It's the time of year when everyone shares their "best of" lists, so we decided to join in. We're excited to release two new collections, Lovebug Favorites 2025 and Dreamers Favorites 2025, showcasing the titles that stood out among all the stories we sent this year.
Choosing wasn't easy. We genuinely enjoyed every book we sent this year, but after plenty of fretting and handwringing, we persevered and pulled together a year-end list. Here are the books that rose to the top for 2025.
Lovebug Favorites 2025 (Ages 0–3)
These books were especially memorable for their playful language, engaging artwork, and simple, kid-centered storytelling.
The Heart of a Whale
By Anna Pignataro
This book stood out for its calm pacing and gentle emotional depth. The language is simple but thoughtful, and the illustrations create a quiet, immersive world that invites repeated reading. It's the kind of book that naturally fits into slower moments and feels just as meaningful on the tenth read as the first.
Purring, Rolling, Stretching
By Chihiro Ishizu · Illustrated by Nanako Matsuda
We loved how this book turns an ordinary day into something engaging and playful. The text is spare and rhythmic, and the illustrations do a lot of the storytelling work. Kids connect immediately to the movement and routine, making it an interactive read that feels fresh even after many rereads.
A Bear, a Bee, and a Honey Tree
By Daniel Bernstrom · Illustrated by Brandon James Scott
This book earned its spot for its perfectly paced humor and strong visual storytelling. The repetition is satisfying, the build-up is just right, and the illustrations deliver every time. It's short, funny, and incredibly effective—one of those books kids ask for again as soon as it ends.
Dreamers Favorites 2025 (Ages 4–8)
A selection of stories that stood out for their humor, creativity, and the way they captured kids' attention this year.
Don't Trust Fish
By Neil Sharpson · Illustrated by Polina Averyanova
This book stood out for its unpredictability and visual humor. Each page sets up expectations only to flip them in surprising ways, which keeps kids engaged from start to finish. It's clever without being complicated and rewards careful looking as much as listening.
Pocket Full of Rocks
By Kristin Mahoney · Illustrated by Valeria Petrone
We were drawn to how this story captures imaginative play without overstating it. The book treats a child's perspective with respect, showing how small objects can hold real meaning. It's quiet, observant, and relatable in a way that feels honest and grounded.
Every Monday, Mabel
By Jashar Awan
This book celebrates the kind of deep enthusiasm kids feel for very specific things. Mabel's love for Mondays is joyful and sincere, and the story never talks down to its reader. The illustrations are expressive, and the story captures the excitement of anticipation in a way that feels true to childhood.
Mistaco: A Tale of Tragedy y Tortillas
By Eliza Kinkz
This story stood out for its balance of humor and heart. It takes big feelings seriously while still being light and engaging. The vibrant illustrations and playful language make it approachable, while the story's emotional arc gives it lasting impact.
