These 25 picture books are the winners for 2025 at Ramona Recommends. Each book was published in 2025. I kept a list in my journal when I found a book that I wanted to share at the end of the year that moved me, my students enjoyed, or was a book that kept thinking about. Here are my OPEN THE MAGIC contender picture books of 2025.
I categorized the books by topics that had an overarching theme, though most can be used across many subject areas. To share a bit of my heart with you, I’ve included my personal reflections on why each title earned its spot on this list in italics below the descriptions.
Courtney’s Confetti Winner:
These Are My Rocks
A young boy proudly showcases his unique collection while teaching readers that the true value of a treasure lies in the personal story behind it.
This book moved me so much that I read it about 5 times in a row because the message was so powerful and made me think about all my collections. This was my TOP selection for 2025.
Math/Science:
Stalactite and Stalagmite
This rhythmic exploration dives deep underground to explain the “growing” differences between these cave formations in a way that is easy for kids to visualize.
I Love Blueberries!
Readers follow the journey of a tiny seed to a tasty snack, discovering the fascinating life cycle of one of nature’s favorite super-fruits.
If you haven’t read I Love Strawberries, grab that one next!
The Baker’s Dozen
When a new chef arrives with delicious doughnuts and a secret about what a “baker’s dozen” actually means, he must convince a team of twelve rigid bakers that there is always room for one more.
This book is great to teach the concept of a dozen, but also fits well in SEL to teach about friendships and not excluding anyone.
So Tortoise Dug (Porquia Tale)
Through a clever folktale lens, this story explores animal behavior and the environmental impact of one determined tortoise’s digging.
I use this book to teach Porquia tales and character development.
Don’t Trust Fish
This underwater adventure uses humor to teach kids about aquatic food chains and the importance of being observant in nature.
My students LOVED this one!
Holiday:
Fireworks
A vibrant celebration of light and sound that captures the excitement of community gatherings and the science behind the sparkle.
The illustrations in this one just move you, you know?!
Heartfelt
This sweet story explores the many ways we can show love and kindness, making it a perfect read for Valentine’s Day or any day meant for sharing.
Thankful is her sister story and what a powerful way to teach gratitude. You can learn more about what I did in my 5th grade class here.
The Snowball Fight
A chilly afternoon turns into a lesson on physics, strategy, and the pure joy of a classic winter tradition.
I read this the week before winter break and then we went outside and had a paper snowball fight. Yep, California in December does not equate to real snowball fights…. I am not sorry about that! My husband thinks I am half lizard. 🙂
SEL:
The Hole
A thoughtful metaphor for grief and longing, this book helps children understand that while some “holes” never fully disappear, we can learn to grow around them.
This story wrecked me. I read it at home in my cozy book room on the 3rd anniversary of my mom passing. What a BEAUTIFUL interpretation of grief and how we all feel dark sometimes.
Broken
This gentle narrative reassures readers that mistakes and “broken” things including feelings can often be mended with patience and care.
This story spoke to me on the power of patience and how kids and dogs can sometimes do naughty acts, but it’s not them actually being naughty.
The Humble Pie
A humorous and empowering lesson in humility that shows why it’s always better to admit when you’re wrong than to keep swallowing your pride.
The food group series just keeps on getting better! I can’t wait to see what food is next, Pizza?
The Trouble with Giraffes
This story tackles physical differences and the importance of looking past height to find a true friend.
Clovis Meets His Match
An angry bull learns that a soft heart is much more powerful than a hard head when he meets a mirror image of his own temper.
This whole series is SO good. The end.
The Bear out There
A story for kids about intruders (thoughts, people….) told in a way that gives them understanding and not “scaries”.
Billie Jean Peet, Athlete
This inspiring look at sportsmanship emphasizes that being a true athlete is about character and perseverance just as much as skill.
The illustrations are so unique and Billie Jean Peet is just precious.
History:
Bittersweet: Based on the True Tale of the Berlin Candy Bombers
This inspiring nonfiction picture book celebrates the true story of a compassionate airman who sparked a movement of hope by airdropping chocolate filled parachutes to children in occupied Berlin.
The secret cover is DELICIOUS!!!
Friendship/Family
The Day The Crayons Made Friends
Our favorite colorful characters return to show that the best masterpieces are created when we work together and appreciate everyone’s unique hue.
The Day the Crayons Made Friends was the 2025 Open The Magic Day book selection.
Kittybunkport
A whimsical tale of a seaside community that proves home is wherever your “feline” friends are. The play on words is just a hoot!
Carla and the Tin Can
A beautiful traditional story about little girls who play Dress Up and decide to have a tea party. During the planning something goes wrong! Can they fix it?
Warm and Fuzzy
A cozy celebration of the physical and emotional warmth provided by our closest family bonds.
Buffalo Fluffalo and Puffalo
What happens when Buffalo Fluffalo’s routine is interrupted by a new sibling?
The Elevator on 74th Street
A vertical adventure that illustrates how a small, shared space can spark unexpected connections between neighbors.
School:
Recess
A high-energy tribute to the most important “subject” of the school day, highlighting the social skills and creativity learned on the playground.
Best Day Ever!
The cutest book depicting the life of a Monday. The illustrations are engaging and help tell the story. This is the first in the series. I can’t wait for Tuesday.
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