Favorite Books of 2025 From Your Favorite Librarians
If you play Santa or co-Santa in your household, do I have some easy and fun books-as-gifts suggestions for you! Please find below a SUPER-SIZED list of some of your favorite children’s librarians’ favorite children’s books from 2025.
Kristina Acosta, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Herman and Kate Kaiser Library:
“The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest” by Aubrey Hartman
This whimsical chapter book with beautiful illustrations tells the story of a fox who has an important job to do. But all that changes when a mysterious badger shows up and turns his world upside down. It is a story about friendship, the dangers of judging a person before knowing them, and discovering self-love.
“The Black Mambas: The World’s First All-woman Anti-Poaching Unit,” by Kelly Crull
This nonfiction book with incredible photographs of wildlife tells the story of the amazing women who protect them. It is filled with information and fun facts/games such as matching the tracks to the animals and more.
“This Book Is Dangerous!” written and illustrated by Ben Clanton
One word: hilarious! This interactive book will have you laughing out loud with the iconic duo: Narwhal and Jelly.
Julia Cantrell, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Peggy Helmerich Library:
“Pop! Goes the Nursery Rhyme,” written by Betsy Bird and illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi
A fractured fairytale full of fun! Betsy Bird delivers an all-around good time, sprinkling silly, predictable—and delightfully unpredictable—surprises on every page that practically POP! Illustrator Andrea Tsurumi adds to the charm with her use of unusual characters (a secretary bird as a main character, a body-building mouse as another). I especially enjoyed how she isolates characters on the page to convey feelings of suspense or surprise.
“Every Monday Mabel,” written and illustrated by Jashar Awan
The moment Mabel appeared on the page, she had my whole heart. She loves what she loves and doesn’t let anyone’s opinion dim her joy. Her bowl of cereal even has a personality of its own—an underrated, silent sidekick to our little truck-loving hero.
“Five Little Friends: A Collection of Finger Rhymes,” written by Sean Taylor and illustrated by Fiona Woodcock
This delightful new collection of fingerplays instantly transported me back to childhood—endless rounds of “Johnny Whoops” with my sister. Fiona Woodcock’s beautifully layered and flowing art enhances each fingerplay, subtly suggesting movement and adding visual rhythm. Together, Fiona and children’s book powerhouse Sean Taylor have created a joyful and engaging collection that’s sure to inspire playful moments.
Joy Carr, MLIS, Youth Librarian, Schusterman-Benson Library:
“The Bear Out There,” written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan
If you need new bear content now that Fat Bear Week is behind us, pop open “The Bear Out There.” Hilarious and visually appealing for kids and their grown-ups!
“As the World Goes By,” written and illustrated by Jonathan Lambert
Buttons the dog, accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, follows a butterfly and reminds us to find stillness in a bustling world.
Sarah Davis, MLIS, Children’s Area Supervisor, Martin Regional Library:
“Make a Pretty Sound: The Story of Ella Jenkins – The First Lady of Children’s Music,” written by Traci N. Todd and illustrated by Eleanor Davis
Ella Jenkins is a titan of children’s music: If you don’t know her music, you need to meet her! This picture book biography highlights her life story and musical legacy with lovely illustrations.
“The Interpreter,” written by Olivia Abtahi and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
This book captures the feelings and experiences of a smart young girl who has big expectations placed on her shoulders!
Sally Kotarsky, MLIS, Collection Development Librarian:
“I Truck: A Big Rig’s Epic Trip,” written by Kelly Rice Schmitt and illustrated by
One, it’s a truck. Two, the truck is the narrator. Three, it’s hauling toys. Four, did I mention it’s a truck…
“The Big Empty: A Sagebrush Survival Story,” written and illustrated by Kirby Fagan
Spoiler: Because the Sagebrush survives, so do a lot of other wildlife!
Melody Palmer, MLIS, Youth Librarian, South Broken Arrow Library:
“The Crayon Stub,” written and illustrated by Marcus Cutler
What happens when a big cat wants to create a coloring masterpiece and finds only the tiniest stub of a crayon available? Sometimes, you just have to get a little creative with how you create!
“Vampire Jam Sandwich,” written by Casey Lyall and illustrated by Nici Gregory
This might be my new October spooky storytime favorite. Despite “vampire” in the title, it’s only a little bit spooky at the beginning (but you can make it even more spooky if you read it quietly and intensely, maybe with a flashlight under your chin).
“A Spoonful of the Sea,” written and illustrated by Hyewon Yum
Published late this year, this charmer is about a girl who doesn’t like her birthday soup until her mom tells her the story behind it and how it’s made. It’s a beautiful story of living by the sea and mothers and grandmothers taking care of families.
Laura Raphael, Children’s Services Coordinator:
“Papilio,” written and illustrated by Ben Clanton, Corey R. Tabor and Andy Chou Musser
Written and illustrated by three children’s book masters (and friends in real life), this three-part wonder of a book follows a caterpillar from chrysalis to butterfly. Beautiful illustrations and a life-affirming theme goes deep.
“Elephant Bowling and Other Animal Play,” written by Robert Haynes and illustrated by Steph Laberis
Animals are fascinating! In this nonfiction book, your child will learn about the importance of play for a variety of animals as they grow into their adult selves.
Leah Weyand, Collection Development Librarian:
“Everybelly,” written and illustrated by Thao Lam
This gentle, humorous look at the wide range of body appearances and abilities is a great way to introduce young kids to our physical differences and similarities.
“Don’t Trust Fish,” written by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat
I loved this book so much that I had an impromptu storytime for my colleagues when we received it at the library! It’s a hilarious read-aloud about the suspicious nature of fish, with fantastic one-liners and perfectly suited art from Caldecott Winner Dan Santat.
