Welcome to the 2025 picture book preview! If you\u2019re a parent or teacher searching for the next great read to brighten up a classroom shelf \u2014 or just hunting for that perfect gift that\u2019s not another action figure or sparkly unicorn hairbrush \u2014 you\u2019re in the right place.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s picture book lineup includes laugh-out-loud adventures, YouTube and TV sensations, beautifully illustrated bedtime stories, and rallying cries to action.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s your month-by-month guide for the first half of the year so you can prepare for each release like the true book-loving hero you are.<\/p>\n
no no January 9780593712160 The Rainbow Cleanup: A Magical Organizing Adventure<\/i> by Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin, illustrated by Junissa Bianda <\/p>\n
If you\u2019ve ever watched the hit Netflix series The Home Edit<\/i>, you know the magic of organizing. Best friends Hannah and Mia are having a sleepover, but Hannah\u2019s room is much too messy to do anything. Together, with the help of magical furniture that comes to life and a lesson in sorting items in rainbow order, these two friends ditch the chaos and get back to fun. <\/p>\n
Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a book to inspire little ones to clean up. One can only hope!<\/p>\n
9780593898642 100 First Words (Ms. Rachel)<\/i> by Ms. Rachel, illustrated by Random House <\/p>\n
Calling all Ms. Rachel fans! The much-loved YouTube sensation is back with another fun and interactive book. This board book features 100 high-frequency words for babies to learn. Words like \u201cmama\u201d and \u201cdada\u201d are categorized into colorful sections and paired with familiar characters and gestures from her videos. Tips and advice in the back of the book give caregivers more insight into speech development. <\/p>\n
Add this to your collection if you’re looking for more of Ms. Rachel! <\/p>\n
9780593646212 Hello, Sun!<\/i> by Lala Watkins <\/p>\n
This book pairs Dr. Seuss-inspired illustrations with Lala Watkins\u2019s sweet story about a worm named Norbit. In this beginning reader, Norbit and his friends spend a day outdoors doing all the wonderful things they can think of in the sun. <\/p>\n
Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a great pairing of imaginative play and colorful illustrations for new readers. <\/p>\n
9780593649893 To See an Owl<\/i> by Matthew Cordell <\/p>\n
Do you have a budding ornithologist at home? Janie wants to see an owl, but because they are nocturnal creatures, she has yet to spot one. For months, she searches for signs of different kinds of owls on the prairie, the beach, and the woods near her home with no luck. <\/p>\n
Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a sweet story that teaches readers about owl breeds and the power of perseverance and patience.<\/p>\n
9780593624180 Girls on the Rise<\/i> by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loveis Wise <\/p>\n
Amanda Gorman, the youngest presidential inaugural poet in US history, authored one of my favorite picture books, Change Sings<\/i><\/a>. Her latest book promises to be just as soul-stirring as it celebrates girlhood in all its forms. Who are we? We are a billion voices, bright and brave; we are light, standing together in the fight<\/i>. I am so excited to read this book.<\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for girl power!<\/p>\n 9780593620441 The Interpreter<\/i> by Olivia Abtahi, illustrated by Monica Arnaldo <\/p>\n Discover the heartfelt story of Cecilia, a soccer-loving girl who balances her passion for the game with the responsibility of translating for her Spanish-speaking parents. As an immigrant daughter, she helps them navigate everyday challenges. Olivia Abtahi’s insightful text and Monica Arnaldo’s delightful illustrations highlight the resilience and teamwork in bilingual families. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection to bring a new and touching perspective to story time!<\/p>\n RELATED: Black Girl Magic: 33 Picture Books Featuring Black Female Protagonists<\/a><\/p>\n no no March 9780593428115 You Are a Wildlife Warrior!: Saving Animals & the Planet<\/i> by Bindi Irwin with Smriti Prasadam-Halls, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitzki <\/p>\n Bindi Irwin, the daughter of Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, has a big message for kids: \u201cYou can help protect the planet and all who call it home!\u201d Introduce budding wildlife warriors to the animals in the Australia Zoo, like kangaroos, lemurs, and rhinos. Discover their habitats and, more importantly, ways to help protect them. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for inspiration and activism for animal lovers. <\/p>\n 9780593810330 It’s Not Easy Being a Leprechaun<\/i> by Marilyn Sadler, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis <\/p>\n It\u2019s Not Easy Being a Ghost<\/i> was a delightfully sweet and not-so-scary addition to our Halloween collection in 2024, so I have no doubt we will be charmed by the third book in the series<\/a>. Poor Connor O\u2019Connor, no one wants to be his friend; they only want him for his pot of gold. So, with some leprechaun magic, he tries to change himself to fit in. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a holiday-themed book about self-acceptance and friendship. <\/p>\n 9780593624463 Brave Buzzy Bee<\/i> by Rima Fakih Slaiby and Theresa AlHayek, illustrated by Angela Li <\/p>\n Former Miss USA Rima Fakih Slaiby teams up with Theresa AlHayek to create this story about bravery and perseverance. Buzzy Bee wants to win an upcoming race, but he\u2019s not very fast. Does Buzzy give up? No way! He practices and practices to get better. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a lovable character who highlights the importance of practice, determination, and resilience.<\/p>\n RELATED: Hurry Up and Read These Picture Books About Patience<\/a><\/p>\n no no May 9780593571910 The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn’s Great Big Wish<\/i> by Shawn Harris <\/p>\n The Teeny-Weeny Unicorn<\/i><\/a> was laugh-out-loud funny, so I have no doubt we are in for another treat with this upcoming sequel. Teeny-Weeny decides to give his wish of being big one last try. He wishes on a dandelion and then sets off to find something smaller than himself. What he finds is a BIG surprise. This book is perfect for parents who are expecting their own little sequel. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for big laughs and plenty of heart.<\/p>\n 9780593691366 When I Talk to God, I Talk About Feelings<\/i> by Chrissy Metz and Bradley Collins, illustrated by Lisa Fields <\/p>\n When I talk to God every day, there are so many things I want to say. Each day has its own special meaning. When I talk to God, I talk about feelings<\/i>. Chrissy Metz, star of This Is Us<\/i>, gives fans of the beloved TV show the same feel-good vibes in her new picture book. This exploration of prayer and faith helps little ones process a difficult day as they snuggle into bed. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a sweet, faith-based bedtime story.<\/p>\n 9780593110898 Home<\/i> by Matt de la Pe\u00f1a, illustrated by Loren Long <\/p>\n From Matt de la Pe\u00f1a, the award-winning author who gave us gems such as The Last Stop On Market Street<\/i><\/a>, Carmela Full of Wishes<\/i><\/a>, and Love<\/i><\/a>, comes another heartfelt picture book. Home<\/i> is a lyrical reflection on \u201cthe places we feel most comfortable, loved, and protected.\u201d With Loren Long as the illustrator, this book is a must-read. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for gorgeous illustrations and support for children moving to a new home. <\/p>\n 9780593697009 What’s Scarier Than Thunder?<\/i> by Ben Falcone, illustrated by Kevin Cornell <\/p>\n Claire can\u2019t go to sleep because there is a big storm outside, keeping her awake. With her parents’ help, she thinks of things scarier than thunder. For example, a violin-playing scorpion named Finn, a snake with big fangs and uneven bangs, and Rance, a dragon with ants in his pants. The sillier the list gets, the smaller the storm becomes for Claire.<\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a book that uses humor to shrink fear.<\/p>\n RELATED: Books To Help Kids Handle All Kinds of Uncomfortable Emotions<\/a><\/p>\n no no 9780593709313 Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day<\/i> by Suzanne Lang, illustrated by Max Lang <\/p>\n Grumpy Monkey, our favorite chimpanzee, is back with the perfect read for Mother\u2019s Day. When Grumpy Monkey decides to babysit the littlest animals in the jungle, things go haywire. Grumpy Monkey quickly realizes the importance of mothers and their unconditional love. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for Grumpy Monkey stickers and Grumpy Monkey shenanigans. <\/p>\n 9780593807873 My Dad Is a Unicorn!<\/i> by Bill Canterbury, illustrated by Jeff Harter <\/p>\n My youngest loved the How to Catch a series, and now Bill Canterbury is back with another super-silly series about how weird families are. With jokes, puns, and visual gags, we find out that Unicorn Dad\u2019s day job is battling trolls and goblins, and at night, he comes home to fix his son\u2019s homework with glitter and obsess over his mane shampoo. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for laughs and two pages of bonus stickers. <\/p>\n 9780593616673 Don’t Trust Fish<\/i> by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat <\/p>\n I am a huge fan of humor in children\u2019s books, and Dan Santat\u2019s illustrations never disappoint. Fish are weird and clearly not trustworthy. They live out of sight under the water and are probably plotting our doom in their \u201cschools,\u201d muses author Neil Sharpson. I can\u2019t say I disagree. <\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for an off-the-rails nature guide.<\/p>\n 9780593752586 T\u00edo and T\u00edo<\/i> by Ross Mathews and Dr. Wellinthon Garc\u00eda-Mathews, illustrated by Tommy Doyle, foreword by Drew Barrymore <\/p>\n Ross Mathews (The Drew Barrymore Show<\/i>, RuPaul\u2019s Drag Race<\/i>) and his husband, Dr. Wellinthon Garc\u00eda-Mathews, deliver a charming story about two boys, Evan and Andy, who travel to Mexico to be ring bearers at their uncles\u2019 wedding. This delightful book is also available in Spanish<\/a>.<\/p>\n Add this to your collection if you’re looking for a guide for future ring-bearers on what to do and not do on the wedding day. <\/p>\n