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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Grandpa Green
written and illustrated by Lane Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A walk through Grandpa's garden reveals the richness of his life through the topiaries he sculpts. Stunning and poignant mixed-media artwork reflect the milestones.
written and illustrated by Lane Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A walk through Grandpa's garden reveals the richness of his life through the topiaries he sculpts. Stunning and poignant mixed-media artwork reflect the milestones.
Happy Birthday, Big Bad Wolf
written and illustrated by Frank Asch
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When B. B. Wolf arrives at the Pigs' house with supper in mind, Little Pig turns the tide by transforming the visit into a surprise birthday party! Clear, simple, appealing illustrations.
written and illustrated by Frank Asch
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When B. B. Wolf arrives at the Pigs' house with supper in mind, Little Pig turns the tide by transforming the visit into a surprise birthday party! Clear, simple, appealing illustrations.
Happy Birthday, Hamster
by Cynthia Lord
Illustrator: Derek Anderson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
It's hamster's birthday, but his best friend is too busy to notice --or is he? Exuberant acrylic paintings
by Cynthia Lord
Illustrator: Derek Anderson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
It's hamster's birthday, but his best friend is too busy to notice --or is he? Exuberant acrylic paintings
Hogwash!
by Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jim McMullan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When Farmer sets out to scrub all the animals, the pigs display inventive resistance, proving that mud has its merits. Verse with clever watercolor illustrations.
by Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jim McMullan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When Farmer sets out to scrub all the animals, the pigs display inventive resistance, proving that mud has its merits. Verse with clever watercolor illustrations.
Homer the Library Cat
by Reeve Lindbergh
Illustrator: Anne Wilsdorf
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Homer searches for a quiet place in a noisy world. Will he find it? Watercolor and collage illustrate the rhythmic, rhyming text.
by Reeve Lindbergh
Illustrator: Anne Wilsdorf
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Homer searches for a quiet place in a noisy world. Will he find it? Watercolor and collage illustrate the rhythmic, rhyming text.
How to Teach a Slug to Read
by Susan Pearson
Illustrator: David Slonim
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A little boy gives advice to a slug mother about how to teach her little one to read with all of its benefits.
by Susan Pearson
Illustrator: David Slonim
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A little boy gives advice to a slug mother about how to teach her little one to read with all of its benefits.
Ice
conceived and illustrated by Arthur Geisert
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Running out of water, a community of pigs takes off in a flying boat to haul an iceberg back to their desert island. Minutely detailed etchings illustrate this wordless adventure.
conceived and illustrated by Arthur Geisert
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Running out of water, a community of pigs takes off in a flying boat to haul an iceberg back to their desert island. Minutely detailed etchings illustrate this wordless adventure.
If You're Hoppy
by April Pulley Sayre
Illustrator: Jackie Urbanovic
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Lively watercolors accompany this simple reworking of the song, inviting enthusiastic participation.
by April Pulley Sayre
Illustrator: Jackie Urbanovic
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Lively watercolors accompany this simple reworking of the song, inviting enthusiastic participation.
I Like Vegetables
written and illustrated by Lorena Siminovich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Touch them -- see them -- eat them later! Bold, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lorena Siminovich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Touch them -- see them -- eat them later! Bold, colorful illustrations.
I Love to Sing
written and illustrated by Anna Walker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A zebra and his dog friend enjoy singing exuberantly in many places. Simple but expressive ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Anna Walker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A zebra and his dog friend enjoy singing exuberantly in many places. Simple but expressive ink illustrations.
I'm a Shark
written and illustrated by Bob Shea
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
What? A shark that's scared of spiders? Enjoy this clever play about a fearsome sea creature with a tender side.
written and illustrated by Bob Shea
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
What? A shark that's scared of spiders? Enjoy this clever play about a fearsome sea creature with a tender side.
In the Meadow
by Yukiko Kato
Illustrator: Komako Sakai
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A young girl in Japan explores the area around a river in this first book of a series. Soft acrylic and oil pencil illustrations.
by Yukiko Kato
Illustrator: Komako Sakai
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A young girl in Japan explores the area around a river in this first book of a series. Soft acrylic and oil pencil illustrations.
Is Everyone Ready For Fun?
written and illustrated by Jan Thomas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Three cows think chicken's sofa will be a good place to have fun. Bright digital art.
written and illustrated by Jan Thomas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Three cows think chicken's sofa will be a good place to have fun. Bright digital art.
Itsy Mitsy Runs Away
written and illustrated by Elanna Allen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A little girl packs liberally, with suggestions from dad, so she can run away and avoid bedtime.
written and illustrated by Elanna Allen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A little girl packs liberally, with suggestions from dad, so she can run away and avoid bedtime.
I Want a Party!
written and illustrated by Tony Ross
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
The Little Princess organizes the best party ever except for one important detail. Humorous details and illustrations.
written and illustrated by Tony Ross
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
The Little Princess organizes the best party ever except for one important detail. Humorous details and illustrations.
Jonathan and the Big Blue Boat
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Jonathan captains a big blue ocean liner as he searches for his beloved teddy bear. The fascinating illustrations combine digitally manipulated collage, pen and ink, and watercolor.
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Jonathan captains a big blue ocean liner as he searches for his beloved teddy bear. The fascinating illustrations combine digitally manipulated collage, pen and ink, and watercolor.
King Jack and the Dragon
by Peter Bentley
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Three boys bravely defend their castle, but others are taken by giants. Can Jack defend his kingdom alone? Detailed, expressive illustrations.
by Peter Bentley
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Three boys bravely defend their castle, but others are taken by giants. Can Jack defend his kingdom alone? Detailed, expressive illustrations.
Kitten's Winter
written and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bright and beautiful collages follow a kitten's journey in the natural world on a blizzardy day.
written and illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bright and beautiful collages follow a kitten's journey in the natural world on a blizzardy day.
Kitty Cat, Kitty Cat, Are You Going to Sleep?
by Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
It's time for bed, but creative distractions delay the inevitable in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Soft watercolors.
by Bill Martin Jr.
Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
It's time for bed, but creative distractions delay the inevitable in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Soft watercolors.
Lala Salama
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Following a day's activities, this gentle story details the loving world of a Tanzanian baby. Warm oil paintings.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Following a day's activities, this gentle story details the loving world of a Tanzanian baby. Warm oil paintings.
Let's Count Goats!
by Mem Fox
Illustrator: Jan Thomas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bright,hilarious cartoon illustrations accompany an original approach to numerical concepts written in Ms. Fox's inimitable style.
by Mem Fox
Illustrator: Jan Thomas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bright,hilarious cartoon illustrations accompany an original approach to numerical concepts written in Ms. Fox's inimitable style.
Little Chicken's Big Day
written by Jerry Davis
Illustrator: Katie Davis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When Little Chicken falls behind on a day out, he finds himself lost, but luckily his mama is just a cluck away. Bright, outlined characters.
written by Jerry Davis
Illustrator: Katie Davis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When Little Chicken falls behind on a day out, he finds himself lost, but luckily his mama is just a cluck away. Bright, outlined characters.
Little Mist
by Angela McAllister
Illustrator: Sarah Fox-Davies
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Little Mist, a snow leopard cub, is led from the den of his birth out into the mountain world in which he will spend his life. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations.
by Angela McAllister
Illustrator: Sarah Fox-Davies
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Little Mist, a snow leopard cub, is led from the den of his birth out into the mountain world in which he will spend his life. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations.
Little Pig Joins the Band
written and illustrated by David Hyde Costello
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Too small to play an instrument like his sisters and brothers, Little Pig finds a way to help them make music together. Cheerful ink and watercolor drawings.
written and illustrated by David Hyde Costello
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Too small to play an instrument like his sisters and brothers, Little Pig finds a way to help them make music together. Cheerful ink and watercolor drawings.
Little White Rabbit
written and ill. by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
As his imagination takes over, a little white rabbit tries out being tall or green or hard as stone. Simple acrylic and colored pencil illustrations.
written and ill. by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
As his imagination takes over, a little white rabbit tries out being tall or green or hard as stone. Simple acrylic and colored pencil illustrations.