It’s December already! That means 2025 is coming to a close, and librarians here at Worcester Public Library have been reflecting on our favorite books that we read this year. Here are some of our favorite picture books that we read in 2025. Make sure to check back soon for lists of our favorite chapter books, graphic novels, and non-fiction books.

The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle

Ember isn’t like other dragons: he is not scary enough to steal gold. After meeting a baker in the village, Ember learns that baking gold is much better than stealing it. Both this book and its sequel, The Bakery Dragon and the Fairy Cake, are adorable with beautiful messages.

Snow Kid by Jessie Sima

As always, Jessie Sima knocked it out of the park on their most recent release! Snow Kid follows Twig as they grow and change and become. This is a beautiful story, both in its pictures and in its message. Make sure to check out Jessie Sima’s backlist as well for amazing tales like Not Quite Narwhal and CookieTime.

Sounds Like Joy by Yesenia Moises

This is a fun, beautiful book about music and friendship. It follows a mermaid named Joy as she finds and later tries to recreate a charming musical instrument. The last page of the book includes a craft where you can make your own musical instrument.

I Was Born A Baby by Meg Fleming

This fun and rhythmic picture book highlights countless adorable baby animals and their different names.

Twinkle Twinkle Winter Night by Megan Litwin

This peaceful, rhyming picture book perfectly depicts the joy and light of winter, from the moon reflecting off the snow to houses glimmering with holiday lights.

Paint with Ploof by Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser

This engaging picture book asks readers to help Ploof, a personified cloud. Readers become an integral part of the story as they are prompted to interact with Ploof.

Every Monday Mabel by Jashar Awan

This fun picture book follows Mabel on her Monday morning routine as we learn why Monday is her favorite day of the week. The bright colors and attention-grabbing onomatopoeia make this a fun read for everyone.

Capybara is Friends with Everyone by Maddie Frost

This colorful and silly book about friendship will resonate with all kids and teach important lessons about friends and boundaries.

I Know How to Draw an Owl by Hilary Horder Hippely

When Ms. Rio is impressed with her student’s ability to draw an owl, her student, Belle, does not want to explain how she learned. Belle is unhoused and has spent long nights in her mother’s car listening to the haunting soundtrack of an owl hooting. This impactful story features beautiful artwork that provides space for the reader to process the tale.

Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener

Marley has always wanted to join their Zaza at Pride, but they are always too nervous. They are determined to join in on the fun this year, and they do join their grandparent at their first Pride celebration. This book effortlessly incorporates many inclusive elements, such as they/them pronouns for both Marley and Zaza, Marley practicing mindfulness and using fidgets and noise-canceling headphones, and the diversity of the characters at Pride.

The Whatifs by Emily Kilgore

Cora’s story of wondering “what if…” resonates with everyone who struggles with anxiety. Kilgore personifies ‘whatifs’ as their own characters on the page always hovering around Cora. The story shows a new outlook through Stella’s perspective of her own ‘whatifs’ with a positive spin that helps Cora.

Bodies Are Cool by Tyler Feder

This book features beautiful and inclusive drawings. The repeating refrain that “bodies are cool” helps illustrate that all bodies-no matter what they look like-are cool!

 

We hope this list helps you find a new favorite too!

-Worcester Public Library Children’s Librarians