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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Uh-Oh, Dodo!
written and illustrated by Jennifer Sattler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A young bird goes for a long walk with hus mother, singing, collecting and meeting other animals. Colorful acrylic and pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jennifer Sattler
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A young bird goes for a long walk with hus mother, singing, collecting and meeting other animals. Colorful acrylic and pencil illustrations.
Unicorn Thinks He's Pretty Great
written and illustrated by Bob Shea
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Friction turns into friendship in this humorous tale of a goat and a unicorn. Cartoon-like illustrations.
written and illustrated by Bob Shea
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Friction turns into friendship in this humorous tale of a goat and a unicorn. Cartoon-like illustrations.
Vampire Baby
by Kelly Bennett
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Big brother is certain that his baby sister, who chomps everything in sight, must be a vampire so he tries to find the right home for her. Humorous mixed-media color illustrations.
by Kelly Bennett
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Big brother is certain that his baby sister, who chomps everything in sight, must be a vampire so he tries to find the right home for her. Humorous mixed-media color illustrations.
Wait! Wait!
by Hatsue Nakawak
Illustrator: Komako Sakai
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
When a toddler's encounters with creatures in the outside world elude her reach, her father's presence provides reassuring constancy. Sparse repetitive text with delicate acrylic-and-oil pencil illustration.
by Hatsue Nakawak
Illustrator: Komako Sakai
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
When a toddler's encounters with creatures in the outside world elude her reach, her father's presence provides reassuring constancy. Sparse repetitive text with delicate acrylic-and-oil pencil illustration.
Wee Rhymes
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Jane Dyer
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Baby's days from play time to bedtime are celebrated in seventy-five new and classic rhymes. Gentle, appealing watercolor illustrations.
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Jane Dyer
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Baby's days from play time to bedtime are celebrated in seventy-five new and classic rhymes. Gentle, appealing watercolor illustrations.
Whale Shines
written and illustrated by Fiona Robinson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A whale, with help from the plankton, manages to join the other sea animals in entering the annual art exhibition.
written and illustrated by Fiona Robinson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A whale, with help from the plankton, manages to join the other sea animals in entering the annual art exhibition.
What's In There?
by Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
The facts of pregnancy and birth are presented clearly and simply. Humorous illustrations.
by Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
The facts of pregnancy and birth are presented clearly and simply. Humorous illustrations.
What's the Time, Mr. Wolf?
written and illustrated by Debi Gliori
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
As the hours pass by, Mr. Wolf wonders whether any of his friends remember that it's his birthday. Humorous, detailed watercolor and ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Debi Gliori
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
As the hours pass by, Mr. Wolf wonders whether any of his friends remember that it's his birthday. Humorous, detailed watercolor and ink illustrations.
What Will Hatch?
by Jennifer Ward
Illustrator: Susie Ghahremani
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Guess what animal will hatch from eggs different in size, color and shape. Clear, informative illustrations.
by Jennifer Ward
Illustrator: Susie Ghahremani
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Guess what animal will hatch from eggs different in size, color and shape. Clear, informative illustrations.
When Charley Met Grampa
by Amy Hest
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Henry wants Grandpa to meet and like his new puppy, Charley. Soft appealing illustrations.
by Amy Hest
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Henry wants Grandpa to meet and like his new puppy, Charley. Soft appealing illustrations.
When Lions Roar
by Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A young child describes loud noises that scare him and tells what he does to make himself feel calmer. Crayon and watercolor illustrations.
by Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A young child describes loud noises that scare him and tells what he does to make himself feel calmer. Crayon and watercolor illustrations.
When No One is Watching
by Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: David A. Johnson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A young girl dances, sings, and soars when she is alone, but she is shy with everyone except her best friend. digitally m,anipulated ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: David A. Johnson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A young girl dances, sings, and soars when she is alone, but she is shy with everyone except her best friend. digitally m,anipulated ink and watercolor illustrations.
Which Is Round? Which Is Bigger?
written and illustrated by Mineko Mamada
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
This interesting twist on visual comparisons challenges very young readers to give objects a second look. Playful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mineko Mamada
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
This interesting twist on visual comparisons challenges very young readers to give objects a second look. Playful illustrations.
Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar?
by George Shannon
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
One person can take a cookie from the jar, but it takes a whole community to make the cookies in the jar. Colorful folk-art gouache illustrations.
by George Shannon
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
One person can take a cookie from the jar, but it takes a whole community to make the cookies in the jar. Colorful folk-art gouache illustrations.
Xander's Panda Party
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Xander Panda plans a party, and the guest list keeps expanding . . . and expanding . . . and expanding. Whimsical ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Xander Panda plans a party, and the guest list keeps expanding . . . and expanding . . . and expanding. Whimsical ink and watercolor illustrations.
Yoo-Hoo, Ladybug!
by Mem Fox
Illustrator: Laura Ljungkvist
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
This seek and find book is presented in a very simple rhyming text coupled with colorful digital illustrations.
by Mem Fox
Illustrator: Laura Ljungkvist
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
This seek and find book is presented in a very simple rhyming text coupled with colorful digital illustrations.
You Can Do It!
written and illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A determined alligator wants to win a race but needs some help from a friend. Whimsical pen-and-ink and watercolors with very simple text.
written and illustrated by Betsy Lewin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A determined alligator wants to win a race but needs some help from a friend. Whimsical pen-and-ink and watercolors with very simple text.
You Make Me Smile
written and illustrated by Layn Marlow
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A little girl can't wait to go out in the first snowfall to build a smiling snowman friend. Illustrations in luminous, wintry-hued watercolors.
written and illustrated by Layn Marlow
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A little girl can't wait to go out in the first snowfall to build a smiling snowman friend. Illustrations in luminous, wintry-hued watercolors.
Yummy!
by Shelley Rotner
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A diverse collection of lively photographs focusing artistically on children and the foods that help them grow. Tips to parents are provided throughout the simple text.
by Shelley Rotner
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
A diverse collection of lively photographs focusing artistically on children and the foods that help them grow. Tips to parents are provided throughout the simple text.
Zombelina
by Kristyn Crow
Illustrator: Molly Idle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Being inexperienced--or green--doesn't keep Zombelina from dance class. But will her stage fright turn her dance recital into a ghastly affair? Vivid prismacolor pencil illustrations.
by Kristyn Crow
Illustrator: Molly Idle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2013
Being inexperienced--or green--doesn't keep Zombelina from dance class. But will her stage fright turn her dance recital into a ghastly affair? Vivid prismacolor pencil illustrations.
A Home for Bird
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Vernon the toad is determined to help his new friend, Bird, find his home, introducing him to his animal friends along the way. Humorous mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Vernon the toad is determined to help his new friend, Bird, find his home, introducing him to his animal friends along the way. Humorous mixed-media illustrations.
A Kiss Like This
written and illustrated by Mary Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
All the little ones kiss their grown-ups. Lyrical language and warm digital ink and watercolor illustrations on die-cut pages.
written and illustrated by Mary Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
All the little ones kiss their grown-ups. Lyrical language and warm digital ink and watercolor illustrations on die-cut pages.
Alfie Is Not Afraid
written and illustrated by Patricia Carlin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A little boy feels lucky that his dog will protect him when they camp out at night, but Alfie has other ideas. Clever ink and digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Patricia Carlin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A little boy feels lucky that his dog will protect him when they camp out at night, but Alfie has other ideas. Clever ink and digital illustrations.
All About Grandmas
by Roni Schotter
Illustrator: Janice Nadeau
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
An endearing, rhyming look at the reciprocal love between grandmas and their grandchildren is accompanied by soft, inviting watercolors.
by Roni Schotter
Illustrator: Janice Nadeau
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
An endearing, rhyming look at the reciprocal love between grandmas and their grandchildren is accompanied by soft, inviting watercolors.
And Then It's Spring
by Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Accompanied by his dog, a rabbit, and a turtle, a boy patiently awaits Spring as he guards his planted seeds. Spare text and graceful, muted illustrations.
by Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Accompanied by his dog, a rabbit, and a turtle, a boy patiently awaits Spring as he guards his planted seeds. Spare text and graceful, muted illustrations.