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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There Might Be Lobsters
by Carolyn Crimi
Illustrator: Laurel Molk
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A girl's dog, fearful of the beach, surprises his patient owner when he dashes in the water to retrieve her toy monkey. Expressive multimedia illustrations.
by Carolyn Crimi
Illustrator: Laurel Molk
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A girl's dog, fearful of the beach, surprises his patient owner when he dashes in the water to retrieve her toy monkey. Expressive multimedia illustrations.
There's Nothing To Do!
by Dev Petty
Illustrator: Mike Boldt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
After rejecting suggestions from his father and his animal friends about ways to relieve his boredom, a frog embraces his momentary condition. Dialogue bubble text and expansive, humorous illustrations.
by Dev Petty
Illustrator: Mike Boldt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
After rejecting suggestions from his father and his animal friends about ways to relieve his boredom, a frog embraces his momentary condition. Dialogue bubble text and expansive, humorous illustrations.
The Ring Bearer
written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Jackson worries that he'll trip when he carries the rings at his Mama's wedding, but when his new little sister needs help, he finds courage. Soft mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Jackson worries that he'll trip when he carries the rings at his Mama's wedding, but when his new little sister needs help, he finds courage. Soft mixed-media illustrations.
The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet!/¡El gallo que no se callaba!
by Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Eugene Yelchin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A courageous farm bird stands up to his oppressor and wins. Bilingual Spanish and English with vibrant mixed-media illustrations.
by Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Eugene Yelchin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A courageous farm bird stands up to his oppressor and wins. Bilingual Spanish and English with vibrant mixed-media illustrations.
The Whopper
written and illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A personified lie that grows bigger with each fib anchors the story of an ugly sweater, bad decisions, and fessing up. Charming mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Rebecca Ashdown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A personified lie that grows bigger with each fib anchors the story of an ugly sweater, bad decisions, and fessing up. Charming mixed-media illustrations.
The Wolf, the Duck, & the Mouse
by Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
ARC A mouse joins a duck who has happily set up housekeeping inside a wolf until a hunter threatens their cozy arrangement. Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
by Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
ARC A mouse joins a duck who has happily set up housekeeping inside a wolf until a hunter threatens their cozy arrangement. Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
Through with the Zoo
written and illustrated by Jacob Grant
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
ARC - Charcoal and crayon and colored digital drawings capture Goat's humorous and heartfelt search for a perfect place to live.
written and illustrated by Jacob Grant
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
ARC - Charcoal and crayon and colored digital drawings capture Goat's humorous and heartfelt search for a perfect place to live.
Time for Bed
written and illustrated by Thierry Bedouet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
It's so hard to fall asleep without a little help or word of comfort. Pull-tabs and mixed media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Thierry Bedouet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
It's so hard to fall asleep without a little help or word of comfort. Pull-tabs and mixed media illustrations.
Time Now to Dream
by Timothy Knapman
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
While walking in the woods, Alice and Jack take turns reassuring one another showing relationships that defy age and gender stereotypes. Muted watercolor illustrations.
by Timothy Knapman
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
While walking in the woods, Alice and Jack take turns reassuring one another showing relationships that defy age and gender stereotypes. Muted watercolor illustrations.
Tubby/Bañito
written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A baby enjoys bathtime adventures in this bilingual board book. Vibrant, bold illustrations, outlined in black.
written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A baby enjoys bathtime adventures in this bilingual board book. Vibrant, bold illustrations, outlined in black.
Under the Silver Moon
illustrated by Pamela Dalton
Illustrator: Pamela Dalton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Cut paper and watercolor illustrations bring to life this collection of traditional songs and poems for bedtime sharing.
illustrated by Pamela Dalton
Illustrator: Pamela Dalton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Cut paper and watercolor illustrations bring to life this collection of traditional songs and poems for bedtime sharing.
Wake Up!
by Helen Frost
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Exceptional photographs and rhyming text illustrate the awakening of the world of nature in the spring. Back matter explains the photo content.
by Helen Frost
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Exceptional photographs and rhyming text illustrate the awakening of the world of nature in the spring. Back matter explains the photo content.
Warthog
by Birdie Black
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A warthog goes on a counting adventure. Pull-down flaps lead to surprises. Lively,mixed-media illustrations.
by Birdie Black
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
A warthog goes on a counting adventure. Pull-down flaps lead to surprises. Lively,mixed-media illustrations.
What Are You Waiting For?
by Scott Menchin
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Written in question and answer format, a curious badger tries to solve the riddle his rabbit friend poses throughout the day. Sketchy-style pencil and pastel illustrations.
by Scott Menchin
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Written in question and answer format, a curious badger tries to solve the riddle his rabbit friend poses throughout the day. Sketchy-style pencil and pastel illustrations.
What George Forgot
by Kathy Wolff
Illustrator: Richard Byrne
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
George is getting ready for school but what hasn't he done? Amusing appealing pencil illustrations.
by Kathy Wolff
Illustrator: Richard Byrne
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
George is getting ready for school but what hasn't he done? Amusing appealing pencil illustrations.
When Your Elephant Has the Sniffles
by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
When a young girl's elephant has the sniffles she must do everything to take care of him and make sure he doesn't sneeze. Amusing colorful illustrations
by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
When a young girl's elephant has the sniffles she must do everything to take care of him and make sure he doesn't sneeze. Amusing colorful illustrations
When Your Lion Needs a Bath
by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
When a young boy's smelly lion needs a bath, the boy must try to trick him into getting in the tub. Amusing colorful illustratiions.
by Susanna Leonard Hill
Illustrator: Daniel Wiseman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
When a young boy's smelly lion needs a bath, the boy must try to trick him into getting in the tub. Amusing colorful illustratiions.
Where, Oh Where Is Baby Bear?
written and illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
While his Mama searches for food, baby bear hides. How will the adventure end? Hand water-colored linoleum block illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ashley Wolff
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
While his Mama searches for food, baby bear hides. How will the adventure end? Hand water-colored linoleum block illustrations.
Who Am I?
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Clues specific to different animals will have readers guessing the identity of a diverse collection of common creatures. Accurate drawing and informative back matter.
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Clues specific to different animals will have readers guessing the identity of a diverse collection of common creatures. Accurate drawing and informative back matter.
Whose Moon Is That?
written and illustrated by Kim Krans
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
The curious cat's question, “Whose moon is that?” results in many claims of ownership until the moon sets the record straight. Lovely moon illustrations.
written and illustrated by Kim Krans
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
The curious cat's question, “Whose moon is that?” results in many claims of ownership until the moon sets the record straight. Lovely moon illustrations.
Whose Poop Is That?
by Darrin Lunde
Illustrator: Kelsey Oseid
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Guess which animal has left a “gift” behind! Amazing digitally-colored pen-and-ink illustrations.
by Darrin Lunde
Illustrator: Kelsey Oseid
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Guess which animal has left a “gift” behind! Amazing digitally-colored pen-and-ink illustrations.
Windows
by Julia Denos
Illustrator: E. B. Goodale
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Walking his dog in the evening, a young boy notices windows light up and watches the many activities of his neighbors. Detailed ink, watercolor, and digital collage illustrations.
by Julia Denos
Illustrator: E. B. Goodale
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Walking his dog in the evening, a young boy notices windows light up and watches the many activities of his neighbors. Detailed ink, watercolor, and digital collage illustrations.
Winter Dance
by Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrator: Richard Jones
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Winter is coming and young fox seeks information from different forest creatures about what to do. Soft wintery illustrations.
by Marion Dane Bauer
Illustrator: Richard Jones
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Winter is coming and young fox seeks information from different forest creatures about what to do. Soft wintery illustrations.
Yaffa and Fatima
adapted by Fawzia Gilani-Williams
Illustrator: Chiara Fedele
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Although they dress and pray differently, neighbors Yaffa and Fatima share an understanding of what it means to be friends. Line drawings with soft colors.
adapted by Fawzia Gilani-Williams
Illustrator: Chiara Fedele
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Although they dress and pray differently, neighbors Yaffa and Fatima share an understanding of what it means to be friends. Line drawings with soft colors.
Yoga Bunny
written and illustrated by Brian Russo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Bunny performs yoga throughout the day, demonstrating to his friends all the reasons to join him and ending with “ommmm.” Watercolors, colored pencil, and digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Brian Russo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2017
Bunny performs yoga throughout the day, demonstrating to his friends all the reasons to join him and ending with “ommmm.” Watercolors, colored pencil, and digital illustrations.