Every year our staff vote for their favourite books of the past year. Here are the best picture books of 2025, as voted by Readings' staff!
Titles are displayed alphabetically by author.
Hello Cocky
Hilary Bell, illustrated by Antonia Pesenti
‘… This excellent new picture book perfectly captures the unique character of the cockatoo. It’s a wonderful rhyming story that is a complete joy to read aloud. Antonia Pesenti is well-known for her stylish, bold and fun illustrations. She has done a great job of showcasing the cheeky habits of cockatoos, as well as celebrating their striking looks. Pages that feature cockatoos sneaking a hot chip or two are sure to provoke lots of giggles and maybe even a few shrieks.
This is another top-tier picture book, produced to the highest standard by Melbourne-based publisher Scribble, and everyone aged 2+ will have a great time sharing this book.’
– This is an edited quote from Kim Gruschow’s review for Readings Monthly
Dropbear
Philip Bunting
'They say Dropbear is mean, Dropbear is savage. But They are the gossips ... Meet Dropbear, if you dare, and decide for yourself!
From the award-winning author-illustrator behind Mopoke and Not Cute, Dropbear is a delightfully hilarious story about the most enigmatic creature in the Australian bush. In true Bunting style, it’s packed full of character, heart, clever wordplay and a fabulous cast of Australian animals. You might even recognise a certain owl!
This story will absolutely delight young readers aged 3+ and encourage them not to rely on gossip and seek their own answers instead.'
– Lucie Dess, Marketing and Events Coordinator
Tiwi in Paris
Glen Farmer Illortaminni
‘I spoke English, they spoke French, nobody spoke Tiwi.
In this brilliant picture book, Glen Farmer Illortaminni tells the story of accompanying his uncle, artist Timothy Cook, to Paris … Unable to speak French, and without a hotel key or phone, [when they were separated] he became lost and spent days treading around Paris doing his best to stay warm and safe and to find his way back …
Although it must have been a very scary and stressful few days, Farmer Illortaminni tells his story in a calm, matter-of-fact tone and with wonderful details about the people and places he encountered, and of his home, Milikapiti … [This] is a remarkable story, and an utterly unique experience of Paris. For anyone aged 3+.’
– This is an edited quote from Kim Gruschow’s review for Readings Monthly
The Bookshop on Lemon Tree Lane
Mike Lucas, illustrated by Sofya Karmazina
‘I think … The Bookshop on Lemon Tree Lane might just be my new favourite picture book … The story follows a young child whose favourite bookshop is about to change – something that they’re not exactly looking forward to. However, after the bookshop’s reopening, they learn that though it won’t ever be quite the same, sometimes, changes aren’t all that bad and the new bookshop can be just as magical and adventure-filled as it was before.
Together, Lucas and Karmazina have struck the perfect balance of text and illustrations, telling a story that is great for anyone needing a reminder that changes can be tough, but also very rewarding … [For ages 2+].’
– This is an edited quote from Lili Reus-Smit’s review for Readings Monthly
Scotty and the Scotties
Gabriel Evans
'In the Scotty family, where every scottie looks the same, acts the same and does all the same things, one scottie wishes to be different. But every time he tries to do his own thing, the other scottie’s do it too. Frustrated, Scotty asks a stranger for help...
From the creator of A Human for Kingsley, Scotty and the Scotties is a hilarious, surprising story about finding your individuality while remaining loyal to the ones you love. Readers will delight in pouring over the illustrations and searching for the ‘real’ Scotty on every page. It's sure to be an instant family favourite. For ages 3+.'
– Lucie Dess, Marketing and Events Coordinator
The Library of Bears
Cat Rabbit
‘In her latest picture book, [Melbourne textile artist Cat Rabbit] has made a menagerie of tiny, felt bears and given them their very own world. The bears live in a toy library where, if they are lucky, they are borrowed and have adventures with their borrower before being returned. Poor little Softie … has never been borrowed. But when the day finally comes for her to be borrowed … it doesn’t quite work out the way she expects.
This is a charming story with so much to look at and enjoy on every single page. It will be pored over with utter delight by little ones aged 2+, as well as the grown ups reading it to them!’
– This is an edited quote from Angela Crocombe’s review for Readings Monthly
A Lost Cause
Felicita Sala
‘… Pablo is very forgetful, leaving his belongings behind wherever he goes. At first his parents help him find each missing object, but eventually they decide it’s time for him to take responsibility for his own stuff. But Pablo keeps losing his treasures … Luckily, Pablo finds a pet rock in his wardrobe who knows where to look for his stuff!
With adorable, full-colour illustrations, A Lost Cause … encourages responsibility and taking care of your belongings, while staying kind and empathetic to the kids who can’t help but lose things, no matter how hard they try (and they do try)! For ages 4+.’
– This is an edited quote from Harvey Weir’s review for Readings Monthly
Once I Was a Giant
Zeno Sworder
‘… The story begins immediately in the front endpapers with a picture-book maker who can’t think of an idea. That is, until his pencil starts talking to him! The pencil tells the story of its life as a tree living in the forest. The tree is befriended by a wanderer – a forest sprite – who tells stories of his adventures in the world. When the machines come, the wanderer gives the tree and the forest creatures advance warning.
With incredible drawings and a graphic style illustrating the natural world in all its glory, this powerful story reminds us of humanity’s connection to nature … You’ll never look at a pencil in the same way again! For ages 5+.’
– This is an edited quote from Angela Crocombe’s review for Readings Monthly
Between
Anna Walker
‘… Portrayed in stunning illustrations and sparse words, this picture book tells the tale of a meeting and developing friendship between a cabbage moth and a cricket. The gorgeous illustrations are thoroughly enthralling, rendered in spot colours that move along with poetic words …
This is a beautiful book to share with any child in a quiet time before bed, inviting an understanding of connection, friendship and empathy. It would be a well-loved addition to any little library, in the style of a bestseller like Baby Bedtime by Mem Fox. It is perfect for ages 3+.’
– This is an edited quote from Melanie Barton’s review for Readings Monthly
Weaving Country
Aunty Kim Wandin & Chris Joy, illustrated by Ashleigh Pugh
‘How wonderful to have a new First Nations picture book that uses local Wurrundjeri language integrated into the text! This is the story of a Gugung (grandmother) showing her grandchild how to gather and dry Djirra (reed) to weave into a beautiful Binak (basket) …
With simple repetition of language and a glossary, it’s easy for readers to pick up simple Wurrundjeri language. Written by Wurrundjeri Elder Aunty Kim Wandin, in collaboration with Chris Joy, with stunning illustrations by Ashleigh Pugh, a descendant of Whadjuk Ballardong, this is both a beautiful picture book and an important resource to educate young and old on Wurrundjeri culture and language. It’s perfect for ages 4+.’
– This is an edited quote from Angela Crocombe’s review for Readings Monthly
Don't miss the junior & middle grade books of 2025!
