Welcome to the Bank Street Children's Book Committee's (CBC) Searchable Best Books List, a tool designed to help educators, families, librarians, and others access developmentally appropriate and engaging books for young readers (ages birth - 18).
Our online Searchable Best Books List draws from the committee's annual Best Children's Books of the Year-beginning with the list of books published in 2000-with each featuring more than 600 high-quality titles for young readers.
To share feedback about the tool, please feel free to email bookcom@bankstreet.edu. To learn more about the CBC, visit https://www.bankstreet.edu/cbc/.
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The Bagel King
by Andrew Larson
Illustrator: Sandy Nichols
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Grandfather has fallen! Now who will deliver the freshly baked bagels to neighbors and family eager for their Sunday treat? Soft palette heightens caricature-like cast. Yiddish glossary.
by Andrew Larson
Illustrator: Sandy Nichols
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Grandfather has fallen! Now who will deliver the freshly baked bagels to neighbors and family eager for their Sunday treat? Soft palette heightens caricature-like cast. Yiddish glossary.
The Big Umbrella
by Amy June Bates
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A smiling, red umbrella grows bigger as it welcomes everyone who wants shelter and companionship. Watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations.
by Amy June Bates
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A smiling, red umbrella grows bigger as it welcomes everyone who wants shelter and companionship. Watercolor, gouache, and pencil illustrations.
The Boy and the Blue Moon
by Sara O'Leary
Illustrator: Ashley Crowley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
As a boy and his cat set out to reach the blue moon, the night turns magical. Was it real or a dream? Blue ink applied to mixed media.
by Sara O'Leary
Illustrator: Ashley Crowley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
As a boy and his cat set out to reach the blue moon, the night turns magical. Was it real or a dream? Blue ink applied to mixed media.
The Boy Who Went to Mars
written and illustrated by Simon James
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Stanley goes to Mars in his space mobile and returns to earth as a Martian! Pen and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Simon James
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Stanley goes to Mars in his space mobile and returns to earth as a Martian! Pen and watercolor illustrations.
The Digger and the Flower
written and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A simple, yet evocative tale that celebrates friendship and devotion. Vibrant watercolors on canvas heighten this story's enjoyment.
written and illustrated by Joseph Kuefler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A simple, yet evocative tale that celebrates friendship and devotion. Vibrant watercolors on canvas heighten this story's enjoyment.
The Extraordinary Gardener
written and illustrated by Sam Boughton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
In a gray world, Joe, with a seed and his imagination, grows a garden for everyone to enjoy.Colorful chalk illustrations.
written and illustrated by Sam Boughton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
In a gray world, Joe, with a seed and his imagination, grows a garden for everyone to enjoy.Colorful chalk illustrations.
The Other Ducks
by Ellen Yeomans
Illustrator: Chris Sheban
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Even though This Duck and That Duck are best friends, they sometimes yearn for Other companionship. Amusing illustrations add to the merriment.
by Ellen Yeomans
Illustrator: Chris Sheban
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Even though This Duck and That Duck are best friends, they sometimes yearn for Other companionship. Amusing illustrations add to the merriment.
The Rabbit Listened
written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When Taylor's block structure collapses, all he needs is a good listener. Vibrant digital art captures varieties of emotions, including empathy.
written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When Taylor's block structure collapses, all he needs is a good listener. Vibrant digital art captures varieties of emotions, including empathy.
There's a Tiger in the Garden
written and illustrated by Lizzy Stewart
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
At Grandma's, Nora is a bit bored until she allows herself to follow her imagination into the garden. Bright, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lizzy Stewart
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
At Grandma's, Nora is a bit bored until she allows herself to follow her imagination into the garden. Bright, colorful illustrations.
The Snowy Nap
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A hedgehog who hears from all the farm animals about the glories of winter decides to stay awake and experience it for himself. Luxuriant watercolors and gouache illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A hedgehog who hears from all the farm animals about the glories of winter decides to stay awake and experience it for himself. Luxuriant watercolors and gouache illustrations.
The Ugly Five
by Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
“Ugly” on the outside is only part of the story. Unusual birds and animals describe themselves in verse. Their offspring tell a different story. Warm, colorful illustrations.
by Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
“Ugly” on the outside is only part of the story. Unusual birds and animals describe themselves in verse. Their offspring tell a different story. Warm, colorful illustrations.
The Visitor
written and illustrated by Antje Damm
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Can a fearful reclusive old lady find friendship when a paper airplane flies through her window? Photographs of diorama scenes use light and color to dramatic effect to showcase moods.
written and illustrated by Antje Damm
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Can a fearful reclusive old lady find friendship when a paper airplane flies through her window? Photographs of diorama scenes use light and color to dramatic effect to showcase moods.
The Wall In The Middle Of The Book
written and illustrated by Jon Agee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A knight is certain that a wall protects him from dangers awaiting him on the other side; does it? Busy, but simple watercolors.
written and illustrated by Jon Agee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A knight is certain that a wall protects him from dangers awaiting him on the other side; does it? Busy, but simple watercolors.
This Is Christmas
written and illustrated by Tom Booth
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A little chipmunk asks his mom a series of questions about Christmas as they walk through the forest. Cartoon-like digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Tom Booth
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A little chipmunk asks his mom a series of questions about Christmas as they walk through the forest. Cartoon-like digital illustrations.
Thread of Love
by Kabir Sehgal
Illustrator: Zara Gonzalez Hoang
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Simple, repetitive text describes the Indian holiday of Raksha Bandhan in which sisters make rakhi (bracelets) for their brothers. Bright, engaging digital illustrations. Back matter.
by Kabir Sehgal
Illustrator: Zara Gonzalez Hoang
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Simple, repetitive text describes the Indian holiday of Raksha Bandhan in which sisters make rakhi (bracelets) for their brothers. Bright, engaging digital illustrations. Back matter.
Two Problems for Sophia
by Jim Averbeck
Illustrator: Yasmeen Ismail
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Sophia's pet giraffe is in danger of exile because of a sloppy tongue and loud snoring. Is there a solution? Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
by Jim Averbeck
Illustrator: Yasmeen Ismail
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Sophia's pet giraffe is in danger of exile because of a sloppy tongue and loud snoring. Is there a solution? Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
Under the Same Sky
written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Expressive text matches stunning illustrations that peek cleverly through unique page cutouts exemplifying how we all live under one sky.
written and illustrated by Britta Teckentrup
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Expressive text matches stunning illustrations that peek cleverly through unique page cutouts exemplifying how we all live under one sky.
Up the Mountain Path
written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Evocative gentle illustrations follow an aging badger on her weekly mountain climb, sharing the wonders of nature and friendship with a cat who follows in her footsteps.
written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Evocative gentle illustrations follow an aging badger on her weekly mountain climb, sharing the wonders of nature and friendship with a cat who follows in her footsteps.
Vernon Is on His Way
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Three friends - Vernon, Porcupine, and Skunk - negotiate their daily adventures. Color pencil drawings.
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Three friends - Vernon, Porcupine, and Skunk - negotiate their daily adventures. Color pencil drawings.
Vincent Comes Home
written and illustrated by Jessixa Bagley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When a freighter cat overhears the crew eager to return home, he follows one sailor ashore only to discover what “home” really means. Pen-ink-watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jessixa Bagley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When a freighter cat overhears the crew eager to return home, he follows one sailor ashore only to discover what “home” really means. Pen-ink-watercolor illustrations.
Waiting for Baby/Esperando al bebé (New Baby series)
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
The new baby and his sibling develop a relationship as they live and play together. Illustrations enhance the activities portrayed.
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
The new baby and his sibling develop a relationship as they live and play together. Illustrations enhance the activities portrayed.
Walk Your Dog
by Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
Illustrator: Neesha Hudson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
What happens when a spunky little girl copes with a stubborn dog? Wonderful illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil.
by Elizabeth Stevens Omlor
Illustrator: Neesha Hudson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
What happens when a spunky little girl copes with a stubborn dog? Wonderful illustrations in watercolor and colored pencil.
Want to Play Trucks?
by Ann Stott
Illustrator: Bob Graham
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Alex likes dolls but Jack likes trucks. How will they play together? Engaging colorful illustrations.
by Ann Stott
Illustrator: Bob Graham
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Alex likes dolls but Jack likes trucks. How will they play together? Engaging colorful illustrations.
We Don't Eat Our Classmates
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
How can Penelope make friends at school if she keeps eating them? Can a goldfish help? Large, humorous illustrations help convey Penelope's transformation.
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
How can Penelope make friends at school if she keeps eating them? Can a goldfish help? Large, humorous illustrations help convey Penelope's transformation.
What If...
by Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Mike Curato
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A child bursting with creative energy will not be stopped even as her traditional art tools disappear. Poetic style and lively illustrations reinforce the point.
by Samantha Berger
Illustrator: Mike Curato
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A child bursting with creative energy will not be stopped even as her traditional art tools disappear. Poetic style and lively illustrations reinforce the point.