Staff Faves 2025: Kids Picture Books
Every year we ask our staff across the library system for their favorite books published in a given year. Enjoy this list of some of our favorite 2025 picture books for kids - some with staff annotations, and some with annotations from Kirkus, NoveList Plus, and School Library Journal. (Created November 2025)
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The Interpreter
Life’s busy enough for young Cecilia... [she] has two full-time jobs: being a kid and interpreting for her Spanish-speaking parents. [Kirkus] Also available in Spanish: La Intérprete
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Interpreter -
Menudo Sunday
Pull up a chair, grab a bowl of menudo, and join in this beloved family tradition. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Menudo Sunday -
Sato the Rabbit
Every morning, Sato the Rabbit opens his eyes to the soft light of day, ready to embrace all that the universe has in store for him. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Sato the Rabbit -
Faith Takes the Train
Faith rides the New York City subway with Mama, finding ways to connect with others along the way. A lovely experience of wonder and empathy. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Faith Takes the Train -
Every Monday Mabel
Mabel's favorite day is Monday, when she wakes up early, peeks out her window, drags her chair down the hallway and out the door and waits, in a story that celebrates community helpers and captures the joy of being a kid. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Lena the Chicken
[Lena] knows deep down she's really a dinosaur. Her fellow chickens are confused...but when a weasel tries to break into the coup, Lena's bravery makes a big impression. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: On order
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Cats in Construction Hats
Fun-loving, hard-hatted felines romp through difficulties to collaborative triumph. A message of determination and cooperation, conveyed with a kid-friendly combo of colors, trucks, and cute kittens. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Shark Girl
Stand aside, little mermaids. The true, pointy-toothed protector of the seas is here! [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Stalactite & Stalagmite
When drips of water enter a cave, they pick up minerals, creating two “nubs” that become a stalactite and a stalagmite. Spanning millions of years, their tale unfolds as a jaunty conversation between the two anthropomorphic characters, who witness major changes to the world. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Stalactite & Stalagmite -
Fish Fry Friday
A young African American girl joins her grandma's weekly ritual of catching and frying fish for a big family dinner. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Fish Fry Friday