Earlier this year, I reviewed my favorite picture books from the first half of 2025. This follow-up completes my top picks by highlighting the books I loved most from the second half of the year. My selections are based on the majesty of the illustrations and the strength of the storytelling. Each of these books offers something special and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.
Cat Nap, by Brian Lies, is a gorgeously painted book created with an extraordinary mix of materials, including oil, acrylic, watercolor, gouache, colored glass, gold leaf, ink, graphite, and even clay. When a kitten chases a mouse through a framed hanging poster, an epic adventure through art and history unfolds. This visually stunning book feels like a strong Caldecott contender.
I’m Very Busy, by Oliver Jeffers, is a humorous and engaging book that is a joy to read aloud. Through playful illustrations and a lighthearted story, it explores how busy life can become, how mistakes happen, and how they can be repaired. At its heart, it is also a warm story about friendship.
Sky Luck, by Erica Lee Schlaikjer and beautifully illustrated by Dagmar Smith, uses watercolor, gouache, pencil, pen, and digital collage to bring the night sky to life. A young boy, guided by his uncle, learns to notice and appreciate what surrounds him. The story reveals the hidden treasures of the night and the abundance waiting to be discovered.
Sparrow, by Mary Tebo and intricately illustrated in watercolor by E. B. Lewis, is a gentle ode to hope and resilience. A small bird living in a crack in a wall must face her fears and find the courage to move forward. The story is tender, uplifting, and deeply moving.
The Bagel Who Wanted Everything, by Alan Silberberg, is a delightful read-aloud that will have children laughing out loud. A bagel dreams of becoming more than what it is and longs to be everything at once. Beneath the humor lies an encouraging message about becoming the best version of yourself.
We Go Slow, by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and stunningly illustrated by Aaron Becker with watercolor and colored pencil, follows a young girl walking through a busy city with her grandfather. Each spread invites readers to slow down and savor the senses while celebrating the quiet, loving bond between child and grandparent.
Frida the Rock-and-Roll Moth: A Story About Finding Your Confidence, by Kim Hillyard, features vibrant illustrations that reflect Frida’s bold musical style. When her confidence falters after comparing herself to other musical moths, her beloved Auntie Edna helps her rediscover her self-belief. It is a lively and reassuring story about finding confidence within.
Island Storm, by Brian Floca and gorgeously illustrated by Sydney Smith in watercolor and gouache, captures both the fierce power of an approaching storm and the peaceful calm that follows. The elegant, lyrical text pairs beautifully with the artwork, allowing readers to almost feel the shift in the air as the storm arrives and passes.
¡Mistaco! A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas, by Eliza Kinkz, is a hilarious and heartfelt story that helps children understand that mistakes are part of learning and growing. The expressive illustrations, created with pencil, ink, watercolor, gouache, and crayons, add to the humor and charm, and the endpapers are especially delightful.
A Place Just for Me, by Loredana Baldinucci and Melinda Berti, is a tender story about a mouse from a large family who longs for a quiet place to dream and imagine. His gentle journey toward self-discovery is beautifully illustrated with colored pencils, perfectly matching the calm and reflective tone of the story.
Piggypine, by Richard T. Morris and digitally illustrated by Charles Santoso, is a clever and imaginative book for future storytellers. A belligerent narrator clashes with an adorable made-up creature,a piggypine, part pig and part porcupine, who desperately wants to be included in a story. This playful, metafictional tale begs to be read again and again.
Dawn, by Marc Martin, is a luminous and breathtaking book illustrated with watercolor, pencil, and digital collage. The sparse yet powerful text works in harmony with the images, creating a deeply reflective experience. Each page carries an emotional resonance that lingers long after the book is closed.
