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 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.
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.