Top Book Publishing Trends for 2025

Here's a look at some of the key trends shaping children's book publishing in 2025.

​We're seeing a strong movement towards diverse narratives, a heightened awareness of environmental issues, and the integration of interactive elements like augmented reality. Themes around mental health and subjects related to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) are also becoming increasingly prominent, reflecting what's important to young readers today.

There's a clear emphasis on inclusivity, emotional intelligence, and taking care of our planet. We anticipate that humour, stories featuring diverse characters, and STEM concepts will remain popular choices.

Eco-Friendly Themes
With growing global attention on the environment, we expect books centred around nature and sustainability to gain even more traction. If you're passionate about our planet and want to inspire the next generation to be environmentally conscious, this could be a rewarding area to explore. Consider focusing on themes like the importance of recycling, the need to protect endangered animals, or how to adopt sustainable living practices.

Exploring eco-friendly and nature-focused themes can help children:

* Develop a deep appreciation for the natural world.
* Feel empowered to make a positive impact on their environment.
* Understand why it's crucial to protect animals.

If you're thinking about incorporating an eco-friendly theme into your next book, consider creative ways to weave your message into your unique storytelling style. For example, if you want to encourage readers to care for the ocean, you could tell the story from the perspective of a turtle swimming through polluted waters or follow a child who organizes a community beach clean-up. Both approaches convey the same important message in engaging ways.

Green Bean’s Bedtime | Bedtime Storybook for Toddlers

£4.99

Shop

Green Bean's Garden

£14.99

Shop

Soft Toy | Green Bean™

£8.99

Shop

Here are a few examples of children’s books that beautifully incorporate eco-friendly themes:

Green Bean's Garden by Anita Frost:
Little ones follow signposts on an exciting journey, where Green Bean and Mr. Bear hear a mysterious sound!

I Made the World by Shannon Cook, illustrated by Richard Watson:
This book uses engaging rhyme and vibrant illustrations to showcase diverse children in various settings.

Here: The Dot We Call Home by Laura Alary, illustrated by Cathrin Peterslund:
​The reader is taken on a journey through time and space, highlighting both the beautiful and challenging aspects of our Earth.

Self-Publishing
The self-publishing world continues its upward trajectory in 2025. More authors are taking control of their publishing journey through direct sales and utilizing AI for various tasks. While Amazon remains a key platform, a growing number of independent authors are developing their own direct-to-consumer strategies using websites and platforms like Shopify or BookFunnel. The popularity of ebooks and audiobooks is also significantly increasing, making self-publishing more accessible and cost-effective than ever before.

Children's Books

Shop

Children's Magazines

Shop

Family Bestsellers

Shop

Independent Bookshops
It's encouraging to see that independent bookshops in the UK and Ireland are experiencing a revival in 2025. With a total of 1,052 shops, while slightly down from 1,063 the previous year, the numbers remain near a 10-year high. This rebound from a low of 867 shops in 2016 to a peak of 1,072 in 2022 can be attributed to a renewed interest in reading and the appeal of events and physical community spaces that bookshops offer.

Independent Bookshop Week 2025 is set to be the biggest yet, with 739 participating shops across the nation, a significant increase from 716 in 2024 and a remarkable jump from 420 in 2019. The week will feature an impressive 100 events held in 60 different bookshops.

Press Updates:
​More are published than could ever succeed’: are there too many books?
While some say the rise of the self-publishing model is damaging the industry, others feel it gives authors a fairer deal