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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P. Zonka Lays an Egg
written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
All the other hens lay eggs, but not P. Zonka. What's wrong with her? Colorful, luminous watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Julie Paschkis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
All the other hens lay eggs, but not P. Zonka. What's wrong with her? Colorful, luminous watercolor illustrations.
Rhymoceros
written and illustrated by Janik Coat
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A blue rhinoceros demonstrates rhyming words and phrases. Minimalist art, some pages including sensory details, set against a white background.
written and illustrated by Janik Coat
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A blue rhinoceros demonstrates rhyming words and phrases. Minimalist art, some pages including sensory details, set against a white background.
Say Hello!
written and illustrated by Linda Davick
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
From hand shakes to hugs, there are lots of ways to greet someone. Simple rhyming text and lively, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Linda Davick
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
From hand shakes to hugs, there are lots of ways to greet someone. Simple rhyming text and lively, colorful illustrations.
Seven Orange Pumpkins
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
What becomes of the vanishing pumpkins? Gentle rhymes and full-page Halloween colors and silhouettes.
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
What becomes of the vanishing pumpkins? Gentle rhymes and full-page Halloween colors and silhouettes.
Sidewalk Flowers
by JonArno Lawson
Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
In this wordless picture book, a young child picks flowers and gifts them to others. Pen-and-ink illustrations gradually gain color.
by JonArno Lawson
Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
In this wordless picture book, a young child picks flowers and gifts them to others. Pen-and-ink illustrations gradually gain color.
Smick!
by Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Juana Medina
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Smick fetches a stick and meets a chick. Will it become a sidekick? Boldly outlined expressions with flashes of color, digitally rendered.
by Doreen Cronin
Illustrator: Juana Medina
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Smick fetches a stick and meets a chick. Will it become a sidekick? Boldly outlined expressions with flashes of color, digitally rendered.
Soon
by Timothy Knapman
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Elephants Raju and his mother experience the dangers and pleasures of an early morning walk. Expressive and atmospheric illustrations.
by Timothy Knapman
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Elephants Raju and his mother experience the dangers and pleasures of an early morning walk. Expressive and atmospheric illustrations.
Spare Parts
written and illustrated by Rebecca Emberley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
ARC - Colorful collage and catchy rhymed text explore friendship between two rusty, trusty spare parts.
written and illustrated by Rebecca Emberley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
ARC - Colorful collage and catchy rhymed text explore friendship between two rusty, trusty spare parts.
Squid Kid the Magnificent
by Lynne Berry
Illustrator: Luke LaMarca
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A burgeoing magician must deal with his cynical sister. Perfect magician patois accompanies bold illustrations.
by Lynne Berry
Illustrator: Luke LaMarca
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A burgeoing magician must deal with his cynical sister. Perfect magician patois accompanies bold illustrations.
Squirrel Round and Round
written and illustrated by Belle Yang
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
While other animals favor specific seasons, squirrel is busy all year. In English and Mandarin Chinese. Gouache illustrations with bold outlines.
written and illustrated by Belle Yang
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
While other animals favor specific seasons, squirrel is busy all year. In English and Mandarin Chinese. Gouache illustrations with bold outlines.
Stormy Night
by Saline Yoon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Bear and his bunny can't get to sleep during a loud thunderstorm. Luckily, Mama and Papa Bear are there to protect them. Color photoshopped illustrations.
by Saline Yoon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Bear and his bunny can't get to sleep during a loud thunderstorm. Luckily, Mama and Papa Bear are there to protect them. Color photoshopped illustrations.
Supertruck
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
By day an ordinary garbage truck, but at night, during a blizzard, he mysteriously turns into a superhero. Bold graphic art.
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
By day an ordinary garbage truck, but at night, during a blizzard, he mysteriously turns into a superhero. Bold graphic art.
Sweep Up the Sun
by Helen Frost
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Beautiful photographs of birds in action are accompanied by a poetic text. Back matter offers additional information, including location, coloring, and feeding patterns.
by Helen Frost
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Beautiful photographs of birds in action are accompanied by a poetic text. Back matter offers additional information, including location, coloring, and feeding patterns.
Tad and Dad
written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A bullfrog-Dad enjoys taking care of his little son until the day that Tad starts to grow up. Big changes! Humorous crayola and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A bullfrog-Dad enjoys taking care of his little son until the day that Tad starts to grow up. Big changes! Humorous crayola and watercolor illustrations.
Tell Me What to Dream About
written and illustrated by Giselle Potter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
At bedtime, two little sisters imagine a world of dreams. Fanciful watercolors.
written and illustrated by Giselle Potter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
At bedtime, two little sisters imagine a world of dreams. Fanciful watercolors.
The Bear Ate Your Sandwich
by Julia Sarcone-Roach
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Who can possibly doubt how a bear inadvertently traveled to the city, unknowingly explored unfamiliar places, ate someone's food, and miraculously returned home? Surprise! Colorful, impressionistic brushstrokes.
by Julia Sarcone-Roach
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Who can possibly doubt how a bear inadvertently traveled to the city, unknowingly explored unfamiliar places, ate someone's food, and miraculously returned home? Surprise! Colorful, impressionistic brushstrokes.
The Bus is for Us!
by Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Gillian Tyler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
There are many ways to get around, but the bus is the big favorite. Soft watercolor illustrations.
by Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Gillian Tyler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
There are many ways to get around, but the bus is the big favorite. Soft watercolor illustrations.
The Full Moon at the Napping House
by Audrey Wood
Illustrator: Don Wood
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
The restless inhabitants of a moon-drenched house are calmed by an unexpected visitor at bedtime. Warm, whimsical, detailed illustrations.
by Audrey Wood
Illustrator: Don Wood
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
The restless inhabitants of a moon-drenched house are calmed by an unexpected visitor at bedtime. Warm, whimsical, detailed illustrations.
The Fun Book of Scary Stuff
by Emily Jenkins
Illustrator: Hyewon Yum
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A boy and his two dogs confront life's scary stuff. Expressive watercolors.
by Emily Jenkins
Illustrator: Hyewon Yum
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A boy and his two dogs confront life's scary stuff. Expressive watercolors.
The Goodbye Book
written and illustrated by Todd Parr
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A fish in a bowl goes through the stages of loss and grief and learns to remember special times and heal. Bold graphic art.
written and illustrated by Todd Parr
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
A fish in a bowl goes through the stages of loss and grief and learns to remember special times and heal. Bold graphic art.
The Great and Mighty Nikko!
written and illustrated by Xavier Garza
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
If Nikko isn't the one wrestling on his bed, then who is? Bold, vibrant illustrations.
written and illustrated by Xavier Garza
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
If Nikko isn't the one wrestling on his bed, then who is? Bold, vibrant illustrations.
The Moon is Going to Addy's House
written and illustrated by Ida Pearle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
As a girl and her family drive home, the moon seems to follow and watch over them. Vibrant cut-paper collages.
written and illustrated by Ida Pearle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
As a girl and her family drive home, the moon seems to follow and watch over them. Vibrant cut-paper collages.
The New Small Person
written and illustrated by Lauren Child
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Bold color illustrations capture Elmore's frustration and alienation when his baby brother, Albert, arrives. Told with heartfelt humor.
written and illustrated by Lauren Child
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Bold color illustrations capture Elmore's frustration and alienation when his baby brother, Albert, arrives. Told with heartfelt humor.
The Nonsense Show
written and illustrated by Eric Carle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Colorful tissue paper collage illustrations of engaging rhymes that capture preposterous situations.
written and illustrated by Eric Carle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
Colorful tissue paper collage illustrations of engaging rhymes that capture preposterous situations.
The Potato King
written and illustrated by Christoph Niemann
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
In this amusing story of how the potato was introduced in Europe by a clever king, colorful potato prints add to the fun.
written and illustrated by Christoph Niemann
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2015
In this amusing story of how the potato was introduced in Europe by a clever king, colorful potato prints add to the fun.