The year is coming to a close, and it’s time for the annual best-of lists to start circulating. After careful consideration, we have curated a selection of our favorite monographs, surveys, and whimsical books that were published in 2025. These titles were not only loved by us but also by our readers, flying off our shelves as soon as we stocked them (yes, we’re looking at you, "Dog Only Knows!").
If you’re interested in checking out these books, you can find many of them in the Colossal Shop. And if you want even more recommendations, don’t forget to take a look at our list from 2024.
- Alphabet in Motion: How Letters Get Their Shape
- Author: Kelli Anderson
- Description: Dive into the world of typography with this ABC pop-up book. Kelli Anderson meticulously engineered kinetic and three-dimensional letters to showcase the evolution of type styles throughout history. With interactive displays and a deep dive into the history of each letter, this book is a must-have for design enthusiasts.
- Where to Buy: Colossal Shop
- Wonder Women: Art of the Asian Diaspora
- Author: Kathy Huang
- Description: Featuring the works of 40 artists, "Wonder Women" explores the diverse range of figurative art created within the Asian diasporic community. From personal statements to explorations of identity and colonialism, this book delves into the rich tapestry of Asian diasporic art.
- Where to Buy: Colossal Shop
- Dog Only Knows: The Dog Portraits of Alison Friend
- Author: Alison Friend
- Description: Alison Friend’s quirky canine portraits have captured the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. "Dog Only Knows" features 125 of her distinctive portraits, showcasing the unique personalities of each furry subject.
- Where to Buy: Colossal Shop
- Prospect Park: Photographs of a Brooklyn Oasis, 1980 to 2025
- Author: Jamel Shabbaz
- Description: Experience the beauty of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park through the lens of photographer Jamel Shabbaz. Spanning 45 years, this visual volume celebrates the park as a hub for community, relaxation, and joy.
- Where to Buy: Bookshop
- The War of Art: A History of Artists’ Protest In America
- Author: Lauren O’Neill Butler
- Description: Delve into the world of artist-led activism with "The War of Art." This timely book explores the lineage of creative approaches to resistance, showcasing some of the most impactful artist-led protests in America.
- Where to Buy: Colossal Shop
- Fresh Sets: Contemporary Nail Art from Around the World
- Author: Tembe Denton-Hurst
- Description: Nail art has become a rapidly growing art form, and "Fresh Sets" showcases some of the most eye-catching designs from around the world. From rhinestones to lobster tributes, this book is a visual feast for nail art enthusiasts.
- Where to Buy: Bookshop
- Weird Buildings
- Description: As the name suggests, "Weird Buildings" celebrates the strange, idiosyncratic, and unique structures around the world. Featuring 100 striking projects, this book explores the whimsical and wild side of architecture.
- Where to Buy: Colossal Shop
- The Contemporary Garden
- Description: Explore 300 green spaces across 40 countries with "The Contemporary Garden." This book celebrates the enduring link between horticulture, nature, and aesthetics, showcasing a wide range of garden styles from around the world.
- Where to Buy: Colossal Shop
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