The Associated Press has curated a list of standout 2025 children's book releases, categorized by age group, offering a diverse selection of titles for holiday gifting. The list spans from plush board books for toddlers to mature young adult fiction.
Board Books and Read-to-Me (Ages 0-3): This category focuses on tactile, colorful, and rhythmic books, "I Love You, Little Moose!" (Sandra Magsamen), A nature poem in a board book format featuring vibrant colors and soft, plushie antlers on top.
"Why Does the Wind Blow?" (Eric Carle), Simplifies science for toddlers in classic Eric Carle style, featuring the Very Hungry Caterpillar.
"Little Heroes of Color: I’m A Little Hero" (David Heredia), Introduces young readers to diverse heroes like Jim Thorpe and Sonia Sotomayor using rhyming and repetition.
"Everywhere You Are" (Victoria Monét, illus. Alea Marley): A sweet, musical lullaby by the Grammy winner that reassirms parental love, illustrated in a colorful, star-speckled style.
Early Readers (Ages 3-8): These books introduce basic concepts, humor, and diverse storytelling, "Bitty and Bub, Best Buds" (Janee Trasler), A good entry point to comics with five short, silly stories using simple speech bubbles. "Don’t Trust Fish" (Neil Sharpson, illus. Dan Santat), A humorous book that teaches kids to identify mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds, while warning them against fish.
"Grandmother Moon" (Wunneanatsu Lamb-Cason, illus. Trisha B. Waters), Uses Indigenous storytelling tradition to explain the Moon, featuring dreamy full-page paintings, a Moon Calendar, and a guide based on Turtle's back.
Middle Grade (Ages 8-12): This section highlights chapter books, graphic novels, and fantasy adventures, "Dory Fantasmagory 7: Center of the Universe" (Abby Hanlon), The latest installment in the illustrated series, featuring Dory's zany antics and a new rival.
"Maker Girl and Professor Smarts" (Jasmine Florentine), A hybrid graphic chapter book about two supersmart best friends tackling supervillains, including science-backed instructions for DIY projects like grappling hooks.
"The Weirdies" (Michael Buckley, illus. Forrest Burdett), A humorous, Lemony Snicket-esque story about highly entertaining triplets, accompanied by pencil-hatching illustrations.
"The Poisoned King" (Katherine Rundell), The hotly anticipated Book 2 of the Impossible Creatures series, featuring 12-year-old Princess Anya on a fantasy adventure to save dragons and her kingdom.
"Bunns Rabbit" (Alan Barillaro), A mature, tender chapter book focusing on a rabbit feared for his short ears, featuring descriptive writing and stunning illustrations.
Young Adult (Ages 12+): These titles explore complex themes, identity, and mental health, "The Story of My Anger" (Jasminne Mendez), A powerful story told in verse and as a play, following Yuli as she navigates racism, stress, and chronic illness at home, focusing on managing anger.
"The House of Quiet" (Kiersten White), A Gothic mystery that delves into class struggle and making a positive global impact, noted for its stunning, carefully constructed ending.
"When We Were Monsters" (Jennifer Niven), A genre-bender covering dark academia, murder mystery, thriller, and romance, utilizing a Frankenstein motif to discuss themes of fate and free will.
"Leave It on the Track" (Margot Fisher), A powerful debut about a girl named Moose who finds community and identity (LGBTQ+) through roller derby after experiencing grief.
"Take Up Space, Y’all" (Tess Holliday and Kelly Coon), A body positivity book offering guides on fashion and healthy relationships with food, advising readers to always consult a doctor for medical or mental health issues.
"I Wish I Didn’t Have to Tell You This: A Graphic Memoir" (Eugene Yelchin), The sequel to The Genius Under the Table, this graphic memoir chronicles a Jewish man's escape from Soviet Russia in the 1980s, featuring a unique art style and comic relief from his family.
Source: Washington Times
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