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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Henry & Leo
written and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Reality and imagination seamlessly fuse in both text and pictures as a boy's lost beloved stuffed toy lion is magically found. Dreamlike multimedia illustrations.
written and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Reality and imagination seamlessly fuse in both text and pictures as a boy's lost beloved stuffed toy lion is magically found. Dreamlike multimedia illustrations.
How Do You Say? ¿Cómo Se Dice?
written and illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
ARC Spanish speaking and English speaking giraffes meet and become friends and amigos. Rich, mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Angela Dominguez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
ARC Spanish speaking and English speaking giraffes meet and become friends and amigos. Rich, mixed-media illustrations.
How To Build a Snow Bear
by Eric Pinder
Illustrator: Stephanie Graegin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
When he can't reach high enough to put a head on his snowman, Thomas gets his little sister to help. Colorful double-page illustrations.
by Eric Pinder
Illustrator: Stephanie Graegin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
When he can't reach high enough to put a head on his snowman, Thomas gets his little sister to help. Colorful double-page illustrations.
How to Find Gold
written and illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Cautious, methodical Crocodile and adventure-loving Anna create an effective, cooperative friendship to achieve their imaginative goal. Pencil, crayon, and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Cautious, methodical Crocodile and adventure-loving Anna create an effective, cooperative friendship to achieve their imaginative goal. Pencil, crayon, and watercolor illustrations.
If I Could Drive, Mama
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Simone Shin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
ARC - Charlie, in his new cardboard box, drives his mother around town and making it an adventurous journey. Lively, colorful watercolors.
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Simone Shin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
ARC - Charlie, in his new cardboard box, drives his mother around town and making it an adventurous journey. Lively, colorful watercolors.
I Hear a Pickle (and Smell, See, Touch, and Taste It, Too!)
written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A diverse array of appealing children explore the five senses and experience food, flowers, rain, sneakers and stars. Delicate ink-and-watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Rachel Isadora
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A diverse array of appealing children explore the five senses and experience food, flowers, rain, sneakers and stars. Delicate ink-and-watercolor illustrations.
In Plain Sight
by Richard Jackson
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
ARC - Poignant, detailed watercolor illustrations accompany a lyric repetitive text that captures the bond between a young girl and her grandfather in their daily hide and seek game.
by Richard Jackson
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
ARC - Poignant, detailed watercolor illustrations accompany a lyric repetitive text that captures the bond between a young girl and her grandfather in their daily hide and seek game.
Into the Snow
by Yuki Kaneko
Illustrator: Masamitsu Saito
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A young child explores in the snow on his own for just the right amount of time. Gorgeous mixed media illustrations.
by Yuki Kaneko
Illustrator: Masamitsu Saito
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A young child explores in the snow on his own for just the right amount of time. Gorgeous mixed media illustrations.
Leaps and Bounce
by Susan Hood
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Sprightly rhyming text and lively mixed-media illustrations introduce us to the development of frogs, from egg to tadpole to four-legged adult.
by Susan Hood
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Sprightly rhyming text and lively mixed-media illustrations introduce us to the development of frogs, from egg to tadpole to four-legged adult.
Let's Play!
written and illustrated by Hervé Tullet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Little fingers can follow a yellow dot on a black line for an exciting adventure that is a little scary, and includes colorful concepts in spare illustrations.
written and illustrated by Hervé Tullet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Little fingers can follow a yellow dot on a black line for an exciting adventure that is a little scary, and includes colorful concepts in spare illustrations.
Listen to Our World
by Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A mother teaches her children to learn about different animals from around the world by using their senses to hear and see them. Watercolor, mixed-media illustrations
by Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A mother teaches her children to learn about different animals from around the world by using their senses to hear and see them. Watercolor, mixed-media illustrations
Little Elephants/Elefantitos
written and illustrated by Susie Jaramillo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
An adaptation of the traditional Mexican song about pachyderms balancing on a spider web. Charming cartoon-style illustrations.
written and illustrated by Susie Jaramillo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
An adaptation of the traditional Mexican song about pachyderms balancing on a spider web. Charming cartoon-style illustrations.
Little Green Peas
written and illustrated by Keith Baker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Little green peas dot a series of colorful scenes and words.
written and illustrated by Keith Baker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Little green peas dot a series of colorful scenes and words.
Little Penguins
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Penguins get ready to enjoy the snow, but need to bundle up first. Joyful acrylic and cut-paper collage.
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Penguins get ready to enjoy the snow, but need to bundle up first. Joyful acrylic and cut-paper collage.
Little Red
written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
For those who do not scare easily, this retold tale, with bold graphic illustrations, leaves readers with a positive sense of outsmarting their obstacles.
written and illustrated by Bethan Woollvin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
For those who do not scare easily, this retold tale, with bold graphic illustrations, leaves readers with a positive sense of outsmarting their obstacles.
Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion
written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
An amusing safari riff on Red Riding Hood features a very young girl outwitting a scheming lion. Full-page, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
An amusing safari riff on Red Riding Hood features a very young girl outwitting a scheming lion. Full-page, colorful illustrations.
Looking for Bongo
written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A boy's beloved stuffed animal is missing. Vivid oil paintings lead to clues.
written and illustrated by Eric Velasquez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A boy's beloved stuffed animal is missing. Vivid oil paintings lead to clues.
Lucy & Company
written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Three engaging stories showcase an adventurous girl and her friends at a picnic, a treasure hunt, and a hatching. Cheerful whimsical illustrations. Landscape map.
written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Three engaging stories showcase an adventurous girl and her friends at a picnic, a treasure hunt, and a hatching. Cheerful whimsical illustrations. Landscape map.
Motor Miles
written and illustrated by John Burningham
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
What makes Miles behave like a good dog should? It's driving his own car and having adventures with his friend, Norman. Whimsical illustrations.
written and illustrated by John Burningham
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
What makes Miles behave like a good dog should? It's driving his own car and having adventures with his friend, Norman. Whimsical illustrations.
My Car Mi Carro
written and illustrated by Bryon Barton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Sam and his car drive from their hoe in the country to Sam's job in the city. Bold graphic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Bryon Barton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Sam and his car drive from their hoe in the country to Sam's job in the city. Bold graphic illustrations.
My Heart Fills With Happiness
by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Children celebrate the simple homey things that make them happy, such as dancing, baking, and drumming. Colorful gouache collages.
by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Children celebrate the simple homey things that make them happy, such as dancing, baking, and drumming. Colorful gouache collages.
My House
written and illustrated by Byron Barton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Jim the cat names his favorite places inside and outside his house. Bright, bold full-color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Byron Barton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Jim the cat names his favorite places inside and outside his house. Bright, bold full-color illustrations.
My New Mom & Me
written and illustrated by Renata Galindo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A puppy adopted by a cat shares an emotional journey as the two learn how to be a family. Muted-color-palette digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Renata Galindo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A puppy adopted by a cat shares an emotional journey as the two learn how to be a family. Muted-color-palette digital illustrations.
My Old Pal, Oscar
by Amy Hest
Illustrator: Amy Bates
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Will the cuddly, appealing dog on the beach capture the heart of a young boy who is grieving for his former pet? Sensitive pencil and watercolor illustrations.
by Amy Hest
Illustrator: Amy Bates
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Will the cuddly, appealing dog on the beach capture the heart of a young boy who is grieving for his former pet? Sensitive pencil and watercolor illustrations.
Nanette's Baguette
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Nanette's first trip to the bakery alone is filled with rhyme and temptation. Lush, cardboard construction and photographed illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Nanette's first trip to the bakery alone is filled with rhyme and temptation. Lush, cardboard construction and photographed illustrations.