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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What The Ladybug Heard Next
by Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Lydia Monks
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
After overhearing two robbers plot a nefarious robbery, ladybug enlists the farm animals to thwart them. Colorful, zany collages illustrate the rhyming text.
by Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Lydia Monks
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
After overhearing two robbers plot a nefarious robbery, ladybug enlists the farm animals to thwart them. Colorful, zany collages illustrate the rhyming text.
When Your Llama Needs a Haircut
by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
It's picture day and a young boy realizes his pet llama needs a haircut. But first he has to catch his not-very-cooperative pet. Spare humorous illustrations.
by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
It's picture day and a young boy realizes his pet llama needs a haircut. But first he has to catch his not-very-cooperative pet. Spare humorous illustrations.
While You Are Sleeping
written and illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
As a boy sleeps, brilliantly-hued collage images, realistic and fantastic, are depicted outside his window and in his dreams. Adult questioning can help elicit the stories.
written and illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
As a boy sleeps, brilliantly-hued collage images, realistic and fantastic, are depicted outside his window and in his dreams. Adult questioning can help elicit the stories.
Wide-Awake Bear
by Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrator: Jean Kim
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When a bear cub wakes up too soon from his winter nap, he can't get back to sleep. Luckily his mom is there to help. Digitally colored graphic illustrations.
by Pat Zietlow Miller
Illustrator: Jean Kim
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When a bear cub wakes up too soon from his winter nap, he can't get back to sleep. Luckily his mom is there to help. Digitally colored graphic illustrations.
Winter Is Here
by Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Laura Dronzek
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
From sledding in the park to shoveling snow, children, adults, and animals experience a snowy winter until spring finally arrives, Playful, boldly outlined acrylic illustrations.
by Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Laura Dronzek
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
From sledding in the park to shoveling snow, children, adults, and animals experience a snowy winter until spring finally arrives, Playful, boldly outlined acrylic illustrations.
With Your Paw in Mine
written and illustrated by Jane Chapman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Two baby otters, Miki and Amak, are protected by their mothers, except when the mothers hunt for food and a storm comes! Appealing illustrations reinforce the importance of friendship.
written and illustrated by Jane Chapman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Two baby otters, Miki and Amak, are protected by their mothers, except when the mothers hunt for food and a storm comes! Appealing illustrations reinforce the importance of friendship.
Woodrow at Sea
written and illustrated by Wallace Edwards
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A young elephant develops a friendship with a rescued mouse as they weather a storm, encounter sea creatures, sing together, and return home. Animated watercolor and ink illustrations in this wordless book.
written and illustrated by Wallace Edwards
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A young elephant develops a friendship with a rescued mouse as they weather a storm, encounter sea creatures, sing together, and return home. Animated watercolor and ink illustrations in this wordless book.
You and Me/Tú y yo (New Baby series)
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
list with look at me, etc -- New Baby series
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
list with look at me, etc -- New Baby series
You're Safe With Me
by Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Poonam Mistry
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Mama Elephant, with hugs and words, reassures the forest animals that in spite of the wind, thunder, and rain, they will be safe sleeping. Elaborate, colorful illustrations.
by Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Poonam Mistry
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Mama Elephant, with hugs and words, reassures the forest animals that in spite of the wind, thunder, and rain, they will be safe sleeping. Elaborate, colorful illustrations.
ABeCedarios
by Cynthia Weill
Illustrator: Moisés and Arrmando Jiménez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Illustrated with wooden and ceramic sculptures, these bilingual board books will delight English and Spanish readers alike.
by Cynthia Weill
Illustrator: Moisés and Arrmando Jiménez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Illustrated with wooden and ceramic sculptures, these bilingual board books will delight English and Spanish readers alike.
Agua, Agüita/Water, Little Water
by Jorge Tetl Argueta
Illustrator: Felipe Ugalde Alcántara
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
The life cycle of a droplet is told poetically in Spanish and English. Nahuat translation at the end. Lush mixed-media illustrations.
by Jorge Tetl Argueta
Illustrator: Felipe Ugalde Alcántara
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
The life cycle of a droplet is told poetically in Spanish and English. Nahuat translation at the end. Lush mixed-media illustrations.
Animal Talk (First Concepts in Mexican Folk Art in English and Spanish series)
by Cynthia Weill
Illustrator: Rubi Fuentes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
list with ABeCedarios Illustrated with wooden and ceramic sculptures, these bilingual board books will delight English and Spanish readers alike.
by Cynthia Weill
Illustrator: Rubi Fuentes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
list with ABeCedarios Illustrated with wooden and ceramic sculptures, these bilingual board books will delight English and Spanish readers alike.
Anywhere Farm
by Phyllis Root
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
One smart seed can start a garden, and one small gardener can inspire others. Delightful mixed-media illustrations.
by Phyllis Root
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
One smart seed can start a garden, and one small gardener can inspire others. Delightful mixed-media illustrations.
A Perfect Day
written and illustrated by Lane Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
It's a sunny and warm day in Bert's garden for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel, at least until Bear comes along. Gently blended, soft illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lane Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
It's a sunny and warm day in Bert's garden for Cat, Dog, Chickadee, and Squirrel, at least until Bear comes along. Gently blended, soft illustrations.
Apples for Little Fox
written and illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Mystery books inspire Little Fox to solve his own mysteries. What happened to the apples he loves to eat? Cheerful, detailed spot illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Mystery books inspire Little Fox to solve his own mysteries. What happened to the apples he loves to eat? Cheerful, detailed spot illustrations.
Are You a Monkey?
written and illustrated by Marine Rivoal
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Young children will enjoy guessing the animals acted out by others in an imaginary jungle. Vibrant prints.
written and illustrated by Marine Rivoal
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Young children will enjoy guessing the animals acted out by others in an imaginary jungle. Vibrant prints.
Baby Animals Take a Bath
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Phyllis Tildes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Celebrate bath time with your little one and some playful baby animals. Sweet mixed-media illustrations.
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Phyllis Tildes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Celebrate bath time with your little one and some playful baby animals. Sweet mixed-media illustrations.
Baby Animals Take a Nap
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Phyllis Tildes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Say sweet dreams to little ones with suggestions from baby animals. Mixed media illustrations. [List with Baby Animals take a bath]
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Phyllis Tildes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Say sweet dreams to little ones with suggestions from baby animals. Mixed media illustrations. [List with Baby Animals take a bath]
Bamboo for Me, Bamboo for You!
by Fran Manushkin
Illustrator: Purificatión Hernández
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Two panda cubs know what food is good and express opinions about other animals' food tastes as they play and squabble. Simple rhyming text with colorful digital illustrations.
by Fran Manushkin
Illustrator: Purificatión Hernández
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Two panda cubs know what food is good and express opinions about other animals' food tastes as they play and squabble. Simple rhyming text with colorful digital illustrations.
Big Bear Can't Fall Asleep
written and illustrated by Adeline Ruel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
With a little help from one's friends, the perfect napping companion can be found. Ripped paper illustrations.
written and illustrated by Adeline Ruel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
With a little help from one's friends, the perfect napping companion can be found. Ripped paper illustrations.
Big Cat, Little Cat
written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A cat teaches a kitten how to live, until, one day, the older cat goes away. Bold, expressive line drawings.
written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A cat teaches a kitten how to live, until, one day, the older cat goes away. Bold, expressive line drawings.
Big Machines
by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: John Rocco
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Inspired by her sons, “Jinnee” Burton magically creates her now classic stories. Watercolor, colored pencil, and digital media illustrations are reminiscent of her artistic style.
by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: John Rocco
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Inspired by her sons, “Jinnee” Burton magically creates her now classic stories. Watercolor, colored pencil, and digital media illustrations are reminiscent of her artistic style.
Birds Make Nests
written and illustrated by Michael Garland
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Birds build nests of various shapes and sizes in different locales, all to keep eggs and chicks safe. Realistic illustrations of dozens of kinds of birds.
written and illustrated by Michael Garland
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Birds build nests of various shapes and sizes in different locales, all to keep eggs and chicks safe. Realistic illustrations of dozens of kinds of birds.
Bizzy Mizz Lizzie
by David Shannon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
An exhausted young bee learns to slow down and smell the flowers. Humorous acrylic illustrations.
by David Shannon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
An exhausted young bee learns to slow down and smell the flowers. Humorous acrylic illustrations.
Blanket of Love
by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Illustrator: Brooke Boynton Hughes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
There are so many ways to feel warm and protected. Soft mixed-media illustrations.
by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Illustrator: Brooke Boynton Hughes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
There are so many ways to feel warm and protected. Soft mixed-media illustrations.