Best of 2025: Picture BooksLike this list

32 items

• The Moon Rabbit

  a Celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival

  Wong Nava, Eva,

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  Jennie (Platte City) enjoyed this gentle, glowing celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival that feels like a warm bedtime story wrapped in moonlight and family love.

• Axolotl and Axolittle

  Hitchman, Jess,

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  Dale (East Lee's Summit) wrote: "The illustrations are so bright and fun, and the rhyming and puns and great humor for grown-up and kids. It's also a cute story about getting along with your siblings."

• Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo

  Kalb, Bess, 1987-

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  LynnDee (Reader Engagement) wrote: "a cute picture book about getting a new sibling."

• Bundle Up, Penelope Rex!

  Higgins, Ryan T.,

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  Samantha (North Oak) wrote: "Penelope Rex for president!!!!"

• Cats in Construction Hats

  Bardhan-Quallen, Sudipta,

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  Cheyenne (Kearney) enjoyed this title that is perfect for little vehicle fans and cat lovers alike, this playful read-aloud turns a busy worksite into pure fun.

• Creepy Sheepy

  Cummins, Lucy Ruth,

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  Mackenzie (Blue Springs South) loved this delightfully silly spooky-season read that keeps things funny, not scary — great for parents who love a giggling kind of “boo!”

• Disney Princess Enchanted Character Guide

  Saunders, Catherine,

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  Kimberly (Grain Valley) suggests this engaging way for kids (and nostalgic grownups) to explore the worlds, friendships, and fun facts behind every Disney Princess.

• Don't Trust Fish

  Sharpson, Neil,

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  Scott (Reader Engagement) wrote: "I now side-eye fish. The book accomplished its mission. Seriously, this is such a funny book with surprises aplenty." Also a favorite of Sarah (Colbern Road Library Center) and Heather (Withers)

• Lily's Dream

  a Fairy Friendship

  Jackson, Bea, 1986-

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  Shay (Parkville) loved this sparkling story about imagination and kindness that reminds kids what it means to be a good friend — with artwork parents will love.

• Fierce Aunties!

  Goodluck, Laurel,

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  Amanda (Withers) wrote: "A cute colorful book showing how all the women in your life help raise and love you."

• We Match!

  Barton, Chris,

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  Emily (North Independence) wrote: "This picture book has a whimsical art style and features a wide variety of dog breeds and personalities. It also teaches us that we ALL have things in common, whether or not it might seem so at first glance. It's…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Kitty Vs. Kindergarten

  Freeman, Martha, 1956-

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  Harper (Lee's Summit) loved this funny, reassuring story about big feelings on the first day of school, perfect for easing kindergarten jitters for kids and caregivers alike.

• Little Bird Laila

  Yang, Kelly,

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  Alyson (Raytown) wrote: "his is a lovely book about a young Chinese American girl who translates for her parents who don't speak English. It's a take on an immigrant story that is both heartwarming and illuminating."

• Little Freddie Two Pants

  (the Dog With Too Many Pants)

  Daywalt, Drew,

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  Mary (Smithville) wrote: "This story of a funny little dog who can't figure out how to wear pants made both kids and grownups laugh out loud at storytime!" Also a favorite of Anna (North Independence)

• Little Rebels

  Morales, Yuyi,

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  Mateo (Grandview) loved this vibrant, inspiring picture book that celebrates young changemakers and big ideas — a great conversation starter.

• Millie Fleur Saves the Night

  Mandin, Christy,

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  Leanna (The Story Center) wrote: " I was a big fan of the 1st Millie Fleur book (Millie Fleur's Poison Garden) and was so excited to see a spooky sequel!"

• One Day in June

  a Story Inspired by the Life and Activism of Marsha P. Johnson

  Tourmaline,

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  Adrien (Grandview) wrote: "I loved getting to see Marsha P. Johnson in a children's book. This book was comforting and inspirational to me, filled with kind words, kind sentiments, and celebration of diversity."

• Shark Girl

  Beaton, Kate, 1983-

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  Katie (Parkville) enjoyed this bold and charming story that blends humor and heart with an unforgettable undersea heroine — great for kids who like strong characters.

• Spoops

  the Little Spirits of Halloween

  LoCascio, AJ, 1987-

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  Amy (North Independence) wrote: "A sweet rhyming tale about a young girls love of all things Halloween. Very cute illustrations." Erin (Colbern Road Library Center) wrote: "The color palette and illustrations are beautiful and the entire thing has a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever

  Salsbury, Sandra,

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  Scott (Reader Engagement Department) wrote: "It's funny because it's true." Also a favorite of Allie (Woodneath Library Center).