2025 SLJ Stars So Far | Picture BooksLike this list

31 items

• Brilliant Picture Book Titles | SLJ 2025 Stars So Far | School Library Journal

  View on slj.com

  From Pakistan to Spain to ordinary neighborhoods, the power of books has never been more visible than in these gems plucked from the mines of picture books published in the first half of 2025. 

• Be My Yummy ABC

  Wan, Joyce

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  "This celebration of food is a rare thing, in a truly essential board book."

• The Littlest Drop

  Alper, Sascha

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  "A gorgeous and uplifting tale that will find a home in all collections."

• Frank's Red Hat

  Avery, Sean E. (Sean Edward)

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  "The art seems to be a tip of the hat to Jon Klassen’s enigmatic work in the humor, the controlled palette, and the incredible story line. Teachers and kids will love this whole package."

• Every Monday Mabel

  Awan, Jashar

  Add Every Monday Mabel to your for later shelf

  "Children will be empowered to declare their own special events each week while educators and parents will see that even small moments are worthy of celebration"

• Shark Girl

  Beaton, Kate, 1983-

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  "A relevant and redemptive tale of hope in the darkest of times, with gregarious graphics to satisfy kids and a message to crack even the most callous adult’s bitter shell."

• What to Do When You're Not Sure What to Do

  Bell, Davina

  Add What to Do When You're Not Sure What to Do to your for later shelf

  "A gentle, appealing concept book, sure to inspire valuable conversations about social-emotional learning."

• The Terrakeet

  Borgh, Jo van der

  Add The Terrakeet to your for later shelf

  "Friends are simply strangers we have yet to meet; the endearing terrakeet and a hearty message will encourage readers to learn and engage with new things."

• The Wild Robot on the Island

  Brown, Peter, 1979-

  Add The Wild Robot on the Island to your for later shelf

  "This adaptation successfully distills the heart of the story, making it a wonderful gateway for young readers eager to explore this world further."

• Fireworks

  Burgess, Matthew

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  "This joyful title will capture young readers and win the hearts of all ages. Highly recommended for public and school libraries."

• When a Dragon Goes to School

  Hart, Caryl

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  "With a compelling and funny voice that will find a place among strong read-alouds and back-to-school books, this one will leave kids wanting more."

• Seven Little Ducklings

  Cate, Annette

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  "A joyous celebration of diversity and nurturing, this is a book to enliven story hours and one that children will want to share with friends and family."

• Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim

  Commeh, Kobina

  Add Kwesi and Nana Ruby Learn to Swim to your for later shelf

  "A wonderful story to show how it is possible to overcome our fears of attempting something new by accepting help from others."

• Ramadan on Rahma Road

  a Recipe Storybook

  Gutta, Razeena Omar

  Add Ramadan on Rahma Road to your for later shelf

  "An exceptional book about Ramadan that celebrates the breaking of the daily fast and the sharing of the transcendent power of food."

• Punch!

  a Story About Kindness

  Hall, Michael, 1954-

  Add Punch! to your for later shelf

  "This visually appealing work is full of warmth and sensitivity toward its audience. Highly recommended."

• The Bear Out There

  Hannigan, Jess

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  "A beloved classic fairy tale with a new twist, this is frightfully fun and novel."

• Our Lake

  Kang, Angie

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  "A gentle and heartfelt exploration of grief, this book is a must-have addition to any library shelf."

• Everybelly

  Lam, Thao

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  "An exuberant love letter to all sorts of bellies and the people they belong to."

• Mrs. Nobody

  Lee, Y. S. (Ying S.), 1974-

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  "There are many stories about standing up to an overbearing friend, but the fanciful twist on this one makes it stand apart."

• A Pocket Full of Rocks

  Mahoney, Kristin

  Add A Pocket Full of Rocks to your for later shelf

  "A must-have for libraries serving young children and an excellent choice for a seasons- or imagination-centered story time."