Cookies are baking, presents are under the tree and we are talking about great books that came our way in 2025 with Good Housekeeping Book Editor, Karen Cicero, as she shares her thoughts on what had us reading and talking about book titles this past year.

A team of 125 children ages 0-12 and their families reviewed books suggested by librarians, publishers, and the Good Housekeeping editors. The list included books that made readers think about life as a kid, see problems and solutions in a new way, get lost in magical adventures and laugh out loud.

Karen tells Kids Discover that this year one title made both the kids and the adults chuckle as they turned the pages of a book about a group of animals in the water who are not to be trusted. Fish are funny!

“We found a gem that both librarians and kids fell hard for—and it was in the most unlikely category of all: a fiction/non-fiction blend”

Award judge and librarian Elizabeth Bird brought Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson and Dan Santat to the attention of the Good Housekeeping Book discussions and said, “Without a doubt, it’s the funniest picture book of the year.” Readers agreed and put this fabulous fish tale at the top of the list of must-reads for this year.

“Interactivity also plays a role in the book experience this year with some book selections,” says Karen. 

“Just by saying, “Alexa, open Ready Activated!” there are so many story possibilities and learning of facts that can happen now. Alexa can take part in the process with helping create story elements and getting interactive with non-fiction topics like dinosaurs!”

Find something for readers of every age and interest at the full list of Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Kids’ Book Awards and keep reading!

Picture Books

Millie Fleur Saves the Night

Now 27% Off 

   $14 at Amazon

Written and illustrated by Christy Mandin

Millie, a girl with a moon garden, helps kids get over their fears of the dark with the help of a cuddly woodland creature, nocturnal friends like katydids and crickets. Millie says, “The Dark isn’t scary; you just need to get to know her.” Ages 2-6

Move-In Ready

Anything

$17 at Amazon

Written by Rebecca Stead, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

For kids struggling with a move or other difficult transitions, this book has a dad who allows his daughter to wish for three “anythings.” Her “secret” wish? No move at all.  Ages 3-5

One tester notes, “My 4-year-old asked me where the girl’s mom was, and it led to a wonderful discussion about different kinds of families.”

Early Reader Chapter Books

Word Decoder

Waiter, Waiter

$34 at lovevery.com

Written and illustrated by Lovevery

A rainy day in the kitchen involves a “reveal tool” of a red plastic device in a pouch at the back of the book which helps readers find hidden words in the story. Look for vowel teams (when two or more vowels make a single sound) and make a secret message! Ages 6-8

One tester says, “The reveal tool motivated my kids to keep reading to find hidden messages. Plus, we made snacks inspired by the fun ideas in the book.”

Fun New Series

Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship

Now 14% Off

$7 $6 at Amazon

By Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel

Amina, a third grader who just moved to the United States from Syria, is trying to fit in and make new friends in a book with a science-themed storyline and cultural references.  Ages 6-9

Graphic Novels

Horse Tale With a Twist

Creaky Acres

Now 22% Off

$12 at Amazon

Written by Calista Brill, illustrated by Nilah Magruder

A Black equestrian feels like an outsider when she moves to a rural community and faces problems with fitting in. A sweet story of friendship with other characters and their loyal horses.  Ages 8–12

Comic Fans’ Dream Come True

The Cartoonists Club

Now 20% Off

$12 at Amazon

Written and illustrated by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

A how-to for kids to create comics with a story of four classmates who start their own comics club at school from the creator of blockbuster children’s graphic novel memoirs (like Smile) and the cartoonist of Understanding Comics for adults comics.  Ages 8–12

A fun story element bonus? Characters break the fourth wall and talk to the reader.

Non-Fiction Books

Epic Hook

Don’t Trust Fish

Now 40% Off 

 $11 at Amazon

Written by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat

Join the narrator who rattles off reasons not to trust fish! Discover facts like the largest fish species is 19 meters long (which is the size of a school bus) and challenge ideas for how “they may be in your home watching you” right now from a fish tank.  Ages 4-8

The illustrations are engaging and deserve a picture walk through the book.  “We read the book all the way through and then went back a second time to look more closely at the illustrations,” said one parent.

Fascinating Facts

The Stuff That Stuff Is Made Of: The Things We Make With Plants

$22 at Amazon

Written by Jonathan Drori, illustrated by Jiatong Liu

This book opens with a simple question of “What can you see right now that was made with plants?” 

Many answers will surprise you! Readers learn about little-known uses for 30 plants like what seaweed and dripping ice cream cones have in common. Ages 7+

Immersive Experience

Discover Dinosaurs (Ready Activated)

$20 at Amazon

Written by John A. Long

“Alexa, what can we read about dinosaurs?” 

With the command, “Alexa, open Ready Activated!” sound effects help kids travel to prehistoric times, read a specific passage or ask an expert a really important dinosaur question. Ages 8-12

“The sound effects, the music, and the narrator’s voice provided one of the most powerful, engaging read-aloud experiences I have ever witnessed,” said a GH kids’ book editor. 

Middle Grade Books

Spellbinding New Series

Vanya and the Wild Hunt

$18 at Amazon

Written by Sangu Mandanna

A fearless 11-year-old with ADHD seems to have magical abilities like being able to hear books talking. When the Wild Hunt, a dark force, threatens her school she knows it is time to step up and take charge.  Ages 8–12

Stand-Out Sequel

The Poisoned King

Now 33% Off

 $13 at Amazon

Written by Katherine Rundell

Sometimes readers find a second book in a blockbuster series to be even better than the first.  A tiny dragon calls Christopher, a beloved main character from the first book, back to a group of hidden islands where poison is spreading throughout the land.  Ages 10+

A ten-year-old reviewer says, “The author connects the first and second books by intertwining the lives of the old characters and the new ones.” 

Audiobooks

Captivating Read-Aloud

Graciela in the Abyss

$20 at libro.fm

Written by Meg Medina, narrated by Elena Ray

A teenager who is reborn as a sea spirit is the center of a story which blends the wonders of the undersea world with themes of loss and feelings of responsibility. Ages 10+

Classic Remake

Pippi Longstocking

$14 at libro.fm

Written by Astrid Lindgren, narrated by Sutton Foster

Tony award–winning actress Sutton Foster brings Pippi, a lively and spunky 9-year-old, to life for adventures with her pet horse and monkey that will entertain readers with this classic.  Ages 8–12

Keep reading and we can’t wait to talk about more books in 2026!