2025 Best Books for Preschoolers

If you’re looking for holiday gifts that spark joy and support your preschooler’s learning, our list of the 2025 best books for preschoolers has something for every young reader. Reading to young children provides countless benefits, including boosting language development and empathy skills, increasing knowledge, and improving the parent-child connection. PBS Kids offers great tips on how to read aloud to your child (and why it’s important). 

Keep reading to learn more about the 2025 best books for preschoolers and additional resources to keep you and your little learner turning pages all year long. 

Top 7 Picks for Best Books for Preschoolers

From picture books to best-selling series, these stories are sure to become favorites of your child and your whole family. 

The Day the Crayons Made Friends
By Drew Daywalt
Kids and families alike love The Crayons Celebrate series for its lovable characters and silly, creative storylines – and the newest picture book is no exception. Your preschooler will enjoy this imaginative adventure as the crayons venture out of their box and meet a whole new cast of friends.

Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo
by Bess Kalb
The #1 New York Times bestselling character Buffalo Fluffalo now has a new sibling in this lighthearted follow-up released earlier this year. This illustrated story takes young readers on a journey that celebrates family, belonging, and self-acceptance. With its playful rhymes and warm message, it’s a great read-aloud for building early literacy skills.

The Pigeon WON’T Count to 10!
By Mo Willems
Bestselling author Mo Willems is back with another playfully interactive addition to The Pigeon lineup of books. This early-learning concept board book helps young readers practice counting while strengthening early reading and language skills – making it a fun and educational pick for preschoolers.

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Rainbow! 
By Lucille Colandro
Kids of all ages love the There Was An Old Lady series for its silly rhymes and colorful illustrations. Adapted from the traditional nursery rhyme, this story follows all the wild things the Old Lady swallows as she tries to create the perfect rainbow. It’s a fun, engaging read for preschoolers and kindergarteners – and it’s sure to bring plenty of laughs.

Little Blue Truck and Racer Red
by Alice Schertle
Families love the Little Blue Truck books for their playful adventures and gentle lessons about friendship, sharing, and kindness. In this newest story, your preschooler will enjoy learning about different vehicles and the power of working together – all wrapped into a fun, read-aloud favorite.

The Wild Robot on the Island
By Peter Brown
Families with older kids may already know and love the bestselling Wild Robot series – and now younger readers can join in, too! The Wild Robot on the Island adapts the first book into a picture book format, with vivid illustrations on every page to help your preschooler follow along with Roz’s adventure. It’s a great way to introduce little ones to this beloved story.

Everyday Bean
By Stephanie Graegin
The first book in a new series, Everyday Bean follows an adorable hedgehog and the sweet adventures she shares with her grandma in everyday places. Your little one will enjoy these short, charming stories about growing up, friendship, and discovering the world around them.

Additional Best Books for Preschoolers Suggestions

Looking for even more great book recommendations for preschoolers in 2025? Our friends at the Denver Public Library have rounded up their favorite staff picks for kids of all ages – including picture books, early readers, and graphic novels for older children. While you’re exploring their list, be sure to check out their upcoming preschool Storytimes for a fun indoor activity to enjoy with your child this winter.

Other great resources for best books for preschoolers include: 

• Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Kids’ Book Awards
• 10 Great Children’s Books You Might Have Missed in 2025
• The American Library Association’s Notable Children’s Books – 2025
• The New York Times Children’s Picture Books 

For more book, audiobook, and podcast recommendations, holiday activities, and helpful resources, check out our newsroom.