Best Children's Bear Books of 2025

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? is a delightful children's book that features a parade of endearing animals in Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. The text, written by Bill Martin, is full of rhyme and repetition, making it perfect for preschoolers. To celebrate the book's 25th birthday, Eric Carle has refreshed his original artwork with bold and fresh colors, bringing back his familiar menagerie. Overall, this contemporary classic is a must-read for young children and is perfect for sharing with a group of preschoolers.

I Love You to the Moon and Back is a heartwarming children's book by Amelia Hepworth. The story follows a bear and cub as they spend their day together, playing, hugging, and snuggling before bed. The book features a personalization page, making it a perfect gift for baby showers, birthdays, or new parents. The gentle rhyme and beautiful illustrations make it an ideal bedtime story for a special little one. Overall, I Love You to the Moon and Back is a sweet and unique addition to any children's book collection.

Corduroy is a timeless classic that has been adored by children for 50 years. This board book edition is perfect for the littlest readers to enjoy the story of the beloved teddy bear. The book, published by Viking Books for Young Readers, comes in a sturdy format that can withstand the wear and tear of little hands. Don Freeman's original story is beautifully preserved in this edition, making it a must-have for any children's book collection. The enduring appeal of Corduroy is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of a charming character to capture the hearts of generations.

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is a heartwarming and action-packed illustrated middle-grade novel that follows the story of robot Roz, who wakes up alone on a remote and wild island. She must learn to survive and adapt to her surroundings while befriending the island's animal inhabitants. The book is a New York Times bestseller, and it has received several accolades, including being an Entertainment Weekly Best Middle Grade Book of the Year and an ALA Notable Book for Children. The story is thought-provoking and charming, and Brown's illustrations add an extra layer of depth to the narrative. Overall, The Wild Robot is an excellent read that will engage and captivate young readers.

I Love You, Grandma is a heartwarming tale of a curious little bear and his wise grandmother who teaches him everything she knows while searching for food. The book is beautifully illustrated by Kristina Stephenson and written by Jillian Harker. It celebrates the special bond between grandmothers and their grandchildren, making it a perfect gift for special occasions like Mother's Day or birthdays. Vibrant illustrations and easy-to-read text make this an excellent story for young toddlers to practice reading aloud. The "I Love You" series from Parragon is a wonderful collection of books that every family should have.

"I Want My Hat Back" by Candlewick is a New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2011. The story follows a bear who politely asks each animal he meets if they have seen his hat. The book is told completely in dialogue, with sly illustrations that are laced with visual humor and a wry irreverence that will have both kids and adults chuckling. The book is a wonderful and astonishing thing, the kind that makes children laugh and adults smile in appreciation. This charmingly wicked little book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good children's book."

I Prayed for You by Jean Fischer is a heartwarming children's book that portrays the depth of a mother's love for her child. The story follows a mother bear who prays for her baby's arrival and cherishes every milestone, from the first step to the first day of school. The book features ten rhyming prayers that show children how loved they are, adorable art, and glossy pages that are easy to clean. This book is perfect for parents who dreamed of having children, struggled with infertility, or became parents through surrogacy, IVF, adoption, fostering, or other means. Overall, I Prayed for You is an excellent choice for parents and children alike, with a unique message of unconditional love.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury is a beloved classic that has been entertaining children and families for over 30 years. The story follows a father and his four children as they embark on a journey to catch a big bear. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles such as tall grass, a cold river, and a dark forest. This Classic Board Book edition features an updated, colorized cover that fans of the timeless story will treasure and share. The charming illustrations by Helen Oxenbury add to the overall appeal of the book, making it a must-read for children's bear books enthusiasts.

The World of Eric Carle, Hear Bear Roar 30-Button Animal Sound Book is an excellent tool for engaging young readers with its hands-on interaction and captivating creatures on each page. The book features the amazing artwork of Eric Carle, writer and illustrator of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and includes an impressive amount of animals with corresponding sounds. This book is perfect for building vocabulary and stimulating the imaginations of young readers, making it a great addition to any children's bear book collection. Overall, it is an interactive adventure that will keep children entertained and engaged for hours on end.

Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? is a rhythmic and fun-filled children's book that features zoo animals and their sounds. The collaboration between Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle, two of the most respected names in children's education and illustrations, shows two masters at their best. With its charming illustrations and catchy rhymes, this book is sure to delight children and encourage them to make the sounds of the animals. The book is a great addition to any children's library and is a must-read for preschoolers.