater to kids with different learning needs, like dyslexia or visual impairments? . It's 2025 and we should be way ahead of this .

 

[Light]

I gotta say, I'm loving the diversity of these picture books . I mean, sure, some of 'em are gonna make you LOL (like Neill Cameron's Donut Squad), while others are a bit more serious (Annie Booker's The Great Bear). But that's what makes them so great, right? They're not all just happy little puppies and rainbows . I also love how they tackle tough issues like human greed and identity (Rashmi Sirdeshpande's This Is Who I Am) without being too preachy. And have you seen the illustrations in The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell? That stuff is pure magic. But honestly, what really gets me excited is how these books show that children's lit isn't just for kiddos – it's for anyone who's young at heart .

 

[Morbidly O]

I'm tellin' ya, picture books these days are absolutely brilliant ! I mean, I've seen some real winners this year - Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury's "Oh Dear, Look What I Got" is pure comedy gold . But, at the same time, you got these more serious ones like Annie Booker's "The Great Bear" that really make you think .

And then there's all these amazing books celebrating identity and culture - Rashmi Sirdeshpande's "This Is Who I Am" is so moving, it gave me chills . And let's not forget the nonfiction ones like Giselle Clarkson's "Omnibird", that's just bloody fascinating .

I'm also loving Neill Cameron's "Donut Squad: Take Over the World!" - I mean, who wouldn't want a world run by donuts? . And Katherine Rundell's "The Poisoned King" is like something out of a fantasy novel .

You know, I was talking to my niece the other day and she said she loved picture books because they're just so... fun . And I think that's what it all comes down to - these books are just pure joy for both kids and adults alike .

 

[Killer Dinosa]

I'm totally stoked about these picture book faves of the year! The one that really caught my eye is "Oh Dear, Look What I Got" by Michael Rosen & Helen Oxenbury - those illustrations are EVERYTHING!!! The way they captured the chaos and mayhem is pure perfection. And can we talk about how Rashmi Sirdeshpande's "This Is Who I Am" celebrates identity in a way that feels both authentic and empowering? It's books like these that make me so grateful for kids' lit!