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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Outside Mom, Inside Mom
When a young Korean American boy goes to a new school, he catches himself acting differently, shy and uncomfortable, and notices his mom doing the same, as Outside Mom is quiet but Inside Mom is full of jokes. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Next to Me
A look at the people, places, and objects, both novel and familiar, that make up a child’s world. [Kirkus] "My toddler is obsessed with the phrase “next to me” so this book was an unexpected favorite of his." [Amanda]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Don't Trust Fish
A supposed nature guide humorously warns readers why they should never trust fish, exploring their mysterious and villainous nature. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Bearsuit Turtle Makes A Friend
A turtle in a bear suit must prove he is a "for-real" bear to another turtle who is a for-real bear expert - and when Bear-Expert Turtle reveals a secret, Bearsuit Turtle admits a truth too, in a silly friendship story. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Signs of Friendship
Sally and Sonia have been friends since they were “smaller than small,” sharing laughter, tears, and, after Sonia’s deafness is discovered, sign language. But when Sonia meets someone new, Sally feels left out. A warm, inclusive take on friendship and conflict resolution. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Raven's Ribbons
A Cree boy longs for a ribbon skirt. [This] weaves Two-Spirit self-expression and collective belonging into a beautiful tribute to Indigenous heritage. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Gymnastica Fantastica!
A joyful and exuberant picture book about a child discovering and attempting new physical skills and putting on wonderfully imperfect shows for whoever will watch them. [NoveList Plus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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Cranky, Crabby Crow (saves the World)
LOCAL AUTHOR! Crow sits on a telephone wire as various animals approach, cajoling him into playing . [But] it turns out he has more on his mind than silly games. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
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Midnight Motorbike
An Indian mother and child zoom off on a nocturnal motorbike ride. A visual feast sure to have readers finding magic in the mundane. [Kirkus]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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We Go Slow
"Evocative watercolor & colored pencil illustrations by Aaron Becker bring author Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie's heartwarming narrative to life. I love that this book shows intergenerational family connection, and how this can expand a child's view of their city as a site of hope, belonging, and gentle reflection." [Bean]
Format: Book
Availability: Available
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