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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If I Had a Raptor
written and illustrated by George O'Connor
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
An African American girl loves her “teensy and tiny” baby raptor--even when it gets bigger. Cartoonish illustrations smoothly blend fantasy and realistic elements in a pleasing read-aloud.
written and illustrated by George O'Connor
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
An African American girl loves her “teensy and tiny” baby raptor--even when it gets bigger. Cartoonish illustrations smoothly blend fantasy and realistic elements in a pleasing read-aloud.
I Got the Rhythm
by Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A young girl on a neighborhood walk with her mother finds rhythmic sounds that lead her and other children to break into dance. Vibrant oil paintings.
by Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A young girl on a neighborhood walk with her mother finds rhythmic sounds that lead her and other children to break into dance. Vibrant oil paintings.
Is There a Dog in this Book?
written and illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
In this humorous mystery for very young children, three cats become friends with a dog. Flaps and bright, energetic pen-and-ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Viviane Schwarz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
In this humorous mystery for very young children, three cats become friends with a dog. Flaps and bright, energetic pen-and-ink illustrations.
Jack
written and illustrated by Tomie DePaola
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A traditional “Jack” tale, the cast of characters grows on the journey into the city to find a new home. Painted acrylic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Tomie DePaola
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A traditional “Jack” tale, the cast of characters grows on the journey into the city to find a new home. Painted acrylic illustrations.
Lion Lion
by Miriam Busch
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A boy and a lion enjoy a playful, imaginative interchange. Humorous watercolor illustrations support the text.
by Miriam Busch
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A boy and a lion enjoy a playful, imaginative interchange. Humorous watercolor illustrations support the text.
Little Blue Truck's Christmas
by Alice Schertle
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
After Little Blue Truck delivers all his Christmas gifts to his friends, he finds a twinkly surprise at home. Colorful, wintery illustrations.
by Alice Schertle
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
After Little Blue Truck delivers all his Christmas gifts to his friends, he finds a twinkly surprise at home. Colorful, wintery illustrations.
Little Ducks Go
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
When Mother duck's six ducklings are washed down a grate, a cast of characters comes to their aid. Expressive pen and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
When Mother duck's six ducklings are washed down a grate, a cast of characters comes to their aid. Expressive pen and watercolor illustrations.
Little Elliot, Big City
written and illustrated by Mike Curato
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Elliot feels small living in a big city, until he finds good things come in small packages. Gentle illustrations in soft earth tones.
written and illustrated by Mike Curato
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Elliot feels small living in a big city, until he finds good things come in small packages. Gentle illustrations in soft earth tones.
Little Green Peas
written and illustrated by Keith Baker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Playful, mischievous little green peas show up to explain the array of colors. Find the hidden, repeated objects on each page. Bright, digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Keith Baker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Playful, mischievous little green peas show up to explain the array of colors. Find the hidden, repeated objects on each page. Bright, digital illustrations.
Little Owl's Day
written and illustrated by Divya Srinivasan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Usually awake at night, Little Owl is awakened in the morning and visits all the strange, wonderful creatures and places he has never seen before. Simple, appealing illustrations.
written and illustrated by Divya Srinivasan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Usually awake at night, Little Owl is awakened in the morning and visits all the strange, wonderful creatures and places he has never seen before. Simple, appealing illustrations.
Llama Llama Trick Or Treat
by Anna Dewdney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Llama Llama prepares for Halloween. Spare rhyming text and bold color illustrations.
by Anna Dewdney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Llama Llama prepares for Halloween. Spare rhyming text and bold color illustrations.
Lost For Words
written and illustrated by Natalie Russell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
All of his friends are busy writing, but Tapir just can't think of the right words until he finally finds the way to express himself. Exuberant, colorful silk screen illustrations.
written and illustrated by Natalie Russell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
All of his friends are busy writing, but Tapir just can't think of the right words until he finally finds the way to express himself. Exuberant, colorful silk screen illustrations.
Love You More
by Susan Musgrave
Illustrator: Esperanca Melo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Rhymes, rhythm, and colorful illustrations lead to warm celebrations of a parent's love for a child throughout each month of the year.
by Susan Musgrave
Illustrator: Esperanca Melo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Rhymes, rhythm, and colorful illustrations lead to warm celebrations of a parent's love for a child throughout each month of the year.
Maple
written and illustrated by Lori Nichols
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
The tree planted in her honor is Maple's best friend, and when she becomes a big sister, another little sprig appears. Gentle pencil and digitally colored illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lori Nichols
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
The tree planted in her honor is Maple's best friend, and when she becomes a big sister, another little sprig appears. Gentle pencil and digitally colored illustrations.
Maple & Willow Together
written and illustrated by Lori Nichols
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Even the closest sisters can fight occasionally. Muted, digitally colored pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lori Nichols
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Even the closest sisters can fight occasionally. Muted, digitally colored pencil illustrations.
Max and the Won't Go to Bed Show
by Mark Sperring
Illustrator: Sarah Warburton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
The very small ringleader performs all his creative tricks to delay bedtime. Spritely, dazzling illustrations.
by Mark Sperring
Illustrator: Sarah Warburton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
The very small ringleader performs all his creative tricks to delay bedtime. Spritely, dazzling illustrations.
Mia's Thumb
written and illustrated by Ljuba Stille
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Little Mia sucks her thumb even though everyone tries to make her stop--except Grandma! Artistic cut-paper collages.
written and illustrated by Ljuba Stille
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Little Mia sucks her thumb even though everyone tries to make her stop--except Grandma! Artistic cut-paper collages.
Mix It Up
written and illustrated by Hervé Tullet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Readers lend a helping hand as blobs of color, big and small, create new colors. Painted, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Hervé Tullet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Readers lend a helping hand as blobs of color, big and small, create new colors. Painted, colorful illustrations.
My Bus
written and illustrated by Byron Barton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
As each cat and dog passenger is picked up and dropped at a specific destination, readers have the opportunity to practice basic math concepts. Brightly colored, computer-generated art.
written and illustrated by Byron Barton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
As each cat and dog passenger is picked up and dropped at a specific destination, readers have the opportunity to practice basic math concepts. Brightly colored, computer-generated art.
Naptime
written and illustrated by Iris de Mouy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
The animals on the savannah offer a variety of familiar excuses for not taking a nap. Then a bossy young girl offers a solution. Simple appealing watercolors.
written and illustrated by Iris de Mouy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
The animals on the savannah offer a variety of familiar excuses for not taking a nap. Then a bossy young girl offers a solution. Simple appealing watercolors.
Nat the Cat Can Sleep Like That
by Victoria Allenby
Illustrator: Tara Anderson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Can the orange tabby cat sleep through all the antics of a kitten? Playful mixed media illustrations express surprise, curiosity, affection, and sleep.
by Victoria Allenby
Illustrator: Tara Anderson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Can the orange tabby cat sleep through all the antics of a kitten? Playful mixed media illustrations express surprise, curiosity, affection, and sleep.
Number One Sam
written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Sam deals with losing a race after being a winner. Silkscreen and digital collages.
written and illustrated by Greg Pizzoli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Sam deals with losing a race after being a winner. Silkscreen and digital collages.
Oliver's Tree
written and illustrated by Kit Chase
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Oliver cannot tag his playmates when they hide in trees until they figure out a way to play together. Appealing watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Kit Chase
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
Oliver cannot tag his playmates when they hide in trees until they figure out a way to play together. Appealing watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations.
One Busy Day
by Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrator: Jessica Meserve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
More than anything else, Mia wants to play with her busy big brother. Can she show him that togetherness is fun? Thick-lined, bold, digitally colored illustrations.
by Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrator: Jessica Meserve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
More than anything else, Mia wants to play with her busy big brother. Can she show him that togetherness is fun? Thick-lined, bold, digitally colored illustrations.
Out of the Blue
written and illustrated by Alison Jay
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A day at the beach is interrupted by a big storm, but afterward the ocean leaves a surprise behind. Wordless with crackled oil paintings that reveal real sea creatures.
written and illustrated by Alison Jay
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2014
A day at the beach is interrupted by a big storm, but afterward the ocean leaves a surprise behind. Wordless with crackled oil paintings that reveal real sea creatures.