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 Peculiar Pig
written and illustrated by Joy Steuerwald
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Penny doesn't look like any of her siblings, but she proves she is an important member of the family. Hand drawn pencil illustrations, digitally painted.
written and illustrated by Joy Steuerwald
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Penny doesn't look like any of her siblings, but she proves she is an important member of the family. Hand drawn pencil illustrations, digitally painted.
The Perfect Seat
by Minh Lê
Illustrator: Gus Gordon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A father searches for the just right place to sit and read with his child. Illustrations in watercolor, pencil, crayon, and collage.
by Minh Lê
Illustrator: Gus Gordon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A father searches for the just right place to sit and read with his child. Illustrations in watercolor, pencil, crayon, and collage.
The Pigeon Has to Go to School
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Everyone says the pigeon has to go to school, but he thinks that's not such a good idea. Simple whimsical illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Everyone says the pigeon has to go to school, but he thinks that's not such a good idea. Simple whimsical illustrations.
The Red Sled
written and illustrated by Lita Judge
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
When a bear discovers a child's sled, he and his woodland critter friends enjoy a night of sledding fun. Charming seasonal illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lita Judge
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
When a bear discovers a child's sled, he and his woodland critter friends enjoy a night of sledding fun. Charming seasonal illustrations.
The Second Sky
by Patrick Guest
Illustrator: Jonathan Bently
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A newly-hatched penguin, desperate to fly, discovers what he does best. Textured watercolor and pencil illustrations capture the penguin's wishes.
by Patrick Guest
Illustrator: Jonathan Bently
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A newly-hatched penguin, desperate to fly, discovers what he does best. Textured watercolor and pencil illustrations capture the penguin's wishes.
The Unbudgeable Curmudgeon
by Matthew Burgess
Illustrator: Fiona Woodcock
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
This clever, humorous account of the changing moods of two friends is portrayed with stencil on colored pencil illustrations.
by Matthew Burgess
Illustrator: Fiona Woodcock
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
This clever, humorous account of the changing moods of two friends is portrayed with stencil on colored pencil illustrations.
The Word Pirates
by Susan Cooper
Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
F&G Word eating pirates make storytellers shudder, until the Word Wizard proves the pen is mightier than the sword. Humorous illustrations in colored ink, pencil, watercolor, and acrylic.
by Susan Cooper
Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
F&G Word eating pirates make storytellers shudder, until the Word Wizard proves the pen is mightier than the sword. Humorous illustrations in colored ink, pencil, watercolor, and acrylic.
This Beach Is Loud!
written and illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Eager to go to the beach, a boy becomes overwhelmed by the noise, activities, and sand. Father saves the day. Colorful block print, ink, and charcoal art.
written and illustrated by Samantha Cotterill
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Eager to go to the beach, a boy becomes overwhelmed by the noise, activities, and sand. Father saves the day. Colorful block print, ink, and charcoal art.
This is the Construction Worker
by Laura Godwin
Illustrator: Julian Hector
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Challenging gender stereotypes, this portrayal of the workers and work at a busy building site features a female crew member. Rhyming text ad vivid illustrations.
by Laura Godwin
Illustrator: Julian Hector
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Challenging gender stereotypes, this portrayal of the workers and work at a busy building site features a female crew member. Rhyming text ad vivid illustrations.
Trains Run!
by George Ella Lyon
Illustrator: Mick Wiggins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A rhythmic text captures the dynamism and variety of modern railroads. Colorful digital illustrations.
by George Ella Lyon
Illustrator: Mick Wiggins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A rhythmic text captures the dynamism and variety of modern railroads. Colorful digital illustrations.
Treasure
by Mireille Messier
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Two children go looking for a treasure -- something shiny and mysterious. They are overwhelmed by their find. Graphite, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations.
by Mireille Messier
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Two children go looking for a treasure -- something shiny and mysterious. They are overwhelmed by their find. Graphite, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations.
Tropical Terry
written and illustrated by Jarvis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Terry longs to be flashy and to play with the other tropical fish but his costume has unexpected consequences and lessons learned. Bright appealing illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jarvis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Terry longs to be flashy and to play with the other tropical fish but his costume has unexpected consequences and lessons learned. Bright appealing illustrations.
Two for Me, One for You
written and illustrated by Jörg Mühle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
This is the dilemma: there are three mushrooms and two hungry friends. Who gets the extra one? Humorous color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jörg Mühle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
This is the dilemma: there are three mushrooms and two hungry friends. Who gets the extra one? Humorous color illustrations.
Up Up Up Down
written and illustrated by Kimberly Gee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Delightful digital pencil illustrations follow a baby and father through a day filled with opposites.
written and illustrated by Kimberly Gee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Delightful digital pencil illustrations follow a baby and father through a day filled with opposites.
Vroom!
written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Annie's off on a zooming adventure in her speedy sports car, bringing her full circle back home. Large, colorful spreads make the words take off.
written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Annie's off on a zooming adventure in her speedy sports car, bringing her full circle back home. Large, colorful spreads make the words take off.
What's Next?
by Timothy Knapman
Illustrator: Jane McGuinness
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
This good night book explores the night of Baby Badger's world - and then the day. Large mixed media illustrations.
by Timothy Knapman
Illustrator: Jane McGuinness
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
This good night book explores the night of Baby Badger's world - and then the day. Large mixed media illustrations.
Where Did You Go Today?
written and illustrated by Jenny Duke
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A young child recalls her time at the local park through imaginative stories. Paint, print, and collage illustrations, played with digitally.
written and illustrated by Jenny Duke
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
A young child recalls her time at the local park through imaginative stories. Paint, print, and collage illustrations, played with digitally.
Where is My Balloon
by Ariel Bernstein
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Bold digital illustrations enhance the humor and the emotions clearly depicted when two friends share favorite objects.
by Ariel Bernstein
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Bold digital illustrations enhance the humor and the emotions clearly depicted when two friends share favorite objects.
Whose Footprint Is That?
by Darrin Lunde
Illustrator: Kelsey Oseid
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Seven tracks are paired with their animal's identity, locomotion, and habitation in this guessing game by a renowned mammalogist. Colorful gouache illustrations reinforce page-turner format.
by Darrin Lunde
Illustrator: Kelsey Oseid
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Seven tracks are paired with their animal's identity, locomotion, and habitation in this guessing game by a renowned mammalogist. Colorful gouache illustrations reinforce page-turner format.
Wild Baby
written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Orangutan baby takes off on a jungle romp, and Mama must give chase, until her patience gives out. Will Mama forgive? Amusing illustrations use digital ink.
written and illustrated by Cori Doerrfeld
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2019
Orangutan baby takes off on a jungle romp, and Mama must give chase, until her patience gives out. Will Mama forgive? Amusing illustrations use digital ink.
1 Grumpy Bruce
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Will any of the frolicking animals bring Bruce the bear out of his grump? Colorful mixed media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Will any of the frolicking animals bring Bruce the bear out of his grump? Colorful mixed media illustrations.
A Busy Creature's Day Eating
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A purple creature stuffs itself with an alphabetical array of unconventional items until his upset stomach requires a father's attention. Humorous, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A purple creature stuffs itself with an alphabetical array of unconventional items until his upset stomach requires a father's attention. Humorous, colorful illustrations.
Adrian Simcox Does NOT Have a Horse
by Marcy Campbell
Illustrator: Corinna Luyken
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When her classmate Adrian speaks of his horse, Chloe does not believe him, until the path to understanding becomes clear. Colored pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations.
by Marcy Campbell
Illustrator: Corinna Luyken
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When her classmate Adrian speaks of his horse, Chloe does not believe him, until the path to understanding becomes clear. Colored pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations.
A Hippy-Hoppy Toad
by Peggy Archer
Illustrator: Anne Wilsdorf
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A lively, rhythmic verse describes a teeny tiny toad's amusing adventures. Energetic, colorful watercolors.
by Peggy Archer
Illustrator: Anne Wilsdorf
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A lively, rhythmic verse describes a teeny tiny toad's amusing adventures. Energetic, colorful watercolors.
All Are Welcome
by Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A group of children experience a typical day at a school where diversity is celebrated. Simple mixed media illustrations.
by Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A group of children experience a typical day at a school where diversity is celebrated. Simple mixed media illustrations.