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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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.
Numbers
written and illustrated by John J. Reiss
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Counting numbers is enlivened by simple boldly-colored drawings of familiar objects
written and illustrated by John J. Reiss
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Counting numbers is enlivened by simple boldly-colored drawings of familiar objects
Numbers (Picture This series)
by Judith Nouvion
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
list with Colors (Picture This)
by Judith Nouvion
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
list with Colors (Picture This)
One Minute
written and illustrated by Somin Ahn
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
What can you do in one minute? A little girl discovers that time can make a difference. Simple yet expressive drawings.
written and illustrated by Somin Ahn
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
What can you do in one minute? A little girl discovers that time can make a difference. Simple yet expressive drawings.
Oops Pounce Quick Run!
written and illustrated by Mike Twohy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Follow the alphabet and the wild chase that ensues after a dog's ball bounces into a mouse's hole. Colorful, energetic, humorous illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mike Twohy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Follow the alphabet and the wild chase that ensues after a dog's ball bounces into a mouse's hole. Colorful, energetic, humorous illustrations.
Over the Ocean
written and illustrated by Taro Gomi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A small child imagines skyscrapers and funny animals, and maybe someone like her, across the ocean. Simple colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Taro Gomi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A small child imagines skyscrapers and funny animals, and maybe someone like her, across the ocean. Simple colorful illustrations.
Plenty of Love to Go Around
written and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A dog named Plum is everyone's favorite, until a cat named Binky moves in next door, and follows Plum everywhere. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A dog named Plum is everyone's favorite, until a cat named Binky moves in next door, and follows Plum everywhere. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
Polka Dots for Poppy
written and illustrated by Amy Schwartz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Three sisters hatch a plan to find the perfect back-to-school clothes for their youngest sibling. Endearing gouache, pen-and-ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Amy Schwartz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
Three sisters hatch a plan to find the perfect back-to-school clothes for their youngest sibling. Endearing gouache, pen-and-ink illustrations.
Potty/Bacinica
written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A toddler asks and answers the question “Should I go potty?” Bilingual, with boldly outlined, acrylic paint illustrations.
written and illustrated by Leslie Patricelli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A toddler asks and answers the question “Should I go potty?” Bilingual, with boldly outlined, acrylic paint illustrations.
Presents Through the Window
illustrated by Taro Gomi
Illustrator: Taro Gomi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
On Christmas eve, Santa, in his haste, bases his gift choices on glimpses through windows, with some curious results. Interactive cut-paper illustrations.
illustrated by Taro Gomi
Illustrator: Taro Gomi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
On Christmas eve, Santa, in his haste, bases his gift choices on glimpses through windows, with some curious results. Interactive cut-paper illustrations.
Quackers
written and illustrated by Liz Wong
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
When a cat who thinks he's a duck discovers the truth, he learns even more about himself. Full page, playful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Liz Wong
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
When a cat who thinks he's a duck discovers the truth, he learns even more about himself. Full page, playful illustrations.
Rescue Squad No. 9
written and illustrated by Mike Austin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A thrilling rescue at sea with bright compelling paintings and simple graphic words, plus a happy ending, is accompanied by notes on water safety.
written and illustrated by Mike Austin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2016
A thrilling rescue at sea with bright compelling paintings and simple graphic words, plus a happy ending, is accompanied by notes on water safety.