Favorite reads of 2025

Since I find it unlikely that I'll review any children's books this week, I'm going to share my favorites now. Will I keep reviewing books at Young Readers next year? Maybe. Maybe not. Will I have a high goal of a hundred books? Definitely not.

In January, I read one five-star book:

4. Mustache Baby. Bridget Heos. 2016. HMH. 36 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

In February, I read two five-star books:

11. Noodles on a Bicycle. Kyo Maclear. Illustrated by Gracey Zhang. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, Caldecott Honor, historical picture book, picture book]

20. Lone Wolf Goes to School. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-Fai Steele. 2024. 56 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, animal fantasy]  

In March, I read five five-star books! 

22. Lone Wolf Gets a Pet. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-fai Steele. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, humor, animal fantasy]
24. Hi, Cat. Bye, Cat. Jade Orlando. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [board books, cats]
25. Squash the Cat: Stuck in the Middle. Sasha Mayer. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, cats, jealousy, toys, picture book]
28. The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever. Sandra Salsbury. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, bedtime book, humor, family, 5 stars]

30. Will the Pigeon Graduate? Mo Willems. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book, gift book, inspirational, humor]

In April, I read four five-star books!

34. Board book: This Dog. That Dog. Jade Orlando. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [dogs, pets, board book, 5 stars]

37. Little Freddie Two Pants. Drew Daywalt. Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book, humor] 

42. It's Hard To Be a Baby. Cheryl B. Klein. Illustrated by Juana Medina. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book, babies]

43. You're a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems. Sean Taylor. Illustrated by Sam Usher. 2025. [March] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [nonfiction, poetry, 5 stars]

In May, I read five five-star books!

44. Orris and Timble: Lost and Found (Orris and Timble #2) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Carmen Mok. 2025. 80 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, animal 

50. Downpour: Splish! Splash! Ker-Splash! Yuko Ohnari. Translated by Emily Balistrieri. Illustrated by Koshiro Hata. 2025 (2018). 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 5 stars]51. Leo the Late Bloomer. Robert Kraus. Illustrated by Jose Aruego. 1971/1994. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book] 

53. Our Gorgeous Baby. (Board book). Smriti Prasadam-Halls. Illustrated by Eve Coy. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [board book, babies, 5 stars]

54. Can't Stop Kissing That Baby. K.L. Going. Illustrated by Fiona Lee. 2025. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book]

55. The Peddler of Puddles. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book]

In June, I read six five-star books!

57. Piggle the Pig #1 The Perfect Pigsty. Dudolf. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, 5 stars]
58. The Monster At The End of This Book. Jon Stone. Illustrated by Michael J. Smollin. 1971. Golden Books. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

65. The Man Who Didn't Like Animals. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book]

67. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. 2010. 40 pages. [Source: Online Audio]

68. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. 2012. 40 pages. [Source: Online Audio and picture book]

71. Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme. Betsy Bird. Illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, humor, fractured nursery tales, 5 stars]

In July I read four five-star books!

72. Mouse and Spoon: Owlets and Tarts. (Ready to Read Level 2) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 

75. Lone Wolf On Vacation. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-Fai Steele. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, early reader]
76. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-fai Steele. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, series book, animal fantasy]

78. Zebra and Yak The Backwards Alphabet Book. Paul Friedrich. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, humor, picture book]

In August I read three five-star books!

83. A Scrub in the Tub. Jan Thomas. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, humor, 5 stars]
84. The Elephant's Birthday (Mouse and Spoon). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, ready to read level 2, animal fantasy, series book; 5 stars]
85. George & Lenny Are Always Together. Jon Agee. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, friendship, picture book]

IN September, I read one five-star book!

94. Rabbit Tea (Mouse and Spoon) (Ready to Read Level 2). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, early reader]

In October, I read two five-star books!

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town. Li Chen. 2025. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [j graphic novel, animal fantasy, 5 stars]

103. Tuck Me In. Nathan W. Pyle. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, science, bedtime stories]

In November, I read one five-star book!

106. The Dog and Pony Show: Dance Pants. Jeff Mack. 2025. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, if the Cybils exist in 2026 which is questionable, this one would be eligible] [early reader, early comic]

In December I didn't read a five-star book.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Books read and reviewed in 2026

Books read and reviewed at Young Readers

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

111. The 13th Day of Christmas

111. The 13th Day of Christmas. Adam Rex. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, Christmas]

First sentence: I was having a lonely Christmas because my true love was visiting her parents. So it was real quiet when I heard chirping. I didn't really want a bird, but it was nice enough. It came in this little pear tree, and I like pears. The card said my true love sent it, so of course I loved it. Of course I did.

Premise/plot: This humorous book is told from the perspective of the recipient of the twelve days of Christmas. A man has received a LOT from his one true love. But how much was intended to be sent? And what does she have in mind?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was silly. He is trying to cope with EVERYTHING and trying to puzzle out WHY his true love sent him ALL these odd, strange presents. Can he find a way to spread the joy of Christmas?

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

110. A Christmas Sonata

110. A Christmas Sonata. Gary Paulsen. Illustrated by Leslie Bowman. 1992. 80 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars][Christmas, historical, family drama]

First sentence: It comes on everybody at a certain time in their life not to believe in Santa Claus.

Premise/plot: This is a short novella for children presumably though probably not best appreciated by children. A boy and his mother travel to spend Christmas with relatives in Minnesota. His cousin is dying and this will be his last Christmas. His father is away fighting in the Second World War. He's decided that Santa is NOT real. And his cousin is also unsure if Santa is real. Both are skeptical but a tiny bit hopeful. Will he believe in Santa or not?

My thoughts: This was a strange read. On the bright side it was a very short read. I think it might work better as a Christmas special or movie. This is a bittersweet story though perhaps kids may not pick up on that as much as adults? Or maybe they would. I'm glad I read it, but, I can't imagine rereading it.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

109. (Board Book) There There Little Kitten

109. Board book: There There Little Kitten. Anna Milbourne. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

First sentence: Little kitten is feeling lonely. Maybe we can be friends.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's tickle under your chin.
Oh dear, it's starting to rain!
A big rain drop has sploshed
onto little kitten's nose.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's stroke your nose better.

Premise/plot: There There Little Kitten is a touch and feel interactive board book for young readers. Each spread includes a touch and feel element for young children. The book stars a little kitten who needs lots of affection.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I love cats. I tend to enjoy many touch and feel board books. Not all of them all of the time. But this one was good. If your little one loves cats or pets in general, then this one would be a fine choice.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

108. First Festivals: Christmas (Board Book)

108. BOARD BOOK: First Festivals: Christmas (Lift-the-Flap). Ladybird Books. 2025. 12 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars]

First sentence: Lights are starting to twinkle, and there is festive cheer all around us...The Christian festival of Christmas has arrived! At Christmas, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, who they believe is the Son of God. The story of Jesus's birth is called the nativity. Children often take part in special plays to remember this story. There is always lots to prepare before Christmas day. Christmas is a festival of gift-giving, and many choose to give presents to charity.


This board book is ONE in a series of board books about festivals. Other books in the series include or soon will include: Ramadan, Easter, and Hanukkah. It is not written from a Christian perspective necessarily more a neutral, almost bland objective one. For better or worse. It is what it is.

The book introduces readers to elements of the Christmas season that might be more tied to a Christian observance of Christmas. I think this is a good choice. This isn't about Santa, reindeer, making cookies, or shopping.

It is NOT in any way a book that focuses on the nativity itself, on WHO Jesus is, of WHY he came, of WHY this changes everything.

It is matter of fact, a bit bland, definitely basic.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

107. Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

107. Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas. Russell Hoban. Illustrated by Lillian Hoban. 1971. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, Christmas, picture book, animal fantasy]

First sentence: Christmas was coming and it was coming fast. It was coming to the town where the houses huddled with their cozy windows shining in the winter dusk. It was coming to the country where snow lay drifted up against the barns and the firewood was all stacked beside the houses. And it was coming to the river and the little run-down place where Emmet Otter and his mother lived, near Frogtown Hollow. Christmas was coming, and money was more scarce than ever.

Premise/plot: Emmet Otter desperately wants to buy a store bought present for his Ma. Ma Otter desperately wants to buy a store bought present for her son. Both realize that it's an almost impossible dream. Money is not to be had. Ma depends on doing the washing--in her washtub--to bring in a bit of money. Emmet depends on his odd jobs--thanks to the toolbox his father left him. Not a spare penny to be found. But when the town has a talent show with a prize of fifty dollars, both must decide if it's time to risk it all for a dream.

My thoughts: I love, love, love, love crazy-love the Muppet adaptation of Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas. I do think the ADAPTATION is better. Or perhaps it is just more familiar. The adaptation gives us music, songs, lyrics. The book gives us song titles and a small fraction of the lyrics. And the two don't really have much of a connection except for one or two song titles that are *almost* the same. Still, this one is an enjoyable, cozy read. It's just not quite as magical as the adaptation.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

106. Dance Pants (The Dog and Pony Show)

106. The Dog and Pony Show: Dance Pants. Jeff Mack. 2025. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, if the Cybils exist in 2026 which is questionable, this one would be eligible] [early reader, early comic]

First sentence: Look, Pony. I can dance!

Premise/plot: Dog loves, loves, loves to dance. Dog is wearing DANCE pants and having the time of his life. Pony doesn't particularly care to dance. But Dog is insistent. If Pony can't dance well, Pony needs pants, pants, pants, and more pants. But what if the PANTS Pony needs are DOG'S PANTS?!?!?!

My thoughts: This book had me laughing out loud. I'm not just saying that. I wouldn't lie about that. I found this book amusing, fun, silly. I couldn't help myself. Granted I was reading it later at night when I'm a bit sillier-minded. But still. This one was GREAT fun.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

105. Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas

105. Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels Christmas. Robert E. Barry. 2025. 40 page. [Source: Library] [christmas, picture book, 4 stars]

First sentence: On the day before Christmas,
December two-four,
Mr. Willowby was pacing
Outside his front door.
There was frost in the air,
Christmas candles burned bright,
But Mr. Willowby's parlor
Did not look quite right.

Premise/plot: Mr. Willowby's Head Over Heels was a LOST manuscript that is now newly published. It is a follow up to Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree--a children's classic from 1963.

Mr. Willowby's ordered Christmas tree is lost in delivery. But some animal friends--led by Barnaby Bear--help save the door by bringing him a great Christmas tree from the woods. However, getting it to Mr. Willowby won't be without trials and tribulations. This is a Christmas-y comedy filled with plenty of woodland animals.

My thoughts: I greatly enjoy Mr. Willowby's Christmas Tree. I was so happy to see this one has been published. It is a fun picture book. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend both books.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

104. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935

104. I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935. Lauren Tarshis. 2025. 144 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, historical fiction, series book]

First sentence: Eleven-year-old Ray Nicholson stared in horror at the massive cloud racing across the sky. It was a mountain of churning blackness that rose up thousands of feet in the air. It stretched out as far as Ray could see.

Premise/plot: I Survived the Dust Bowl, 1935, is set in the Texas Panhandle. Ray Nicholson is the protagonist. He and his friends are eye-witness to the struggles facing the community: the drought, the dust storms, dust pneumonia and other lung issues, the economy, etc. Ray is in the middle of running away from home--trying to catch a train to California--when a BIG dust storm comes that gives him a new outlook on life.

My thoughts: I liked this one well enough. I think the I Survived series--this is the twenty-fifth I believe--definitely have a time and place in libraries--public, school, classroom, and personal. Young readers often go through a phase where predictable series are EVERYTHING. Binge-reading though a beloved series is such an important stage. And I think the series as a whole is definitely good. I enjoy this series because it always includes some nonfiction back matter to supplement the story. Yet it isn't a separate companion book like another series.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

103. Tuck Me In

103. Tuck Me In. Nathan W. Pyle. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, science, bedtime stories]

First sentence: One night a beach said, "I'm a bit chilly!" The moon smiled and said, "I'll tuck you in!" So the moon pushed the water up onto the sand. But off in the distance, another beach cried, "Heyyy! Where did my blanket go?" And the moon realized she might have just made a mistake.

Premise/plot: Tuck Me In! is a story written for young children to explain the tide. OR T.I.D.E. Tucking In Divided Evenly. It is a FUN, silly, creative way to explain how high tides and low tides work.

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one! It was such a fun read. Highly recommended.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town. Li Chen. 2025. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [j graphic novel, animal fantasy, 5 stars]

First sentence: Okay. We're rolling. Beans! Stop picking your nose. We're starting.

Premise/plot: Detective Beans is an ambitious kitten prone to adorable mischief. Not all the 'adventures' or 'misadventures' are detective related. But all of them star a creative, imaginative, playful, exuberant, slightly hyper kitten. Beans is great fun. He's joined by his friends and neighbors. Some stories are short. Some are longer.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, loved some of the stories in this graphic novel. A few of the stories were more meh. But overall, I highly loved, love, loved this one. BEANS IS SO ADORABLE. If you enjoy animal fantasy, light mystery for young readers, or graphic novels, this one is easy to recommend.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

101. Elvis & Romeo

101. Elvis & Romeo. David Soman and Jacky Davis. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, dogs, friendship]

First sentence: Elvis was on his way to the dog park for the first time. So was Romeo. Romeo couldn't wait to make a new friend.

Premise/plot: Elvis & Romeo are not friends yet....but they soon will be after meeting at the dog park.

My thoughts: I read two Elvis & Romeo early readers earlier this month. This picture book is their origin story--or the origin story of their friendship. All three books appear to be published in 2025. If you are a dog lover, this picture book is super cute and adorable. Elvis and Romeo each have personality. It's an enjoyable introduction to this duo.

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

100. The Crayon Stub

100. The Crayon Stub. Marcus Cutler. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, cats, art, creativity, picture book]

First sentence: Alright, I have my fresh new piece of paper and my box of big, beautiful crayons. Time to draw something TOTALLY SPECTACULAR and become WORLD FAMOUS! No big deal.

Premise/plot: Big Cat's big plans don't go as planned--not at all. It starts with Big Cat discovering that he only has one crayon in his crayon box, and that one crayon is a stub--a red stub. Can Big Cat draw a spectacular picture with just a tiny stub of a crayon?! Can Big Cat draw ANY picture with just a stub? Will he get the opportunity? Or will his sibling interfere?!

My thoughts: I liked this one. I did. It was cute enough, silly enough. I didn't love it as much as I'd hoped all things considered. Probably because I'm an overthinker. I didn't really like the humorous direction this one took of the sibling EATING both the paper and the crayon and magically--literally--spitting out a drawing. I thought that was a little too over the top for me. But I think others may enjoy this one.

 

 

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

98-99. Two Magical Map Early Chapter Books

98. Magical Map #1: Pirates of the Caribbean. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Down an alley that was easily missed, there hung a wooden sign.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this first one, Gemma and Torin must 'save' their mom's job by fixing the Pirates of the Caribbean. The story has been changed!

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. Could a different story had been told if it was for older readers? Yes. Is this story good for younger readers? Yes. Gemma and Torin work together to brainstorm solutions for fixing the magic that has gone wrong. I liked this one well enough. I did.

99. Magical Map #2: Jungle Cruise. Ridley Pearson. 2025. 128 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars, children's fantasy, j fantasy]

First sentence: Uh-oh, trouble was brewing! Friday afternoon, the week follwoing spring break, kids at school were buzzing about the Jungle Cruise attraction at Disney's Magic Kingdom park having suddenly been close.

Premise/plot: Ridley Pearson's newest series is for young readers; it's an early chapter book. Gemma and Torin are brother and sister. Gemma discovers a mysterious, supernatural journal that is tied to...the Magic Kingdom. It has notes, drawings, maps, etc., for many of the rides and attractions. She doesn't know it when she starts reading it and making her own notes, however, so she is unaware of how her notes are effecting the attractions. In this second one, Gemma and Torin try to puzzle out WHY there are real animals--monkeys--causing a great deal of trouble on the Jungle Cruise attraction. Can they fix Jungle Cruise?

My thoughts: I liked this one less than the Pirates of the Caribbean. Though if you like mischievous monkeys this one might still be appealing. I like the idea of liking this series. But there's just not much substance. 



© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers