Since I find it unlikely that I'll review any children's books this week, I'm going to share my favorites now. Will I keep reviewing books at Young Readers next year? Maybe. Maybe not. Will I have a high goal of a hundred books? Definitely not.

In January, I read one five-star book:

4. Mustache Baby. Bridget Heos. 2016. HMH. 36 pages. [Source: Review copy] 

In February, I read two five-star books:

11. Noodles on a Bicycle. Kyo Maclear. Illustrated by Gracey Zhang. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, Caldecott Honor, historical picture book, picture book]

20. Lone Wolf Goes to School. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-Fai Steele. 2024. 56 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, animal fantasy]  

In March, I read five five-star books! 

22. Lone Wolf Gets a Pet. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-fai Steele. 2024. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, humor, animal fantasy]
24. Hi, Cat. Bye, Cat. Jade Orlando. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [board books, cats]
25. Squash the Cat: Stuck in the Middle. Sasha Mayer. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, cats, jealousy, toys, picture book]
28. The Baby Who Stayed Awake Forever. Sandra Salsbury. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, bedtime book, humor, family, 5 stars]

30. Will the Pigeon Graduate? Mo Willems. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book, gift book, inspirational, humor]

In April, I read four five-star books!

34. Board book: This Dog. That Dog. Jade Orlando. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [dogs, pets, board book, 5 stars]

37. Little Freddie Two Pants. Drew Daywalt. Illustrated by Lucy Ruth Cummins. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book, humor] 

42. It's Hard To Be a Baby. Cheryl B. Klein. Illustrated by Juana Medina. 2024. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book, babies]

43. You're a Poet: Ways to Start Writing Poems. Sean Taylor. Illustrated by Sam Usher. 2025. [March] 72 pages. [Source: Library] [nonfiction, poetry, 5 stars]

In May, I read five five-star books!

44. Orris and Timble: Lost and Found (Orris and Timble #2) Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Carmen Mok. 2025. 80 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, animal 

50. Downpour: Splish! Splash! Ker-Splash! Yuko Ohnari. Translated by Emily Balistrieri. Illustrated by Koshiro Hata. 2025 (2018). 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, 5 stars]51. Leo the Late Bloomer. Robert Kraus. Illustrated by Jose Aruego. 1971/1994. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book] 

53. Our Gorgeous Baby. (Board book). Smriti Prasadam-Halls. Illustrated by Eve Coy. 2025. 24 pages. [Source: Library] [board book, babies, 5 stars]

54. Can't Stop Kissing That Baby. K.L. Going. Illustrated by Fiona Lee. 2025. [Source: Library] [3 stars, picture book]

55. The Peddler of Puddles. Beth Ferry. Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture book]

In June, I read six five-star books!

57. Piggle the Pig #1 The Perfect Pigsty. Dudolf. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, 5 stars]
58. The Monster At The End of This Book. Jon Stone. Illustrated by Michael J. Smollin. 1971. Golden Books. 32 pages. [Source: Bought]

65. The Man Who Didn't Like Animals. Deborah Underwood. Illustrated by LeUyen Pham. 2024. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars] [picture book]

67. Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. 2010. 40 pages. [Source: Online Audio]

68. Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons. Eric Litwin. Illustrated by James Dean. 2012. 40 pages. [Source: Online Audio and picture book]

71. Pop Goes the Nursery Rhyme. Betsy Bird. Illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, humor, fractured nursery tales, 5 stars]

In July I read four five-star books!

72. Mouse and Spoon: Owlets and Tarts. (Ready to Read Level 2) Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 

75. Lone Wolf On Vacation. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-Fai Steele. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, early reader]
76. Lone Wolf Goes to the Library. Kiah Thomas. Illustrated by K-fai Steele. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, early chapter book, series book, animal fantasy]

78. Zebra and Yak The Backwards Alphabet Book. Paul Friedrich. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, humor, picture book]

In August I read three five-star books!

83. A Scrub in the Tub. Jan Thomas. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [picture book, humor, 5 stars]
84. The Elephant's Birthday (Mouse and Spoon). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [early reader, ready to read level 2, animal fantasy, series book; 5 stars]
85. George & Lenny Are Always Together. Jon Agee. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, friendship, picture book]

IN September, I read one five-star book!

94. Rabbit Tea (Mouse and Spoon) (Ready to Read Level 2). Cynthia Rylant. Illustrated by Janna Mattia. 2025. 32 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, animal fantasy, early reader]

In October, I read two five-star books!

102. Detective Beans: Adventures in Cat Town. Li Chen. 2025. 208 pages. [Source: Library] [j graphic novel, animal fantasy, 5 stars]

103. Tuck Me In. Nathan W. Pyle. 2025. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, picture books, science, bedtime stories]

In November, I read one five-star book!

106. The Dog and Pony Show: Dance Pants. Jeff Mack. 2025. 64 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars, if the Cybils exist in 2026 which is questionable, this one would be eligible] [early reader, early comic]

In December I didn't read a five-star book.

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

Books read and reviewed at Young Readers

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

111. The 13th Day of Christmas. Adam Rex. 2025. 48 pages. [Source: Library] [4 stars, picture book, Christmas]

First sentence: I was having a lonely Christmas because my true love was visiting her parents. So it was real quiet when I heard chirping. I didn't really want a bird, but it was nice enough. It came in this little pear tree, and I like pears. The card said my true love sent it, so of course I loved it. Of course I did.

Premise/plot: This humorous book is told from the perspective of the recipient of the twelve days of Christmas. A man has received a LOT from his one true love. But how much was intended to be sent? And what does she have in mind?

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. It was silly. He is trying to cope with EVERYTHING and trying to puzzle out WHY his true love sent him ALL these odd, strange presents. Can he find a way to spread the joy of Christmas?

© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

110. A Christmas Sonata. Gary Paulsen. Illustrated by Leslie Bowman. 1992. 80 pages. [Source: Library] [3 stars][Christmas, historical, family drama]

First sentence: It comes on everybody at a certain time in their life not to believe in Santa Claus.

Premise/plot: This is a short novella for children presumably though probably not best appreciated by children. A boy and his mother travel to spend Christmas with relatives in Minnesota. His cousin is dying and this will be his last Christmas. His father is away fighting in the Second World War. He's decided that Santa is NOT real. And his cousin is also unsure if Santa is real. Both are skeptical but a tiny bit hopeful. Will he believe in Santa or not?

My thoughts: This was a strange read. On the bright side it was a very short read. I think it might work better as a Christmas special or movie. This is a bittersweet story though perhaps kids may not pick up on that as much as adults? Or maybe they would. I'm glad I read it, but, I can't imagine rereading it.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers

109. Board book: There There Little Kitten. Anna Milbourne. 2025. 10 pages. [Source: Library] [5 stars]

First sentence: Little kitten is feeling lonely. Maybe we can be friends.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's tickle under your chin.
Oh dear, it's starting to rain!
A big rain drop has sploshed
onto little kitten's nose.
There, there, little kitten.
Let's stroke your nose better.

Premise/plot: There There Little Kitten is a touch and feel interactive board book for young readers. Each spread includes a touch and feel element for young children. The book stars a little kitten who needs lots of affection.

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one. I did. I love cats. I tend to enjoy many touch and feel board books. Not all of them all of the time. But this one was good. If your little one loves cats or pets in general, then this one would be a fine choice.


© 2025 Becky Laney of Young Readers