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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Where's Walrus?
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Walrus leaves the zoo in a search for adventure in this delightful, wordless book. Digital collage-like illustrations.
written and illustrated by Stephen Savage
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Walrus leaves the zoo in a search for adventure in this delightful, wordless book. Digital collage-like illustrations.
Who Has What?
by Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Similarities and differences between genders are cleverly explored through dialog between a brother and sister. Colorful, explicit illustrations.
by Robie H. Harris
Illustrator: Nadine Bernard Westcott
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Similarities and differences between genders are cleverly explored through dialog between a brother and sister. Colorful, explicit illustrations.
Without You
written and illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Two animal friends argue and try doing things apart, but they discover that life is more fun together. Sweet, simple mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Two animal friends argue and try doing things apart, but they discover that life is more fun together. Sweet, simple mixed-media illustrations.
Worms for Lunch?
written and illustrated by Leonid Gore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Simple text and bold, die-cut acrylic illustrations show what different animals enjoy for lunch.
written and illustrated by Leonid Gore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Simple text and bold, die-cut acrylic illustrations show what different animals enjoy for lunch.
Write On, Carlos!
written and illustrated by Stuart J. Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Young Carlos learns to write a very important word--his name! Cheerful cartoon-like illustrations.
written and illustrated by Stuart J. Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Young Carlos learns to write a very important word--his name! Cheerful cartoon-like illustrations.
You Will Be My Friend
written and illustrated by Peter Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Lucy Bear tries very hard to make a new friend. Maybe too hard. Bold multimedia illustrations add to the humor.
written and illustrated by Peter Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Lucy Bear tries very hard to make a new friend. Maybe too hard. Bold multimedia illustrations add to the humor.
ZooZical
by Judy Sierra
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
To ward off the doldrums when the zoo is closed by a snow storm, the animals prepare a musical jamboree and display their talents. Rollicking rhyming text and colorful gouache illustrations.
by Judy Sierra
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
To ward off the doldrums when the zoo is closed by a snow storm, the animals prepare a musical jamboree and display their talents. Rollicking rhyming text and colorful gouache illustrations.
A Balloon for Isabel
by Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Laura Rankin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Porcupines plus balloons are not a good combination, but Isabel has a plan. Cheerful gouache illustrations.
by Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Laura Rankin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Porcupines plus balloons are not a good combination, but Isabel has a plan. Cheerful gouache illustrations.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
written and ill. by Ashley Bryan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Armed with his mother's scissors, Ashley Bryan creates a collage world that brings Cecil Alexander's hymn to life and takes the reader on a bright journey.
written and ill. by Ashley Bryan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Armed with his mother's scissors, Ashley Bryan creates a collage world that brings Cecil Alexander's hymn to life and takes the reader on a bright journey.
And I Love You
by Ruth Krauss
Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
New illustrations enhance the simple, rhythmic text in this gentle, affirmative celebration of love.
by Ruth Krauss
Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
New illustrations enhance the simple, rhythmic text in this gentle, affirmative celebration of love.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When a zookeeper stays home with a cold, his bereft animal friends take care of him. Soft, muted illustrations.
by Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When a zookeeper stays home with a cold, his bereft animal friends take care of him. Soft, muted illustrations.
A Tale of Two Daddies
by Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Kristin Blackwood
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A young girl answers her friend's questions about how her two daddies care for her. Bold, humorous illustrations.
by Vanita Oelschlager
Illustrator: Kristin Blackwood
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A young girl answers her friend's questions about how her two daddies care for her. Bold, humorous illustrations.
A Very Big Bunny
written and ill. by Marisabina Russo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
It takes a very little bunny to help Amelia become comfortable with her size. Engaging gouache illustrations.
written and ill. by Marisabina Russo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
It takes a very little bunny to help Amelia become comfortable with her size. Engaging gouache illustrations.
Back to Bed, Ed!
written and ill. by Sebastien Braun
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When a mouse is kept out of his parents' appealing bed, he finds another cozy solution. India ink, markers, and crayons in simple illustrations.
written and ill. by Sebastien Braun
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When a mouse is kept out of his parents' appealing bed, he finds another cozy solution. India ink, markers, and crayons in simple illustrations.
Balancing Act
written and ill. by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The concepts of balance and weight are expressed with minimal text and colorful cut-paper illustrations.
written and ill. by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The concepts of balance and weight are expressed with minimal text and colorful cut-paper illustrations.
Beaver is Lost
written and ill. by Elisha Cooper
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
In this almost wordless book, Beaver rides a log downstream and winds up lost in the big city. Detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations.
written and ill. by Elisha Cooper
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
In this almost wordless book, Beaver rides a log downstream and winds up lost in the big city. Detailed pencil and watercolor illustrations.
Bedtime Bunnies
written and ill. by Wendy Watson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
With just a few words but lots of love, a family of bunnies share a snowy evening. Soft pencil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings.
written and ill. by Wendy Watson
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
With just a few words but lots of love, a family of bunnies share a snowy evening. Soft pencil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings.
Bedtime Without Arthur
written and ill. by Jessica Meserve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bella's favorite bear disappears but she realizes, when he is found, that somebody else needs him more than she. Sensitively illustrated.
written and ill. by Jessica Meserve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bella's favorite bear disappears but she realizes, when he is found, that somebody else needs him more than she. Sensitively illustrated.
Big Red Lollipop
by Rukhsana Khan
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Two sisters manage to solve their problems about birthday parties. Expressive illustrations.
by Rukhsana Khan
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Two sisters manage to solve their problems about birthday parties. Expressive illustrations.
Boom Bah!
by Phil Cummings
Illustrator: Nina Rycroft
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A lively read-aloud rhyme builds to a noisy and exuberant crescendo with pencil and watercolor drawings of frolicking animal characters.
by Phil Cummings
Illustrator: Nina Rycroft
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A lively read-aloud rhyme builds to a noisy and exuberant crescendo with pencil and watercolor drawings of frolicking animal characters.
Bunny Days
written and ill. by Tao Nyeu
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bunnies in trouble get help from a friendly bear and “everyone is happy.” Silk-screen illustrations in a unique palette.
written and ill. by Tao Nyeu
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bunnies in trouble get help from a friendly bear and “everyone is happy.” Silk-screen illustrations in a unique palette.
Captain Small Pig
by Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Susan Varley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Three friends, one grouchy, one calm, and one enthusiastic, spend an enjoyable day on the lake. Pen and watercolor illustrations.
by Martin Waddell
Illustrator: Susan Varley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Three friends, one grouchy, one calm, and one enthusiastic, spend an enjoyable day on the lake. Pen and watercolor illustrations.
Cat the Cat Who is That?
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Exuberant cartoon-like characters and very simple, repetitive text offer intriguing surprises.
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Exuberant cartoon-like characters and very simple, repetitive text offer intriguing surprises.
Chicken Scratches
by George Shannon
Illustrator: Scott Menchin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The unexpected angles of chickens' daily egg-laying, worm-eating lives are the subject of these funny rhymes. Whimsical illustrations and playful design.
by George Shannon
Illustrator: Scott Menchin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The unexpected angles of chickens' daily egg-laying, worm-eating lives are the subject of these funny rhymes. Whimsical illustrations and playful design.
Circus Opposites
written and ill. by Suse MacDonald
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The concept of opposites is explored with pull tabs and lift the flaps. Bold, colorful examples
written and ill. by Suse MacDonald
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The concept of opposites is explored with pull tabs and lift the flaps. Bold, colorful examples