2025 Staff Picks for Grade K-2: Picture BooksLike this list

16 items

• All the Stars in the Sky

  Coulson, Art, 1961-

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  A child excited to be the star of the week at school learns about how everyone in their community shines and makes a constellation. This Indigenous story is incredible, but it's the beadwork that was handsewn into every watercolor page that makes…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The History of We

  Smith, Nikkolas, 1985-

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  I adore how well Nikkolas Smith conveys the history of civilizations and humanity in this gorgeous picture book. It's beautiful to look at, historically accurate, and engaging to read. I also loved the detailed back matter for readers interested in…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Arguers

  Luyken, Corinna,

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  The lush illustrations alone are enough to recommend this stunning picture book. However, the story--about a community too busy arguing to understand why and about what--feels extremely timely. Suggested by Adam.

• In the Wild

  Smith, Zadie,

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  I always like to add one guinea pig book to each year's list, and this one is a follow-up to my past staff pick "The Surprise." Maud, the judo-suit-wearing, misunderstood oddball is back for another adventure in embracing authenticity and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• When We Find Her

  García, Mia,

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  The way this book handles the grief of losing a grandparent, and the way they are still present in the quest to recreate a favorite recipe, moved me to tears. It's beautifully written, moving, and comforting for anyone who has lost a treasured loved…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• How to Grow a Family Tree

  Birdsong, Bea,

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  This picture book showcases to kids that it's okay to have a small family, or just one parent. Not all families are the same, but you can still make friendships and grow your family beyond what you were born into! Suggested by Xander.

• Emmie Builds Something New

  Crosby-Fairall, Marjorie,

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  I love the stunning, detailed artwork and the message of kindness and empathy. Suggested by Gudrun.

• My Abuela Is a Bruja

  Cuevas, Mayra,

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  If you're lucky, you will have a grandparent that makes the world and your life feel truly magical, and this picture book lovingly captures the raptures an adoring child feels for her abuela, who is a bruja in all the best ways! Suggested by Amanda.

• The Bear Out There

  Hannigan, Jess,

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  This was a fun twist on the traditional Goldilocks story, and I loved the colorful collage illustrations. The drama of the story also lends itself very well to being read aloud. Suggested by Eilis.

• Agatha Christie's the Mysterious Affair at Styles

  Monson, Marci Kay,

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  My little detective loved this book, looking at the complex illustrations for clues, and finding Hastings the mouse hiding on each page. It's a great way to gently introduce a classic mystery to a curious kiddo. Suggested by Jane.

• Otto and the Story Tree

  Mildenberger, Vivien,

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  This book twanged a heartstring for me: the joys of travel and the art of storytelling and its gift to the community! I liked the grouchy, but later, sympathetic main character. Suggested by Bill.

• A Million Yes's

  Corchin, D. J.,

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  This picture book illustrates a healthy way to balance saying yes to others and to yourself. It's a great way to teach children about setting healthy boundaries and not overextending yourself. Suggested by Hayaat.

• This Is How We Talk

  a Celebration of Disability and Connection

  Slice, Jessica,

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  I adored the inclusivity of this book, which highlights different ways people of all ages can communicate with each other. The authors did an incredible job of highlighting a variety of adaptations in a way that feels both accessible and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• My Home Is in My Backpack

  Perrella, Eugenia,

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  What a beautiful translated picture book about a family that has to leave everything behind and take a journey north. I love the hopeful message that home is a feeling , not a physical place. Suggested by Gudrun.

• Leila and the Voice

  Maydani, Shahrzad,

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  There are plenty of picture books about sitting with emotions and finding a path through, but the art in this one was so tactile it was like being pulled into the book and on Leila's journey. Suggested by Amanda.

• The Wonderful Adventures of Nils

  Lagerlöf, Selma, 1858-1940,

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  A detailed and heartwarming fantasy about the travels of a selfish boy enchanted and shrunk who comes of age as he travels over all of Sweden with a flock of geese. This is a reprint of a classic Swedish tale. Suggested by Bill.