Every year, Cracking the Cover compiles a list of books that make great additions to your home library. The following picture books were published in 2025. Reviews are by Jessica. Scroll down for the complete list or click or tap the following links to directly visit a section BOARD BOOK • AGES 2 AND UP • AGES 3 AND UP • AGES 4 AND UP • AGES 5 AND UP • AGES 6 AND UP • AGES 7 AND UP • AGES 8 AND UP
BOARD BOOK
SAY ZOOP! by Herve Tullet, Chronicle Books, Oct. 14, 2025, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 1-5)
Make some noise! Shout “OH!” Whisper “oh!” Say “Zoop”? Yes! “Zoop!” “Zoop!” “Zoop!” This endlessly entertaining board book magically responds with bursts of color and moving shapes, empowering children by letting their imaginations liberate and direct each page’s reaction. In this companion to the trio launched with Press Here, Tullet’s beloved dots will have readers literally “Ooh”-ing and “Ahh”-ing out loud in a happy collective encore. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle Books
This interactive board book will have kids giggling as they work on colors, counting and following instructions. It’s a joyful read that kids will happily read over and over again.
NIGHT NIGHT LADYBUG, by Chris Ferrie and Melanie Mikecz, Sourcebooks Explore, Aug. 5, 2025, Board Book, $9.99 (ages 0-4)
“Little critters have to go to bed just like you. And now it’s time to say night night!
Night night ladybug, with your shiny red shell
Night night butterfly, with your bright orange wings
Night night bumblebee with your fuzzy yellow fur
Night night caterpillar, with your wiggly green body”
Follow along and say goodnight to each of these sweet creatures and point out all the colors of the rainbow too. Every spread features an interesting fact about the animal as well. —Synopsis provided by Sourcebooks Explore
There are two levels to Night Night Ladybug — one is basic inviting text. The second briefly expands on a concept, making this a board book that grows with little readers.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: A BabyLit® Occupations Primer, by Jennifer Adams and Alison Oliver, Gibbs Smith, March 11, 2025, Board Book, $11.99 (ages 0-3)
Charles Dicken’s Great Expectations is now available for the youngest of readers with BabyLit®’s latest primer.
Great Expectations: A BabyLit® Occupations Primer introduces little ones to Dicken’s famous characters as well as their jobs.
As with all BabyLit® primers, Great Expectations gets super simplified for 0- to 3-year-olds. Don’t expect a storyline, just broad topics inspired by the source material. In this case, jobs. It’s a fun book with charming illustrations that kids will love. I know that because my own kid enjoyed the series when she was little.
UNDERWATER, by Xavier Deneux, Chronicle Books, March 25, 2025, Board Book, $16.99 (ages 2-4)
Underwater is very much a concept book. Each creature is named and a list of related words, including italicized action words, is included below. For example:
whale: eyes • flippers • flukes • tail • huge • diving • feeding
This is a great way to introduce a broader understanding of concepts and build vocabulary. Little ones will be drawn to the almost 3D images that are both raised and recessed. At $16.99, it’s one of the pricier board books, but it’s chunky construction and strong concept will hold up to heavy use. It’s bound to become a favorite of both parents and kids.
AGES 2 AND UP
A SOUND IN THE NIGHT, by María Coco, Rise x Penguin Workshop, Oct. 21, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 2-4)
A girl and her dog go on a camping adventure in A Sound in the Night, a wordless picture book by María Coco.
A Sound in the Night is simple done right. From the lack of words — OK, there is one — to author-illustrator María Coco’s use of color and blank space, The Sound of Night is the whole package. This simple tale will delight young readers who will happily make up “the dialogue” on their own. Coco’s linework and layout add to the suspense and really draw you in. The Sound of Night is, simply, charming.
OH DEAR, LOOK WHAT I GOT! by Michael Rosen, Helen Oxenbury, Candlewick, Sept. 2, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-8)
The team behind We’re Going on a Bear Hunt reunite for a comedy of misunderstandings in Oh Dear, Look What I Got! by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury.
Oh Dear, Look What I Got! is full of the delightful charm that readers have come to expect from the team of Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. Rosen’s rhythmic cadence begs to be read aloud as he takes you on an adventure. Overbury’s watercolor and pencil illustrations are full of motion and emotion. And her use of color and whitespace is fantastic. This is a book that will be read on repeat.
AGES 3 AND UP
LION IN BED, by Darren Farrell and Maya Tatsukawa, Dial Books, Oct. 21, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (Ages 3-7)
When a little lion won’t get out of bed, his dad goes to extremes to get him up in Lion in Bed, by Darren Farrell and Maya Tatsukawa.
I don’t think there’s a person alive who can’t relate to Lion in Bed. There are days when you just don’t want to get up, tired mentally and physically. And as a parent, it’s easy to relate to Papa Lion, too.
This silly picture book hits all the right notes. From author Darren Farrell’s playful text to illustrator Maya Tatsukawa’s energetic illustrations, it’s a joy to read aloud. Tatsukawa’s use of muted, pastel tones match Little Lion’s energy while Farrell’s rhythmic text mirrors Papa Lion’s exuberance. Through it all, there’s a feeling of love and support that builds to the very end.
THE POLAR BEAR AND THE BALLERINA, by Eric Velasquez, Holiday House, Oct. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)Picture
When dancers have a photoshoot at the Central Park Zoo, a young, African American ballerina and a polar bear form a special friendship. When his new friend leaves her scarf behind, the polar bear must venture through Central Park and out into Manhattan to return it before her performance at the Lincoln Center.
However, the theater goers eye the strange bear with suspicion. When the ushers won’t let him inside, the ballerina comes to his rescue and welcomes him in. The polar bear has dreamed of seeing the ballet, and now he gets to be a part of it in the most surprising way. —Synopsis provided by Holiday House
The Polar Bear and the Ballerina is a wordless narrative is told through oil paintings. It is exquisitely rendered, with rich detail and a bold pop of color. The book doesn’t stop there. Endpapers include illustrations of zoo signage about polar bears and a magazine article about the young ballerina. Children will love making up their own “story” and dialogue as they explore this book again and again.
JOAN IN THE CONE, by Billy Sharff and Hala Tahboub, Dial Books, July 15, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
A dog gets a new accessory following some gravity defying antics in Joan in the Cone, by Billy Sharff and Hala Tahboub.
Joan in the Cone is a humorous book that will appeal to kids and their caregivers. Author Billy Sharff’s bouncy text sets the stage for an epic fail and a change in attitude. While Hala Tahboub’s rollicking illustrations bring the entire story to life.
And while Joan’s story is full of humor, it also reminds kids that mistakes and injuries are inevitable, it’s how we deal with them that matters.
THE MOON MOVED IN, by Sue Soltis and Sonia Sánchez, Chronicle Books, July 1, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 3-5)
When the moon decides to move in next door, a little girl gains a friend, but the world misses something even greater in The Moon Moved In, by Sue Soltis and Sonia Sánchez.
The moon Moved In is an imaginative story of friendship and the interconnectedness of the natural world.
Author Sue Soltis pairs science and whimsy with her charming tale. Her conversational text invites readers in all while telling them a story and teaching a few things along the way. Artist Sonia Sánchez’s impressionistic illustrations bring all the elements together. And informative front and end papers tell more about the moon and its relationship with the world.
THE SEARCH FOR CARMELLA (Hidden Wonders), by Chloe Savage, Candlewick, Feb. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
You may remember The Search for Carmella creator Chloe Savage from The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish, another book of ocean exploration. This time around, Savage visits a mysterious deep, dark world, and what Dr. Rose discovers will knock your socks off.
The Search for Carmella is a tale of two books —the bright, blue world of above and the blue-black of below. The “above” illustrations are charming and whimsical. The “below” are stunning. Savage’s use of light and color — particularly red, yellow and shades of blue — are spectacular, introducing readers to sea life that can only be found in deep water. Savage’s story features the love of science through the lens of determination and humor. Kids an parents alike will love this magical tale.
I LOVE YOU, LITTLE HORSE, by Gianna Marino, Philomel Books, Jan. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 3-7)
I Love You, Little Horse is a sweet and simple look at a parent’s love for their child. Author-artist Gianna Marino’s warm text is lovely to read aloud. It’s a gentle call to action parents and children will appreciate.
Marino’s illustrations are joyous and full of life. My family gets to daily watch a neighbor’s horses out our kitchen windows, and I can attest that Marino’s illustrations are excellent representations of playful horses. Marino’s use of color is also commendable.
AGES 4 AND UP
THE BUNNY BALLET: A PICTURE BOOK, by Nora Ericson and Elly MacKay, Harry N. Abrams, Nov. 11, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Doors are closing, lights are dimming. Strings are singing, it’s beginning.
Hop on in, take your seat, and watch the curtains rise on the Bunny Ballet! When a brother and sister stumble upon an extraordinary woodland show, they’re introduced to the magic of dance. Noses twitch, whiskers quiver, and graceful bunnies leap and soar across the stage as the audience sits on the edge of their seats. —Synopsis provided by Harry N. Abrams
This ode to ballet takes place in a glen where bunnies twirl and leap to beautiful music. Rhythmic text echoes the movement and charming illustrations bring the story to life.
THE MYSTERY OF THE BLUE TRAIN (MINI MYSTERIES), by Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki, Gibbs Smith, Oct. 28, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Agatha Christie’s The Mystery of the Blue Train is adapted for young readers in Marci Kay Monson and Greg Paprocki’s new book by the same title.
The Mystery of the Blue Train is the second book in the Mini Mysteries series of interactive picture book mysteries for children, and it is just as fun as the first book, The Mysterious Affair at Styles.
Author Marci Kay Monson once again employs rhythmic text to make this murder mystery anything but scary. Information comes fast and activities make you want to stay for a while. Readers are right next to Poirot as they help solve the clues. Artist Greg Paprocki’s colorful illustrations are full of energy and movement, pairing perfectly with the text.
My 11-year-old is working her way through the Poirot books, and finished The Mystery of the Blue Train last month. (It’s one of her favorites so far.) And when she saw this picture book version, she happily perused it — even though it’s too young for her.
BITTERSWEET: Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy Bombers, by Christy Mandin, Margaret K. McElderry Books, Oct. 28, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Follow an airman as he brings joy to children in post-WWII Berlin in Bittersweet, a picture book by Christy Mandin.
Colonel Gail Halvorsen’s Operation Little Vittles—born of one man’s courage to be kind—grew to include other pilots and donations from American families and ended up dropping over twenty tons of candy to the children of war-torn Berlin. —Synopsis provided by Margaret K. McElderry Books
This sweet picture book celebrates resilience and kindness. Christy Mandin’s conversational text is warm and inviting. And her tender illustrations give readers a sense of what life was like in Germany following the war.
PIGGYPINE, by Richard T. Morris, Charles Santoso, Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, Oct. 28, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
A pig-porcupine critter is determined to tell his story — if only the narrator would get out of his way — in Piggypine, by Richard T. Morris and Charles Santoso.
Half pig, half porcupine, Piggypine is looking for his story. Could this be it? The narrator sure doesn’t think so! Just look at Piggypine—he’s kind of a disaster. He’s terrible at running. His spelling is even worse. And his favorite snack is a paper towel smeared with honey! Not to mention, this story is about dogs, and Piggypine is most certainly not a dog.
But Piggypine is determined to stay, and as hijinks ensue, it seems like Piggypine’s story is coming to an end before it even begins. Or is it? —Synopsis provided by Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books
Piggypine is just the sort of silly read that will have kids laughing. They’ll love Piggypine’s determination and imagination. There’s just the right level of snark to make it fun for grownups, too. A limited color palette plays up the action in this fun book.
A FRIEND FOR FOX, by Enrico Lorenzi, Beach Lane Books, Oct. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
A nocturnal Fox’s late-night cocoa cravings take him on a journey in search of someone — anyone! — who is still awake in A Friend for Fox, by Enrico Lorenzi .
Fox loves drinking cocoa with his friends. There’s just one problem: When the sun starts to go down and Fox is wide awake and craving chocolate—everyone else is heading off to bed! So, Fox sets off in search of a friend to share his cocoa with. —Synopsis provided by Beach Lane Books
Enrico Lorenzi’s stylized illustrations are the stars of this humorous tale. His expressive characters pop against a colorful nature backdrop. It’s a sweet story that’s simple but effective.
OUR ISLANDS, by Yuval Zommer, Thames & Hudson, Oct. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 4 and up)
On this ocean-hopping adventure, readers will come face-to-face with incredible creatures, from the giant tortoises of the Galápagos Islands to the leaping lemurs of Madagascar. They’ll visit wonders of the world, both natural and man-made including the towering Moai statues of Easter Island, and ice caves on Mount Erebus. From the bubbling volcanoes of Hawaii to the frozen seas of the Antarctic, Our Islands reveals how life can survive in even the most extreme conditions, and why these isolated lands are often home to animals and plants found nowhere else on Earth.
Combined with visits to old pirate hideouts, colorful carnivals, windswept cliffs, and untouched rainforests, this breathtaking tour of our planet’s most remarkable islands is the perfect read for young explorers and budding naturalists alike. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
Colorful and informative, this newest offering from Yuval Zommer is full of fun facts about islands around the world. Highly-detailed illustrations and digestible nuggets of information make it accessible to readers across a variety of ages. This is a book your child can grow with — from reading with an adult to reading it to an adult.
Zip Zap Wickety Wack: A Story About Sharing, by Matthew Diffee, Neal Porter Books, Sept. 30, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
The cow says “moo.” The horse says “neigh.” Everyone can agree on these.
But when the sheep says “baa,” the goat cuts in. The goat also says “baa.” Now what? No one wants to share their sound!
The sheep has an idea—he’ll just say something no one’s ever said before: “zip zap wickety wack bing bang walla balla flip flap yackety yack.” But an otherworldly visitor shows up to lay claim to this sound, too—and the alien doesn’t want to share his identity either.
When the alien proposes a radical new way forward, the sheep and the goat find a compromise—and it may sound familiar to adult readers . . . —Synopsis provided by Neal Porter Books
This delightful picture book is sure to elicit giggles. It’s charming, old-school illustrations provide some nostalgia while its content feels fresh and fun.
THE ELEVATOR ON 74TH STREET, by Laura Gehl and Yas Imamura, Beach Lane Books, Sept. 30, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
The Elevator of 74th Street is a charming story of life and friendship.
At the center of the story is Ellie, the only elevator in her building. Ellie loves everyone in her building, but she especially loves Thea. The two came to the building at the same time, and there’s something about watching Thea grow that makes her special.
Kids will get a kick out of Ellie and all she does for her residents. And they’ll enjoy friendships depicted throughout.
Author Laura Gehl’s conversational tone is a joy to read. And Yas Imamura’s gouache, watercolor, marker and crayon illustrations add wonderful layers to this already delightful story.
LATE TODAY, by Jungyoon Huh, Myungae Lee, Aerin Park, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Sept. 21, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A resonant reminder to make the time to be kind, set in the bustling city of Seoul.
One rainy morning, the Seogang Bridge hums with traffic―and in between the cars is a tiny kitten. People mutter to themselves, but no one wants to stop or slow down. The raindrops pelt the road; the cars screech and honk; the kitten mews. Finally, one car pulls over… —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Late today is a beautifully rendered story of kindness and compassion even when up against time and busy life. Children will be drawn to bold, stylized illustrations that utilize color, movement and white space. And parent will appreciate the gentle message of helping others.
AGGIE AND THE GHOST, by Matthew Forsythe, Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Aggie and the Ghost is a witty ghost story with lovely twists and turns throughout.
Author Matthew Forsythe’s brilliantly tongue-in-cheek story features humor, heart and a stubborn streak that will have young readers fully invested.
Forsythe’s watercolor, gouache and colored pencil illustrations are deceptively simple. Forsythe’s use of space, color and light are exceptional.
Aggie and the Ghost is a delightful tale of a not-so-friendly friendship that’s warm and inviting.
CASSINI’S MISSION: A SPACECRAFT, A TINY MOON, AND THE SEARCH FOR LIFE BEYOND EARTH, by Katie Venit and Julia Blattman, MIT Kids Press, Aug. 12, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Real-life spacecraft Cassini makes surprising discoveries on her visit to one of Saturn’s moons in this graceful blend of science concepts and the awe of space exploration.
Cassini was built to explore Saturn and its moons. Her engineers pack her full of tools that can measure, take pictures, and taste chemicals. It takes her seven years to reach Saturn’s orbit, where she investigates Enceladus, the shiniest moon in the solar system. To the amazement of her scientists back home, Cassini makes a series of incredible discoveries: liquid water, chemicals, and energy—the ingredients for life! But Cassini doesn’t have the right tools or enough fuel to answer the big questions that come next. This bittersweet true story is rich with both science and wonder, with illustrations that capture the breathtaking scale of our solar system. Back matter provides further insight and information, as well as additional educational resources. —Synopsis provided by MIT Kids Press
This visually stunning picture book celebrates the wonders of space exploration and discoveries. This accessible nonfiction read is a safe bet for kids interested in science and space.
FLY LIKE A BIRD, by Olga Ptashnik, Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, Sept. 2, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-9)
A playful tour through the flight patterns of pelicans, peregrine falcons, and other incredible birds.
“What if I never learn to fly?” a baby chickadee asks. “You will when the time comes!” an adult answers, “Let me tell you about how our friends fly.” Will the chick fly like a hummingbird—moving its wings at top speed and sipping nectar from flowers? Will it fly like an Andean condor—using air streams to soar through the mountains? Will it fly like a penguin—flapping its wings like fins underwater? Maybe this tiny chickadee can find its own way to fly. —Synopsis provided by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers
Fly Like a Bird plays out in a question/answer format that feels conversational. Along the way, readers learn facts about different species of birds and see them in action. The illustrations feature beautiful detail and a shadowy/imprint effect that adds layers and motion. An endnote offers more about the birds and endpapers give readers an up-close look at feathers.
THE BLUE JAYS THAT GREW A FOREST, by Lynn Street and Anne Hunter, Margaret Quinlin Books, Aug. 5, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Learn about the symbiotic relationship between oak trees and blue jays in The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest, by Lynn Street and Anne Hunter.
The Blue Jays That Grew a Forest is a fascinating picture book that will especially appeal to young nature and bird fans. This well-researched nonfiction book reads like a story; with lyrical text that’s a joy to read aloud. And Ann Hunters’s detailed illustrations are gorgeous. It’s the type of book that all ages will enjoy.
ADA AND THE GOAT, by Heidi Aubrey, Neal Porter Books, Aug. 5, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Ada and the Goat is filled with humor and heart. Little ones will love this story of a woman who wants things just so and the goat that won’t let her accomplish that. Parents will love the similarities between owning a goat and having a child.
Author-illustrator Heidi Aubrey’s energetic illustrations are full of excitement and silliness. Her episodic panels bring all the chaos — and love — to life.
This book is lots of fun.
MILLIE FLEUR SAVES THE NIGHT, by Christy Mandin, Orchard Books, July 1, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A girl helps her town embrace the dark and all the joys it brings in Millie Fleur Saves the Night, the follow-up to Millie Fleur’s Poison Garden, by Christy Mandin.
In Millie Fleur Saves the Night readers find their favorite gardener struggling to help her moon garden grow. Once she eliminates the light, though, her plants and night creatures begin to flourish. It’s only when her neighbors experience the dark for themselves that they discover the beauty that comes without the light.
Millie is a charming character that not only thinks differently, but isn’t afraid to share her ideas. As anyone who has ever visited a dark sky park can tell you, it’s when you turn off the lights that magic happens.
Author/illustrator Christy Mandin’s text has a conversational, straight-forward feel. And her story is fantastic. But it’s her illustrations that take the book over the top. Here, her use of color and light is exceptional.
THE WOMAN BEHIND THE MAGIC: HOW LILLIAN B. DISNEY SHAPED THE DISNEY LEGACY, by Brittany Richman and Joanie Stone, Beach Lane Books, June 3, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Lillian B. Disney was a trailblazer. Without her behind-the-scenes help, who knows what the Disney legacy would look like today? The Woman Behind the Magic is a fascinating nonfiction biography that gives Lily the credit she deserves.
Author Brittany Richman’s conversational text flows with ease from page to page. She provides just enough detail to keep young readers interested. And her extensive author’s note and timeline helps fill in the gaps for curious parents.
Artist Joanie Stone’s lovely illustrations evoke the Disney style in color and movement while feeling entirely unique.
MAKING LIGHT BLOOM: CLARA DRISCOLL AND THE TIFFANY LAMPS, by Sandra Nickel and Julie Paschkis, Peachtree, June 24, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Making Light Bloom is one of the picture books I’ve most looked forward to this year. From its embossed cover to its engaging content, the entire book is fabulous.
Author Sandra Nickel takes Clara’s own letters, among other sources, and crafts a biography that captures your imagination and inspires you to look at nature in different ways. Nickel’s warm text is inviting for young audiences and resonates with older readers.
Artist Julie Paschkis’ stunning illustrations pay homage to Clara’s own stained-glass work. Her use of light almost feels as if you’re holding the book up to the window and watching the light shining through.
Making Light Bloom is a lovely picture book biography that will call to many a reader. It’s fun on its own and would be so much fun to tie into art projects at home or school.
LOST IN A BOOK: A PICTURE BOOK, by Chris Britt, Abrams Books for Young Readers, June 17, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Two friends literally get lost in between the pages of a book in Lost in a Book, by Chris Britt.
Lost in a Book is a comical look at physically getting lost in the gutter of a book. Creator Chris Britt’s premise is clever and plays out with lots of silliness. His characters are fun, and his use of white space and color make the action leap off the page. And for a fun twist, there’s an interactive element that will send little readers into fits of laughter. This is a really fun read.
HIS FAIRYTALE LIFE: A BOOK ABOUT HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN, by Jane Yolen, Brooke Boynton-Hughes, Neal Porter Books, April 1, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
His Fairytale Life: A Book About Hans Christian Andersen is a gentle biography told through Jane Yolen’s poetic prose. Yolen’s ability to condense Andersen’s life into a few short lines while still hitting on the high points is to be commended. Her more detailed biography at the end fleshes out the book, but it still works without it.
Artist Brooke Boynton-Hughes’s watercolor, graphite, pen and ink illustrations are wonderfully imaginative and full of detail. Her use of mostly pastel colors punctuated with a touch of vibrant red draws the eye to important areas.
His Fairytale Life: A Book About Hans Christian Andersen is a lovely read.
THE MUSIC INSIDE US: YO-YO MA AND HIS GIFTS TO THE WORLD (A Picture Book Biography), by James Howe and Jack Wong, Harry N. Abrams, June 3, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World is a beautiful biography of a musician and human being.
Yo-Yo Ma has spent his life asking, “What is the purpose of music?” In The Music Inside Us: Yo-Yo Ma and His Gifts to the World author James Howe and illustrator Jack Wong explore Ma’s curiosity and studious mind as he ultimately worked to bring people from all over the world together through music.
Howe’s text is warm and thoughtful. His conversational tone emulates Ma’s gentle and expressive voice. Wong’s acrylic, crayon, water color and digitally edited illustrations capture Ma’s inquisitive nature and genuine love for people and music.
MIGHTY: THE STORY OF AN OAK TREE ECOSYSTEM, by Henry Cole, Peachtree, April 29, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Learn about the lifecycle of a tree across decades in Mighty: The Story of an Oak Tree Ecosystem, by Henry Cole.
Mighty: The Story of an Oak Tree Ecosystem is a visually stunning picture book. Henry Cole’s black-and-white illustrations crafted with Micron pens on Bristol paper are so incredibly detailed that you could spend minutes with each spread. Any one of them would make beautiful wall art.
Cole’s gentle text guides readers through an oak tree’s incredible life. Strong back matter expands on how to build and ecosystem.
NIGHTSONG, by Sally Soweol Han, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, May 27, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Nightsong is a book of sounds and discovery.
Sometimes it takes an accident or a problem or boredom for us to start noticing the small — and big — things around us.
After an overstimulating day of hustle and bustle in the big city, the sounds of the countryside beg to be explored. Author Sally Soweol Han gently introduces readers to sounds they might otherwise ignore. Her use of onomatopoeia throughout Nightsong encourages interactive reading as caws, whirrs and rustles popup throughout the pages.
Han’s use of mostly black-and-white illustrations punctuated with burst of color lends to the overall feel and helps punctuate the sounds.
THE ARGUERS, by Corinna Luyken, Rocky Pond Books, May 27, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
A kingdom thrives on arguing, until even that gets out of hand in The Arguers, a picture book by Corinna Luyken.
The Arguers is fantastic.
From the bold cover to its final spread, this fairy tale is perfect.
Corinna Luyken’s story is on kids will easily fall in love with. And her imaginative illustrations are delightful. They become more incredible with each turn of the page.
The Arguers will elicit laughs and be read on repeat. It is a must-have for home and classroom libraries.
THE MONARCH, by Kirsten Hall, Isabelle Arsenault, May 13, 2025, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
Follow the lifecycle of the monarch butterfly in a new picture book by Kirsten Hall, Isabelle Arsenault, authors of The Honeybee.
Told in rhythmic verse, The Monarch explores the life of the butterfly, from egg to adulthood. Author Kirsten Hall deftly combines traditional text with speech bubbles, adding to the fun. Artist Isabelle Arsenault brings the beloved insects to life with bright illustrations. Back matter includes more about monarchs, the danger they face and things humans can do to help.
SEVEN: A MOST REMARKABLE PIGEON, by Sandra Nickel, Aimée Sicuro, Candlewick, May 6, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 4-8)
Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon is a charming book about accepting differences and looking at the world in your own way.
Author Sandra Nickel’s writing is warm and inviting. It almost feels as if she’s right next to you, inviting you to take part and listen to her tale.
Artist Aimée Sicuro’s watercolor, gouache and ink illustrations draw you in through color and movement. And the expressive features given each of the pigeons helps convey confusion, worry, wonder and joy.
Seven: A Most Remarkable Pigeon is a sweet tale that will likely be read on repeat in a number of homes. Included is an “about pigeons” section at the end that will answer all sorts of questions likely to come up during reading. This is a fun read.
HERE IS A BOOK, by Elisha Cooper, Harry N. Abrams, April 22, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Here is a Book, by Caldecott honoree Elisha Cooper, is a love letter that follows the path of a book, from conception to consumer.
Here is a Book is a warm, gentle read that’s a step-by-step exploration of the publishing process.
Elisha Cooper’s sparse text is chosen with care. It leaves room for exploration of Cooper’s watercolor and pencil illustrations. His artwork ranges from expansive views to small vignettes.
JUST A BANANA, by Barney Saltzberg, Workman Kids, April 15, 2025, Hardcover, $15.99 (ages 4-8)
Is a banana Just a Banana? Or is it? Find out in the newest offering from Barney Saltzberg, bestselling author of Beautiful Oops!
We’re huge fans of Beautiful Oops! at our house, so I was excited to get my hands on Just a Banana. I was not disappointed.
Just a Banana is deceptively simple. It’s full of humor and imagination. And it sparks creativity beyond the book, prompting kids to use their imaginations in real life. There are 10 lift-the-flaps that make it an interactive read. This book is lots of fun.
NIGHT LIGHT (I Like to Read Comics), by Michael Emberley, Holiday House, April 15, 2025, Hardcover, $14.99 (ages 4-8)
Night Light, by Michael Emberly, is a sweet new addition to the I Like to Read Comics series for emerging readers.
Night Light is a beautiful little story that touches on a fear of the dark while building reading vocabulary. Author-illustrator Michael Emberley’s story telling is on point. Utilizing comic panels and precisely-placed text for maximum impact.
Night Light is a tender little story that kids will be drawn to. The art is beautiful and the layout is spot-on. It’s a great entry point for kids who aren’t so sure if reading is for them.
THE GIFT OF THE GREAT BUFFALO, by Carole Lindstrom and Aly McKnight, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Feb. 25, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Members of an Indigenous community come together for a buffalo hunt in The Gift of the Great Buffalo, by Carole Lindstrom and Aly McKnight.
The Gift of the Great Buffalo is a one of the loveliest picture books I’ve seen this year. This beautiful story unfolds through warm text and gorgeous watercolor and graphite illustrations. Children and adults alike will love it.
THE POET AND THE BEES: A Story of the Seasons Sylvia Plath Kept Bees, by Amy Novesky and Jessica Love, Viking Books for Young Readers, Feb. 11, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
The Poet and the Bees celebrates iconic poet Sylvia Plath and her final writings. Author Amy Novesky’s prose is warm and full of imagery: In a field of scarlet-strung flowers, a hive hums like a panicked heart.” Novesky makes Plath accessible for children, focusing on Plath’s love of nature rather than her depression.
Illustrator Jessica Love’s watercolor and ink paintings have a lovely soft quality to them that add to imagination and awe of nature.
SCAMP, by Anden Wilder, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Feb. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Scamp, by Anden Wilder, is the story of girl and her cat and how things change when the girl learns new skills.
Scamp is a charming picture book that immediately captures your heart. Families will immediately recognize the unique relationship that little ones have with pets. Anden Wilder’s watercolor art is beautiful, and her use of perspective adds a delightful twist. It truly is a lovely read.
THROUGH SAND AND SALT: A TALE OF DISCOVERY ACROSS THE SAHARA, by Elizabeth Zunon, Bloomsbury Children’s Books, Jan. 21, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 4-8)
Through Sand and Salt explores the salt trade through the lens of a boy making the journey the first time with his father.
Author-illustrator Elizabeth Zunon’s text is both engaging and informative. Through Sand and Salt is an endearing tale that comes to life in Zunon’s illustrations crafted from acrylic and oil paints with pastels. Her use of space and color emphasize the enormity of the journey and enhance emotion.
Extensive endnotes include more information on the history of caravans, camels, the Tuareg people, the value of salt, what makes salt so special and a glossary.
AGES 5 AND UP
I AM SIMONE BILES (Ordinary People Change the World), by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, Rocky Pond Books, Oct. 28, 2025, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 5-9)
The most decorated gymnast of all time, joins the ranks of the Ordinary People Change the World picture book biography series in I Am Simone Biles, by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos.
I Am Simone Biles is a joy to read. Author Brda Meltzer’s conversational text is bright, accessible and fun to read. He packs in a lot of information into a small space, and it never feels overwhelming. Christopher Eliopoulos’ illustrations are cute and expressive. His comic-style layouts enhance the action. And his inclusion of some other well-known gymnasts and Xavier, his sister Yadina, their friend Brad are fun Easter eggs.
As with other books in the Ordinary People Change the World series, I Am Simone Biles includes a timeline, photos, influential childhood moments, lots of facts, and a specific virtue Simone embodies— her perseverance and grit.
THIS IS ORANGE: A FIELD TRIP THROUGH COLOR, by Rachel Poliquin and Julie Morstad, Candlewick, Oct. 21, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)
Prepare your senses for a delicious shock of orange in all its glory and variety—in a playful color tribute destined to wow art and design enthusiasts of all ages.
Look closely. The color orange is all around you, not only in the natural world—from fruit and foxes to minerals and mushrooms—but in the human-engineered world, too, from works of art to religious ceremonies to astronaut survival suits. Ranging through time and circumnavigating the globe, witty stream-of-consciousness text and jaunty illustrations explore color through surprising social, historical, cultural, and artistic lenses. With more than thirty vivid examples and a gentle introduction to color theory, this eye-opening voyage into the heart of orange is a clever appeal to experience other colors—and the world at large—with an open and expansive mind. —Synopsis provided by Candlewick
This is Orange is a beautiful walk through color, specifically, orange. It’s bold. It’s brilliant. It gives you a new appreciation for a color that symbolizes so much. This warm nonfiction read is perfect for any home or classroom library.
ALL ABOUT ANTARCTICA: A FACT BOOK ABOUT THE SOUTHERNMOST CONTINENT (EVERYTHING & EVERYWHERE), by Marc Martin, Chronicle Books, Oct. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5 and up)
Antarctica is a fragile and fascinating world that most of us will never see―and it’s disappearing. Learn all about it before it’s too late. All About Antarctica is an inviting and exciting reading experience with brilliant color illustrations paired with bite-sized facts on every page.
Put on your parka and snowshoes and step into this nonfiction picture book to embark on a journey to the way, way south. You could hitch a ride on a Sno-Cat, explore the majestic icefalls, hunt for meteorites, and marvel at migrating whales―or just stay in for a movie and pizza.
From colossal squids and active volcanoes to research vessels and cricket matches, there’s a lot more to the South Pole than just penguins and icebergs (though there are also a lot of penguins and icebergs). Learn how humans survive in the coldest, driest, windiest place on Earth and discover what surprises await in this endlessly fascinating Everything & Everywhere book. —Synopsis provided by Chronicle
MINI DESIGNERS: 20 PROJECTS INSPIRED BY THE GREAT DESIGNERS (MINI ARTISTS, 3), by Joséphine Seblon and Robert Sae-Heng, Thames & Hudson, Oct. 14, 2025, Paperback, $19.95 (ages 5 and up)
Following on from Mini Artists and Mini Architects, the third title in this successful series will introduce creative children to the world of graphic and product design.
From road signs and billboards seen on the way to school or daycare, to lamps that light our homes, children are surrounded by examples of creative design every day. Through twenty projects by designers from across the world, mini designers will learn what good design can accomplish and how to apply those principles in their own creativity.
The wide variety of activities and craft techniques means there is something for every interest and mood. Craft projects include making a Chinese paper lantern, creating a toy race car from recycled materials, and designing a map of an imaginary city based on the iconic London Tube map.
With fast setup and cleanup times for every project, this book is perfect for use at home or in schools and playgroups, and it will make for wonderful, creative bonding time between imaginative children and their art-loving grown-ups. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
WHAT’S THAT BUILDING?: AN ARCHITECTURAL GUESSING GAME, by Rebecca Donnelly, Jocelyn Cho, Phaidon Press, Oct. 8, 2025, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 5-8)
Kids love learning the who, what, where, when, why and how behind almost everything. What’s That Building? helps satisfy that craving with both broad and narrower reviews of building use. This book features on the finished buildings by asking readers to solve ten puzzles and find the architect hiding in each building.
Rebecca Donnelly’s text is both informative and bright. She challenges readers with questions throughout with a conversational tone. Jocelyn Cho’s incredibly detailed illustrations call to mind other search-and-find books with a mix of serious and humorous characters. What’s That Building? is sure to capture and hold attention.
THE INVISIBLE PARADE, by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 5-7)
A young girl is weighed down by grief as her family sets out to celebrate Día de Muertos in The Invisible Parade, by Leigh Bardugo and John Picacio.
From its cover, The Invisible Parade looks rather dark and scary. And as you get started, the tone is sad. Cala’s grief practically drips off the pages.
And then, at the moment you expect things to get really scary, humor takes its place. And it happens again, and again. Suddenly the grief doesn’t feel so heavy. Cala learns not to be afraid of death but to celebrate and remember the lives of people who are now gone instead.
The Invisible Parade is a true collaboration. The text and illustrations are perfectly married together, neither one having more impact than the other. And both dependent on the other to tell the whole story.
The story and text of The Invisible Parade is perfectly paced for reading aloud. It gives you room to explore the images while ruminating on the text.
The images, rendered in graphite, are full of emotion. Picacio’s use of color is profound. Each image is full of intricate detail and movement. And his folio image of the parade — which unfolds into a four-page width — is worthy of hanging on your wall.
The Invisible Parade is a stunning picture book. That said, it could scare kids younger than 5, especially if they don’t understand the story. This is a book that should be read, at least initially — as a family.
In-Between Places, by Alex Killian and Grady McFerrin, Chronicle Books, April 8, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 5 and up)
Explore all the different kinds of In-Between Places with author Alex Killian and illustrator Grady McFerrin.
While billed as in the vein of Dr. Seuss’ Oh, The Places You’ll Go!, In-Between Places somehow feels a bit deeper. The sentences are simple, only a few words. But they will resonate with readers of all ages.
Author Alex Killian helps readers understand that many, if not a majority of moments, are those sorts of in-between spots where you’ve started something, but you’re not at the end goal. It celebrates the doing as well as the quiet moments of reflection.
Artist Grady McFerrin’s ink and photoshop collage-style illustrations are vibrant, thoughtful and full of texture.
THE GIRL WHO TESTED THE WATERS: ELLEN SWALLOW, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST, by Patricia Daniele and Junyi Wu, MIT Kids Press, Feb. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 5-8)
Learn about the first woman student at MIT—a pioneering environmental chemist — in The Girl Who Tested the Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental Scientist, by Patricia Daniele and Junyi Wu.
The Girl Who Tested the Waters is the type of nonfiction book that young readers, especially girls, will be drawn to. From its beautiful cover to its inspiring topic. This book is the full package.
Author by Patricia Daniele’s conversational text is inviting and accessible. And Junyi Wu’s warm colored pencil illustrations set time and place. Excellent back matter, includes a time line, an author’s note, source notes, and a bibliography.
I AM SALLY RIDE (Ordinary People Change the World), by Brad Meltzer and Christopher Eliopoulos, Rocky Pond Books, Feb. 18, 2025, Hardcover, $16.99 (ages 5-9)
If you’ve got little kids, then you’ve most likely seen the PBS Kids TV show Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum. This biography book series is what inspired that show. And now, kids can learn about Sally Ride in a fun book that includes a timeline of key events; photos; comic-book-style illustrations; influential childhood moments; and Sally Ride’s belief that there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
I am Sally Ride is told in Sally’s voice. It’s a conversational tone that matches the energy found in the book’s illustrations. It’s so inviting. Even my kid, who is too old for this series, wants to add the book to her library. It’s an excellent option for boys and girls alike. You can visit the series website for more information on all the people featured.
AGES 6 AND UP
THE TOMORROW TREE: HOW NATURE CREATES NEW LIFE FROM OLD, by Maciej Michno, Danio Miserocchi, Valentina Gottardi, Phaidon Press, Sept. 24, 2025, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 6-9)
The Tomorrow Tree is one of the most visually stunning nonfiction picture books I’ve seen in a while. In fact, this beautiful book is the full package. The lyrical text sucks you in:
In every forest, sooner or later, a new clearing will be created by a falling tree. The tree may be blown down by the wind. It may be struck by lightning. After falling, these once-proud giants are left on the ground to rot.
“How sad,” we might think.
But for a forest, the death of a tree is not a loss. A fallen tree is a new beginning…
The Tomorrow Tree is chock full of information about insects, mosses and lichens, fungi and mollusks, small animals and birds, snow, forest flowers, large animals, and much more. The text is accessible, and the illustrations full of detail.
THE BOOK OF FAIRIES, by Susie Spikol, Reina Metallinou, Gibbs Smith, Sept.16, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 4-8)
The Book of Fairies is a charming look at all sorts of fairies — some you may have heard of, some you’ve not. The guide draws from traditional folklore and the imagination of author Susie Spikol who has loved fairies since she was little.
The first section of The Book of Fairies is dedicated to the folklore of fairies; how to find them in your neighborhood; and how to attract them to your home. This is the interactive part that little kids will really enjoy.
The following sections are divided into elemental fairies — earth, air, fire and water. The chapters within those sections each focus on a separate creature and would work well as nightly bedtime stories.
Spikol offers a lot of information and sparks imagination with her detailed text. And illustrator Reina Metallinou’s brightly-colored artwork is sure to draw in many readers.
Though the publisher’s suggested age range for The Book of Fairies is ages 4-8, it may be too involved for younger attention spans. My daughter loves reading, books and fairies, but she would have struggled with this one at age 4. Ages 6 and up is a better fit for this one.
LEGO STAINED GLASS ART, by Editors of Klutz, Sept. 2, 2025, $19.99 (ages 6-8)
Create dazzling LEGO art that turns an ordinary window into a stained glass masterpiece! With 5 double-tipped markers (10 colors in all), this travel-friendly book has everything you need to color on the go. Hang your artwork up in any bright window and watch the sun shine through! You’ll find some of your favorite LEGO minifigures throughout, with plenty of humor and creative inspiration. —Synopsis provided by Klutz
Though geared for kids ages 6-8, this fun activity book will appeal to older fans of LEGO. Spiral bound with a blank page behind each panel, it’s easy to work on each of the provided frames. The only thing missing is some blank panels for kids to create their own, unique images.
MAGIC IN A DROP OF WATER: HOW RUTH PATRICK TAUGHT THE WORLD ABOUT WATER POLLUTION, by Julie Winterbottom and Susan Reagan, Rocky Pond Books, March 25, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 6-9)
Magic in a Drop of Water, by Julie Winterbottom and Susan Reagan, is a biography of scientist and environmental hero Ruth Patrick, one of the first to warn about the dangers of pollution.
If you give someone a chance, they can change the world. That’s what Ruth Patrick did. Magic in a Drop of Water is a thoughtful picture book biography that follows Ruth from childhood curiosity to adult action.
Author Julie Winterbottom tells Ruth’s story in an almost conversational tone that is a joy to read aloud or to one’s self. And illustrator Susan Reagan’s beautiful watercolor illustrations provide context and added interest.
Strong backmatter includes more information on Ruth’s life and a timeline.
AGES 7 AND UP
TAKE A LINE FOR A WALK, by Marion Deuchars, Thames & Hudson, Oct. 14, 2025, Paperback, $19.95 (ages 7 and up)
Inspired by artist Paul Klee’s quote, “A drawing is simply a line going for a walk,” this artful activity book is packed with playful ways to start a drawing.
What would you do if drawing could be as simple as picking up a pencil and moving it around on the page, as fun as playing a game, or as exciting as setting out on an adventure? The answer is, you would spend all your time drawing, just like the author and illustrator of this book, Marion Deuchars! Featuring more than one hundred drawing prompts, Take a Line for a Walk takes the pressure out of being creative by turning every drawing into a game. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
The moment my 11-year-old saw Take a Line for a Walk, she wanted it. As a budding artist, she knows a good idea when she sees one. And the idea of turning lines into anything she wants is right up her alley. The book gives artists — young and old — permission to doodle, to try things out and see what works and doesn’t. No judgement. And, at more than 120 pages, it provides plenty of opportunity and a lot of choice. This book is a great idea for most kids.
RACE TO THE SOUTH POLE: A TWO-SIDED STORY, by Alexandra Stewart, Sarah Wilkins, Thames & Hudson, Oct. 14, 2025, Hardcover, $19.95 (ages 7 and up)
Follow the stories of two men braving the extreme conditions of Antarctica in one historic race to reach the South Pole.
In this uniquely designed, two-sided book, readers will find themselves on both sides of the world-famous race to the South Pole. Follow the stories of polar explorers Robert F. Scott and Roald Amundsen as they each lead their teams on a daring and gripping adventure to Antarctica.
Readers will follow one team’s journey before flipping the book to see things from the other side. This novel approach to storytelling encourages young readers to look at historic events from different perspectives, and to develop empathy and critical thinking as they face both triumph and tragedy in this remarkable true story. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
This eye-catching nonfiction picture book is sure to catch the attention of readers with its full-color illustrations and true tales of adventure. Each story includes history, natural history and STEM while remaining engaging. An excellent map of Antarctica today sits squarely in the middle of the book, serving as a unifying presence. This would be fun to read at home and in the classroom.
A HISTORY OF FASHION FOR CHILDREN, by Celia Joicey, Dennis Nothdruft, Rose Blake, Thames & Hudson, Sept. 23, 2025, Hardcover, $22.95 (ages 7 and up)
A History of Fashion for Children takes young readers on a well-heeled tour around the globe to meet the designers, dressmakers, and style icons who influence how we dress.
Blending a history of costume with contemporary fashion, A History of Fashion for Children spans different time periods and cultures to explore why we care about what we wear; how fashion reflects changes in society; who makes our clothes and how; as well as the influence that fabrics, accessories, fashion magazines, and celebrities all have on how we choose to dress ourselves.
Aimed at budding fashionistas, A History of Fashion for Children is an introduction to fashion past and present, and includes reproductions of historic, modern, and contemporary clothes and accessories throughout.
Featuring a chronological walk through fashion styles of the twentieth century, it explores the work of iconic designers including Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Rei Kawakubo, among others. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
This comprehensive look at fashion as a movement and as a way of expressing identity. It’s a fascinating walk through history.
OUR FROZEN PLANET (OUR PLANET), by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, Kim Smith, Beach Lane Books, Sept. 2, 2025, Hardcover, $21.99 (ages 7 and up)
Our Frozen Planet is the picture book companion to the BBC Earth series Frozen Planet narrated by Sir David Attenborough. And like the show, the book is stunning.
The book is divided into chapters of sorts that focus on topics ranging from sea ice and icy outcasts to inhabitants of the frozen lands and the frozen south. Topics are broken down into bight-sized chunks of text that are interesting and accessible. The realistic illustrations provide context and scale while featuring fascinating creatures. A glossary helps with some of the bigger words like cryosphere and stromatolites.
The amount of text and font size make Our Frozen Planet a good choice for readers ages 7 and up.
THE GLASSHOUSE, by Hélène Druvert, Thames & Hudson, May 20, 2025, Hardcover, $24.95 (ages 7-10)
Deep in the gray city, a girl discovers a special building full over color in The Glasshouse, a picture book by Hélène Druvert.
Not only is The Glasshouse a delightful story, but it features intricate laser cuts that creates a wonderful layered effect where you can see through one image into the next.
Hélène Druvert’s thoughtful text and beautiful illustrations bring this secret garden to life.
THE ARRIVAL, By Shaun Tan, Graphix, May 20, 2025, Paperback, $16.99 (ages 7-16)
Follow a migrant’s story through a series of wordless images in Shaun Tan’s The Arrival, which is now available in paperback.
I love wordless books. They leave so much room for readers to fill in the blanks, make up dialogue and decide the story’s intricacies on their own terms.
The Arrival takes that experience to the next level.
Shaun Tan’s graphite pencil illustrations are exquisite. From the intricate detail to the emotion felt throughout, this book grabs your attention from the start and holds you through the end.
In a time when there’s so much rhetoric around immigration, The Arrival brings the focus back to the most important element — the migrants themselves. The main story, as well as the little vignettes throughout — are moving and well worth discovering. This is a fantastic book.
THE FIVE SIDES OF MARJORIE RICE: HOW TO DISCOVER A SHAPE, by Amy Alznauer and Anna Bron, Candlewick, March 4, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 7-9)
The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice is more than a biography. It’s a celebration of art, geometry, patterns, discovery, curiosity and imagination.
Author Amy Alznauer balances mathematical terms and definitions with a sense of wonder and excitement.
Anna Bro brings all these concepts alive through illustrations that range from the ordinary to extraordinary. Her use of angles, pentagons and tessellating shapes take this book over the top.
Strong back matter offers more on the story of five and suggestions on how to discover a shape.
In addition to just being fun to read, The Five Sides of Marjorie Rice has multiple classroom applications.
AGES 8 AND UP
THE STORY OF GOLD: A GLITTERING HISTORY OF THE WORLD, by Meel Tamphanon, John Haywood, Thames & Hudson, Nov. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $21.95 (ages 8 and up)
Gold lies at the heart of human history. From the Big Bang and the formation of ancient empires through gold rushes, gold vaults, and space exploration, this book reveals what makes gold more than simply alluring.
What do the asteroid 16 Psyche, King Tutankhamun, and pirate queen Sayyida al Hurra have in common? Gold! Since its formation 5.8 billion years ago, gold has been an essential element in the universe, and it has played an important role in the history of the world. The Story of Gold tells the remarkable tales behind thirty museum objects, including grave goods, gold jewelry, royal regalia, golden clothing, and religious items. Each story demonstrates the properties that make gold such a precious metal and considers the alluring effect it has had on humans from ancient times to the present day.
Young readers will discover the tattooed Scythian queen who was buried alongside the horse she fought with in battle; King Croesus, who literally made buckets of money when he minted the first gold coins; Emperor Mansa Musa, who gave so much gold away during the Hajj pilgrimage, he ruined the Egyptian economy; the Muisca leaders who revealed the truth about the legendary city of gold―El Dorado; and the boom-and-bust gold rushes in California and Australia that tempted fortune seekers to strike gold. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
You can’t really go wrong with any Thames & Hudson nonfiction picture book. They’re all meticulously researched and beautifully illustrated. The same can be said for The Story of Gold. From its shining cover to its golden gallery and everything in between, this book is full of fascinating information that will appeal to readers young and old.
HANSEL AND GRETEL, by Stephen King and Maurice Sendak, HarperCollins, Sept. 2, 2025, Hardcover, $26.99 (ages 8 and older)
The haunting tale of two brave children lost in a dark and dangerous forest is reimagined by literary legends Stephen King and Maurice Sendak in an all-new picture book.
Let Stephen King and Maurice Sendak guide you into the most deliciously daring rendition of the classic Grimm fairy tale yet. But will you find your way back out?
With a personal introduction from Stephen King, the book has been created in close collaboration with The Maurice Sendak Foundation. —Synopsis provided by HarperCollins
This retelling of Hansel and Gretel doesn’t hold any punches. It’s a bit dark and a bit scary and not a good choice for little ones. However, it’s got just the right amount of creepiness for kids who will soon be moving into the Goosebumps series. Sendak’s imagination is on full display here. Parents who enjoyed Where the Wild Things Are when they were kids will immediately be drawn to it, too.
THE ATLAS OBSCURA EXPLORER’S GUIDE TO INVENTING THE WORLD, by Dylan Thuras, Jennifer Swanson, Ruby Fresson, Workman Kids, Aug. 12, 2025, Hardcover, $19.99 (ages 8 and up)
The team behind the bestselling Atlas Obscura presents a kids’ illustrated STEM-oriented exploration of the world’s most interesting technologies, inventions, and scientific discoveries.
This illustrated and STEM-oriented exploration of the planet’s 50 most interesting inventions and scientific discoveries sends middle-grade readers on an unforgettable trip around the planet and across time.
Each spread focuses on a world-changing technology and how it led to or influenced the tech or discovery on the next page. Starting with the very first invention, fire, readers will spelunk the Wonderwerk Cave in South Africa for evidence of humankind’s earliest control of flames, then learn how fire is necessary to create another essential tech: glass, including the modern-day glass bridge in Zhangjiajie, China, that offers a crystal-clear (and terrifying!) view of the chasm 1,300 feet below.
As you gaze at comets through telescopes, create unbreakable codes, zap space garbage with lasers, and break supersonic records in the world’s fastest car, gorgeously illustrated scenes will transport readers across continents and centuries into a world of wonder and discovery. —Synopsis provided by Workman Kids
This highly illustrated picture book is fascinating. It’s full of rich information that can be consumed all at once or one discovery at a time. My 11-year-old took immediate ownership once it arrived at our house. It’s sure to be a hit across a large audience of readers.
INSECTARIUM: WELCOME TO THE MUSEUM, by Dave Goulson and Emily Carter, Big Picture Press, May 6, 2025, Hardcover, $37.99 (ages 8-12)
Explore the fascinating world of insects in Insectarium, the tenth installment in the fantastic Welcome to the Museum series from Big Picture Press.
If you’re a fan of Big Picture Press’ Welcome to the Museum series (Planetarium, Dinosaurium, Botanicum, Historium, Animalium, Fungarium, etc.), then you already know how amazing they are.
Each book follows the same layout, with the book divided into sections. You begin at the entrance, or introduction. From there you enter seven galleries focusing on topics ranging from ancient insects and true bugs to beetles and bees. Last comes the library, which features an index, curators and ways to learn more.
Each spread generally features a page of informative text that’s informative, accessible and, most importantly, interesting. The text is paired with Emily Carter’s incredibly detailed artwork. These plates, as they’re called, feature anatomically correct insects in eye-popping color. These are the sort of images you wouldn’t hesitate to frame and hang on your wall. Also included is a key to each insect depicted.
This book is made for 8- to 12-year-olds, but readers of any age would enjoy flipping through it. And its large format — roughly 11 inches by 15 inches — makes it a true conversation piece.
SLEUTH & SOLVE: ART: 20+ MIND-TWISTING MYSTERIES, by Ana Gallo and Victor Escandell, Chronicle Books, April 15, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
Test your art history knowledge and hone your detective skills with Sleuth & Solve: Art, 20+ Mind-Twisting Mysteries, by Ana Gallo and Victor Escandell.
Sleuth & Solve: Art is the latest book in Sleuth & Solve series. This fun book includes an artful twist on mysteries for kids who enjoy puzzles and mysteries. Kids can solve mysteries with family and friends or alone. The puzzles feature art from prehistoric, ancient, medieval, renaissance and enlightenment, and modern and contemporary periods. Each spread comes to life with silly illustrations are fun clues.
We own a few of these books, and they’re always a hit. They’re lots of fun for the entire family.
THE FAERIE ISLE: TALES AND TRADITIONS OF IRELAND’S FORGOTTEN FOLKLORE, by Síne Quinn and Dermot Flynn, Candlewick, Feb. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $18.99 (ages 8-12)
Learn the tales of Irish faerie folk in The Faerie Isle: Tales and Traditions of Ireland’s Forgotten Folklore, by Síne Quinn and Dermot Flynn.
Irish faerie stories are very different from traditional storybooks — they’re a lot less shiny. And they’re better for it. The Faerie Isle is deliciously dark, and Dermot Flynn’s stylized illustrations make you want to know more. His use of light adds to the mystery and lore. Síne Quinn’s writing is strong and assured. It’s a must-have book for fans of mysticism and magic.
*Sensitivity note: This book isn’t a compilation of light-hearted fairy tales. They’re much darker — think along the lines of the original Grimm’s fairy tales — and death is a recurring theme.
JELLA LEPMAN AND HER LIBRARY OF DREAMS: The Woman Who Rescued a Generation of Children and Founded the World’s Largest Children’s Library, by Katherine Paterson and Sally Deng, Chronicle Books, Feb. 4, 2025, Hardcover, $21.99 (ages 8-12)
Learn the story of how one woman used children’s books to help heal a generation of Germany’s children after WWII Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams: The Woman Who Rescued a Generation of Children and Founded the World’s Largest Children’s Library, by Katherine Paterson and Sally Deng.
Jella Lepman and Her Library of Dreams is a middle-grade picture book that is inviting and inspiring. This biography tells the story of Jella’s belief that books could not only heal but transform a generation.
Author Katherine Paterson and illustrator Sally Deng transports readers to post-WWII Europe. Paterson’s writing is warm and assured as she tells of Jella’s passion and perseverance. Deng’s pencil and digitally colored illustrations have a classic feel to them. The sense of movement and expressions she captures bring Jella’s story to life.
Copyright © 2025 Cracking the Cover. Unless otherwise noted, all books — digital and physical — have been provided by publishers in exchange for honest and unbiased reviews. All thoughts and opinions are those of the reviewer.
