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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Hamsters Holding Hands
written and illustrated by Kass Reich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Hamsters from one to ten interact in playful rhyme. Delicate drawings.
written and illustrated by Kass Reich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Hamsters from one to ten interact in playful rhyme. Delicate drawings.
Hey Little Baby!
by Heather Leigh
Illustrator: Geneviève Côté
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A newborn baby discovers hands, feet and nose. What will the future bring? Mixed-media illustrations.
by Heather Leigh
Illustrator: Geneviève Côté
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A newborn baby discovers hands, feet and nose. What will the future bring? Mixed-media illustrations.
Hippospotamus
by Jeanne Willis
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Silly, nonsensical rhyming words advance this story of jungle animals trying to help their hippo friend. Lively, humorous pen, ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Jeanne Willis
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Silly, nonsensical rhyming words advance this story of jungle animals trying to help their hippo friend. Lively, humorous pen, ink and watercolor illustrations.
How to Be Friends with a Dragon
written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
As his sister teaches him how to treat a dragon, Simon gets involved in a series of adventures with a dragon. Fanciful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
As his sister teaches him how to treat a dragon, Simon gets involved in a series of adventures with a dragon. Fanciful illustrations.
Huff & Puff
written and illustrated by Claudia Rueda
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Play the role of the Big Bad Wolf, but be ready for a surprise twist. Die cuts with black pen-and-watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Claudia Rueda
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Play the role of the Big Bad Wolf, but be ready for a surprise twist. Die cuts with black pen-and-watercolor illustrations.
I Don't Want to be a Pea!
by Ann Bonwill
Illustrator: Simon Rickerty
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Hugo Hippo and Bella Bird argue over their costumes for the fairy tale fancy dress party. Colorful digital illustrations.
by Ann Bonwill
Illustrator: Simon Rickerty
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Hugo Hippo and Bella Bird argue over their costumes for the fairy tale fancy dress party. Colorful digital illustrations.
I'm Fast!
by Kate McMullan
Illustrator: Jim McMullan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
“Chooka chooka chooka” --freight train goes so fast! Can the little red car win this race from Sacramento to Chicago? Engaging line drawings with watercolors.
by Kate McMullan
Illustrator: Jim McMullan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
“Chooka chooka chooka” --freight train goes so fast! Can the little red car win this race from Sacramento to Chicago? Engaging line drawings with watercolors.
Isabella's Garden
by Glenda Millard
Illustrator: Rebecca Cool
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Seeds, plants, hatchlings, and a mantis all participate in seasonal changes depicted in a cumulative poem. Mixed-media illustrations.
by Glenda Millard
Illustrator: Rebecca Cool
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Seeds, plants, hatchlings, and a mantis all participate in seasonal changes depicted in a cumulative poem. Mixed-media illustrations.
It's a Tiger!
by David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Jeremy Tankard
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A young child narrates the jungle adventures of running away from a persistent tiger. Bold illustrations in ink and digital media.
by David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Jeremy Tankard
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A young child narrates the jungle adventures of running away from a persistent tiger. Bold illustrations in ink and digital media.
Itsy Bitsy Baby Mouse
by Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Bouncy, playful rhyme matches the energy of Baby Mouse's adventure. Cheerful watercolor illustrations.
by Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Bouncy, playful rhyme matches the energy of Baby Mouse's adventure. Cheerful watercolor illustrations.
I Want to Win!
written and illustrated by Tony Ross
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Can a feisty princess, used to having her way at the castle, learn how to play by the rules in a school competition? Whimsical ink-and-watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Tony Ross
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Can a feisty princess, used to having her way at the castle, learn how to play by the rules in a school competition? Whimsical ink-and-watercolor illustrations.
Just Ducks!
by Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Salvatore Rubbino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A muted urban palette illustrates this close look at our feathered neighbors in the city.
by Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Salvatore Rubbino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A muted urban palette illustrates this close look at our feathered neighbors in the city.
Kali's Song
written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Sent out to practice hunting mammoths, Kali makes a surprising discovery about something else he can do with his bow. Mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Sent out to practice hunting mammoths, Kali makes a surprising discovery about something else he can do with his bow. Mixed-media illustrations.
Kate and Nate Are Running Late!
by Kate Egan
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A frantic morning rush to get to school on time ends with a surprise. Rhyming text and gouache and watercolor illustrations.
by Kate Egan
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A frantic morning rush to get to school on time ends with a surprise. Rhyming text and gouache and watercolor illustrations.
Kate & Pippin
by Martin Springett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Photographs and simple text capture the true story of an abandoned fawn and the Great Dane who adopts her.
by Martin Springett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Photographs and simple text capture the true story of an abandoned fawn and the Great Dane who adopts her.
Kite Day
written and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Two playful friends prepare for a day of kite flying, but a surprise is waiting. Simple, engaging language and colorful mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Will Hillenbrand
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Two playful friends prepare for a day of kite flying, but a surprise is waiting. Simple, engaging language and colorful mixed-media illustrations.
Let's Go For a Drive!
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Elephant and Piggie's plan to take a car trip fails when they forget one crucial item. Colorful animated illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Elephant and Piggie's plan to take a car trip fails when they forget one crucial item. Colorful animated illustrations.
Listen To My Trumpet
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Piggy has a new trumpet. Elephant tells the truth about Piggy's “music” --and gets a surprise. Energetic color cartoons add to the humor.
written and illustrated by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Piggy has a new trumpet. Elephant tells the truth about Piggy's “music” --and gets a surprise. Energetic color cartoons add to the humor.
Little Bee
written and illustrated by Edward Gibbs
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
There is a commotion in the jungle and everyone is running away for safety. Vivid illustrations capture movement and emotions.
written and illustrated by Edward Gibbs
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
There is a commotion in the jungle and everyone is running away for safety. Vivid illustrations capture movement and emotions.
Little Bird
by Germano Zullo
Illustrator: Albertine
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
When a man releases a large group of birds, what is he to do when one stays behind? Colorful, whimsical illustrations.
by Germano Zullo
Illustrator: Albertine
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
When a man releases a large group of birds, what is he to do when one stays behind? Colorful, whimsical illustrations.
Little Dog Lost
written and illustrated by Mônica Carnesi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Stranded on ice, a dog is rescued in the Baltic Sea and adopted by the sailor who saved him. Illustrated in watercolor, pen, and ink.
written and illustrated by Mônica Carnesi
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Stranded on ice, a dog is rescued in the Baltic Sea and adopted by the sailor who saved him. Illustrated in watercolor, pen, and ink.
Little Tug
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Little Tug knows what to do when the sailing ship, the speed boat, and the ocean liner need him. Simple outline drawings with dramatic backgrounds.
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Little Tug knows what to do when the sailing ship, the speed boat, and the ocean liner need him. Simple outline drawings with dramatic backgrounds.
Llama Llama Time To Share
written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
In rhyming text, the ideas of play and sharing are explored as young llama meets his new friend, Nelly Gnu. Expressive oil painted illustrations.
written and illustrated by Anna Dewdney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
In rhyming text, the ideas of play and sharing are explored as young llama meets his new friend, Nelly Gnu. Expressive oil painted illustrations.
Lola Reads to Leo
by Anna McQuinn
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A book-loving sister learns to help baby brother Leo by sharing stories for every occasion. Acrylic illustrations sweetly enrich the narrative.
by Anna McQuinn
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A book-loving sister learns to help baby brother Leo by sharing stories for every occasion. Acrylic illustrations sweetly enrich the narrative.
Lovabye Dragon
by Barbara Joossee
Illustrator: Randy Cecil
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A lonely girl is found in a castle by a lonely dragon and they become friends. Textured oil illustrations.
by Barbara Joossee
Illustrator: Randy Cecil
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A lonely girl is found in a castle by a lonely dragon and they become friends. Textured oil illustrations.