2025 was the year of some unbelievable picture books – powerful and persuasive. We loved spending time with each one of these books this year. This is a curated list by Mother of Readers of the best picture books of 2025 in no particular order. 

Starting with Amma’s Magic Handbag, written by Vaishali BK and illustrated by Chandrima Chatterjee, is a beautiful reminder of how to help our little ones tackle their big feelings. An ode to gentle parenting, this is a book for every parent and child. Shop here

Kabaddi Kabaddi by Kabini Amin is a wordless wonder which takes you to a spirited game of Kabaddi where two rivals are ready to face off against each other. The book has no words but a buzzing energy that leaves you breathless – a quality, I feel, we need on our bookshelves. Shop here (use code PBMOR10)

Brachio by Venkataraghavan and illustrated by Ananya Broker Parekh is about a tall, gentle person. He loved helping people until his efforts were replaced by a ladder. We are taken for a ride along with Brachio as he learns what it means to be tall and understands the true meaning of being part of a community.  Shop here

Is 2025 the year we solve the mystery of where the missing socks go? Easterine Kire and Ogin Nayam bring errant socks alive and take us on a surreptitious journey as we bear witness to their escapade in All the Missing Socks. Shop here (use code PBMOR10)

Chiu’s Power is an endearing tale of little Chiu, who realises she can see things others cannot. This book will resonate with everyone who has ever needed glasses. It is also a beautiful book to read to children who have had to make a trip to the ophthalmologist. Shop here (use code PBMOR10)

This is How I Draw gives you that much sought-after glimpse into the creative process of our favourite illustrators. Each spread is different, exciting, and truly inspiring. Must read for young readers, inspired parents, and all creative thinkers. Shop here (use code PBMOR10)

Finally, a seek-and-find book that is set in India! For all Where’s Wally fans, There You Are is a relatable book because you will be seeking and finding Madhu across various scenes in Mumbai. This is a fun book for the entire family. Shop here (use code PBMOR10)

Don’t Do it for Candy by Neil Flory and illustrated gorgeously by Ra-Ben Almeida is a simple book about all the things we shouldn’t do for. But wait, there is a twist, once you learn that you shouldn’t even do it for candy! Bright with pinks and yellows, this is a book that will suck you in and make sure you have a few good laughs! Shop here

Tara goes Aahhhhh, is a wordless pop up books designed to help a child face fears and navigate big emotions carefully. I haven’t seen a book design like this in Indian kid-lit, and was in awe of the book and how powerful it was without using any words. Amazing effort by Garima Gupta and Unstuck books, and I can’t wait to see what they put up next. Shop here

A Moon full of Ants, written by Aparna Kapur and illustrated by Priya Kuriyan, is a nonsense book designed to engage and enthral readers. Get ready to be transported to a wild, wacky world where you get to taste a bowlful of autumn and dive into a lake with seven shoes! Buy here (use code PBMOR10) 

Where is Goggayya by Kollegala Sharma, translated by Gitanjali Iyer and illustrated by Srinath Perur, is a hauntingly beautiful book about the bogeyman. Who is he, what does he look like, and where is he hiding are questions Putti wants answers to. The illustrations in this book are so stark that they will stay with you long after you are done with the book. Buy here (use code PBMOR10) 

Dreaming Under the Same Sky brings back the Fausto Arya and Ogin Nayam combo after Home, for yet another beautiful book that forces you to think about the world we live in and battle with all the sadness we have numbed ourselves to. Fausto writes a story that forces you to think about the true meaning of peace, and Ogin fills the pages with gentle, watercolour imprints of a perfectly imperfect world. Buy here (use code PBMOR10)

What does it mean to have books in your home? A Home Made of Books by Jairaj Singh and illustrated by Aindri C takes a look at the tender ways in which books change our lives. Books signify a constant presence, a gentle reminder of the places you can go to with books, and the general joy they bring to our lives. Buy here (use code PBMOR10)

The Elephant and the Rabbit is a simple tale about the importance of friendship and how any two people can become friends. This is a beautiful book for a nighttime read or simply to curl up with on a rainy afternoon. Loved this book by Gayatri Hingorani and Sonal Gupta Vaswani. Shop here

Summers with Dadu deals with the difficult subject of losing a beloved grandparent. The bond between a grandparent and grandchild is truly special and is depicted so beautifully in this book by Aprajita Ramsagar Singh and Debaleena Chakraborty. The story takes the reader to a fun summer vacation at Dadu’s house, but when things change for the next summer, can Anand come to terms with this devastating loss? Will summer vacation be the same without his beloved Dadu? Shop here

Can You Draw Love, Abbu? What a beautiful book about how we perceive love, by Alankrita Amaya. What do you think of when you think of love? Does it come with buttons and bows? What colour is it? This book explores those questions through the eyes of the loving relationship of father and daughter and how they work together to answer these questions. Stunning book! Shop here

Jaipur Calling is the perfect book to read before you take the kids on a trip to Jaipur! This book, written by Veena Rao and Siddhi Vartak, takes you on a tour of the Pink City, from its origins to what makes it a special place to visit. Make notes and ensure you visit all the right city spots! Can’t wait to see if RoRo Books will make one for every major Indian city! Shop here

What I Learnt by Priyanka Agarwal Mehta is a fun take on learning important things in totally different ways! How do you learn your numbers? Read this for a completely new perspective! Shop here

The Girl Who Wouldn’t Stay Within the Lines by Vinitha and illustrated by Anushka Bansal is the story of Bhikaji Cama and her courage to follow her heart even when society had written a different story for her. The story celebrates her legacy while the illustrations bring the 19th-century heroine alive for young readers. Shop here