A LitHub Most Anticipated Children's Book of 2025

"This might be a perfect picture book." —Quill & Quire (starred review)

"A solitary child and her rule-breaking ghost roommate learn the value of compromise in this cheeky picture book. —Shelf Awareness (starred review)

"A book that captures the dance of unlikely bonds and a way to move from a place of acceptance." —Publishers...

On Halloween, letters climb a creaky tree in disguise, but then they are startled by a spooky surprise.

"A lazy alligator comes up with a plan to lure his prey by opening up a restaurant for birds--until he realizes that birds are even better as friends"-- Provided by publisher.

Illustrations and easy-to-read, rhyming text celebrate a close friendship that has already existed for a while and is expected to last until time is through.

A toy bear in a department store wants a number of things, but when a little girl finally buys him he finds what he has always wanted most of all.

"When the gift of a balloon floats into Bear's life, the two companions embark on a journey of discovery as small as a clearing in the forest . . . and as deep as the sky"-- Provided by publisher.

Steam Train sets off with cheer, spreading joy and gifts far and near, with carols, treats, and light, bringing sweet dreams on Christmas night.

"Being the star that people wish on is demanding work! And when the burden of performing becomes too much to bear, even celestial bodies take a hit. As a star falls from their sky-high position, their self-esteem takes a real nosedive. But a lift from an unlikely source gives this star a new purpose, along with the courage to glow again."-- Provided by publisher.

Kenzie turns her fierce love for the ocean into action, resourcefully cleaning up the beach after her mermaid-tail swimsuit tangles in floating plastic bags. When Kenzie slips on her mermaid tail, she becomes Mermaid Kenzie, protector of the deeps. One day as Kenzie snorkels around a shipwreck, she discovers more plastic bags than fish. Grabbing her spear and mermaid net, she begins to clean up the water and the shore--inspiring other kids to help....

Illustrations and text follow a family's morning routine from the perspective of the earliest riser in the house.