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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I Am Enough
by Grace Byers
Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Using metaphors from nature and human feelings, this eloquent book expresses the beauty of loving who you are. Bright watercolor illustrations showing a diverse population highlight an inspiring message.
by Grace Byers
Illustrator: Keturah A. Bobo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Using metaphors from nature and human feelings, this eloquent book expresses the beauty of loving who you are. Bright watercolor illustrations showing a diverse population highlight an inspiring message.
If I Had a Horse
written and illustrated by Gianna Marino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A girl imagines how her relationship would evolve with a horse. Spare text with gouache illustrations in silhouette.
written and illustrated by Gianna Marino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A girl imagines how her relationship would evolve with a horse. Spare text with gouache illustrations in silhouette.
If You Had a Jetpack
by Lisl H. Detlefsen
Illustrator: Linzie Hunter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
To cure their boredom, two determined creatures invent a unique form of transportation inspiring a trip around the world and into space. Lively digital images.
by Lisl H. Detlefsen
Illustrator: Linzie Hunter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
To cure their boredom, two determined creatures invent a unique form of transportation inspiring a trip around the world and into space. Lively digital images.
I Hate My Cats (A Love Story)
by Davide Cali
Illustrator: Anna Pirolli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Simple text accompanies whimsical illustrations to depict day-to-day life with these enigmatic feline companions. Detailed, humorous illustrations.
by Davide Cali
Illustrator: Anna Pirolli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Simple text accompanies whimsical illustrations to depict day-to-day life with these enigmatic feline companions. Detailed, humorous illustrations.
In the Rain
by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrator: Manelle Oliphant
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A young girl and her dog enjoy a rainy day outside their home. Realistic watercolors.
by Elizabeth Spurr
Illustrator: Manelle Oliphant
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A young girl and her dog enjoy a rainy day outside their home. Realistic watercolors.
I See, I Touch...
by Giuliano Ferri
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
This appetizing introduction to the five senses is enhanced by colorful cutouts.
by Giuliano Ferri
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
This appetizing introduction to the five senses is enhanced by colorful cutouts.
I Walk With Vanessa
written and illustrated by Kerascoët
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Gentle ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture a range of emotions when a new girl comes to school. Wordless with back matter for children and adults about bullying.
written and illustrated by Kerascoët
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Gentle ink-and-watercolor illustrations capture a range of emotions when a new girl comes to school. Wordless with back matter for children and adults about bullying.
Jinx and the Doom Fight Crime!
by Lisa Mantchev
Illustrator: Samantha Cotterill
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Superhero siblings use their imaginations to play and create mysteries they can solve to keep the city safe. Hand drawn paper-cut digitally colored illustrations.
by Lisa Mantchev
Illustrator: Samantha Cotterill
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Superhero siblings use their imaginations to play and create mysteries they can solve to keep the city safe. Hand drawn paper-cut digitally colored illustrations.
Julián is a Mermaid
written and illustrated by Jessica Love
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Julian is intrigued with mermaids and dresses up as one, much to the initial chagrin of his Abuela. Dreamy illustrations in watercolor, gouache, and ink.
written and illustrated by Jessica Love
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Julian is intrigued with mermaids and dresses up as one, much to the initial chagrin of his Abuela. Dreamy illustrations in watercolor, gouache, and ink.
King Ben and Sir Rhino
written and illustrated by Eric Sailer
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
“King” Ben rules his parents, his home, and his toys, but he needs to learn how to share. Playful ink-and-watercolor drawinngs.
written and illustrated by Eric Sailer
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
“King” Ben rules his parents, his home, and his toys, but he needs to learn how to share. Playful ink-and-watercolor drawinngs.
Lena's Shoes are Nervous
by Keith Calabrese
Illustrator: Juana Medina
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Lena's all ready for her first day of kindergarten, but her shoes have other ideas. Lively digital illustrations.
by Keith Calabrese
Illustrator: Juana Medina
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Lena's all ready for her first day of kindergarten, but her shoes have other ideas. Lively digital illustrations.
Little Brothers & Little Sisters
written and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Older siblings can be challenging at times. They can also be wonderful. Expressive color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Older siblings can be challenging at times. They can also be wonderful. Expressive color illustrations.
Little Robot Alone
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Feeling lonely, Little Robot uses his ingenuity and perseverance to improve things. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations and repetitive rhyme create a cheery mood.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Feeling lonely, Little Robot uses his ingenuity and perseverance to improve things. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations and repetitive rhyme create a cheery mood.
Little Truck
written and illustrated by Taro Gomi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Little truck is on his way - exploring, going fast, and climbing hills. Luckily, when little truck gets tired big truck is right behind him. Simple, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Taro Gomi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Little truck is on his way - exploring, going fast, and climbing hills. Luckily, when little truck gets tired big truck is right behind him. Simple, colorful illustrations.
Look at Me!/Mírame! (New Baby series)
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
list under New Baby series
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
list under New Baby series
Lots More Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing
by Judi Barrett
Illustrator: Ron Barrett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Realistic cross-hatched pen-and-ink drawn animals boldly positioned on white background model their human attire. Explanations for their misfits in large black text.
by Judi Barrett
Illustrator: Ron Barrett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Realistic cross-hatched pen-and-ink drawn animals boldly positioned on white background model their human attire. Explanations for their misfits in large black text.
Mermaid School
by Joanne Stewart Wetzel
Illustrator: Julianna Swaney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Molly's first day of school promises to be exciting, especially since it is Mermaid School! The day is described in rhyme and whimsical watercolors.
by Joanne Stewart Wetzel
Illustrator: Julianna Swaney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Molly's first day of school promises to be exciting, especially since it is Mermaid School! The day is described in rhyme and whimsical watercolors.
Mrs. Claus Takes the Reins
by Sue Fliess
Illustrator: Mark Chambers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When Santa gets sick on Christmas Eve, he's about to cancel his yearly trip until Mrs. Claus volunteers to substitute for him. Jolly digital illustrations.
by Sue Fliess
Illustrator: Mark Chambers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
When Santa gets sick on Christmas Eve, he's about to cancel his yearly trip until Mrs. Claus volunteers to substitute for him. Jolly digital illustrations.
My New Baby/Mi nuevo bebé (New baby series)
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
list with “waiting for baby” “look at me”and “you and me” - same blurb list “look” first.
written and illustrated by Rachel Fuller
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
list with “waiting for baby” “look at me”and “you and me” - same blurb list “look” first.
New Shoes
written and illustrated by Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Vibrant, loose-lined watercolors show a preschooler as he walks to a shoe store, chooses new sneakers, and shares his excitement with a friend.
written and illustrated by Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Vibrant, loose-lined watercolors show a preschooler as he walks to a shoe store, chooses new sneakers, and shares his excitement with a friend.
Night Out
by Daniel Miyares
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A lonely boy goes on a magical late-night journey with a tortoise and returns with a story to tell. Gouache and colored-pencil illustrations.
by Daniel Miyares
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A lonely boy goes on a magical late-night journey with a tortoise and returns with a story to tell. Gouache and colored-pencil illustrations.
Nimoshom and His Bus
by Penny M. Thomas
Illustrator: Karen Hibbard
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Nimoshom (Cree for “my grandfather”) is a wonderful school bus driver and teaches his young riders words in Cree. Mixed-media illustrations. Glossary.
by Penny M. Thomas
Illustrator: Karen Hibbard
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Nimoshom (Cree for “my grandfather”) is a wonderful school bus driver and teaches his young riders words in Cree. Mixed-media illustrations. Glossary.
Nipper and the Lunchbox
written and illustrated by Lucy Dillamore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A canine realizes that his human has left his meal behind and sets out to find him. Engaging childlike mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lucy Dillamore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A canine realizes that his human has left his meal behind and sets out to find him. Engaging childlike mixed-media illustrations.
Now That I'm Here
written and illustrated by Aaron Meshon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A bicultural child recounts the many delightful ways life changed for his parents after he was born. Playful, colorful, humorous illustrations.
written and illustrated by Aaron Meshon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
A bicultural child recounts the many delightful ways life changed for his parents after he was born. Playful, colorful, humorous illustrations.
Oliver Elephant
by Lou Peacock
Illustrator: Helen Stephens
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Noah brings his toy elephant Christmas shopping. Just before going home, Noah's elephant is lost. Can he be found? Jolly mixed-media illustrations.
by Lou Peacock
Illustrator: Helen Stephens
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2018
Noah brings his toy elephant Christmas shopping. Just before going home, Noah's elephant is lost. Can he be found? Jolly mixed-media illustrations.