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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Wild About You!
by Judy Sierra
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
The pandas and tree kangaroos are sad that they don't have new babies to take care of, but an abandoned egg and a stray kitten change that. Bright, energetic mixed-media illustrations.
by Judy Sierra
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
The pandas and tree kangaroos are sad that they don't have new babies to take care of, but an abandoned egg and a stray kitten change that. Bright, energetic mixed-media illustrations.
You Choose
by Pippa Goodhart
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A whole range of thematically arranged scenarios, accompanied by bold, colorful illustrations, stimulate imagination and invite discussion.
by Pippa Goodhart
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
A whole range of thematically arranged scenarios, accompanied by bold, colorful illustrations, stimulate imagination and invite discussion.
Z is for Moose
by Kelly Bingham
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Sometimes it's just too hard to wait your turn--even if moving means scrambling the alphabet! Cartoon-like illustrations with wonderfully humorous details.
by Kelly Bingham
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Sometimes it's just too hard to wait your turn--even if moving means scrambling the alphabet! Cartoon-like illustrations with wonderfully humorous details.
Zoom, Rocket, Zoom!
by Margaret Mayo
Illustrator: Alex Ayliffe
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Vibrant cut-paper collages bring concepts of outer space exploration into focus for young readers.
by Margaret Mayo
Illustrator: Alex Ayliffe
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Vibrant cut-paper collages bring concepts of outer space exploration into focus for young readers.
Zorro Gets an Outfit
written and illustrated by Carter Goodrich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Pug Zorro's feeelings about his new, embarrassing outfit are vividly conveyed in simple text and expressive watercolors.
written and illustrated by Carter Goodrich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2012
Pug Zorro's feeelings about his new, embarrassing outfit are vividly conveyed in simple text and expressive watercolors.
A Ball for Daisy
conceived and illustrated by Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
What's a dog to do when his favorite toy is destroyed? Bold line drawings capture the anguish and humor in this wordless book.
conceived and illustrated by Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
What's a dog to do when his favorite toy is destroyed? Bold line drawings capture the anguish and humor in this wordless book.
A Cat Like That
written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A cat's-eye view of the perfect friend is presented in a simple text and humorous striking digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Wendy Wahman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A cat's-eye view of the perfect friend is presented in a simple text and humorous striking digital illustrations.
A Christmas Goodnight
by Nola Buck
Illustrator: Sarah Jane Wright
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A soothing bedtime book teaches toddlers about the Nativity story. Simple illustrations in vivid colors.
by Nola Buck
Illustrator: Sarah Jane Wright
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A soothing bedtime book teaches toddlers about the Nativity story. Simple illustrations in vivid colors.
A Is For Autumn
written and photographed by Robert Maass
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
In an ABC book, strong seasonal concepts are supported by vibrant photographs of autumn.
written and photographed by Robert Maass
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
In an ABC book, strong seasonal concepts are supported by vibrant photographs of autumn.
A Little Bitty Man
by Halfdan Rasmussen
Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
These original translations of nursery rhymes and nonsense verses are accompanied by delightful acrylic and charcoal-pencil illustrations.
by Halfdan Rasmussen
Illustrator: Kevin Hawkes
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
These original translations of nursery rhymes and nonsense verses are accompanied by delightful acrylic and charcoal-pencil illustrations.
A New Year's Reunion
by Yu Li-Qiong
Illustrator: Zhu Chen-Liang
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Maomao's father works far away and only comes home for New Year's, but they find a way to stay connected all year long. Illustrations portray their emotional bond.
by Yu Li-Qiong
Illustrator: Zhu Chen-Liang
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Maomao's father works far away and only comes home for New Year's, but they find a way to stay connected all year long. Illustrations portray their emotional bond.
Animal Baths
written and illustrated by Bob Barner
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A spirited, rhyming text and vibrantly colored collage art highlight various animals' bathing habits and connect them playfully to a child's bath time.
written and illustrated by Bob Barner
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A spirited, rhyming text and vibrantly colored collage art highlight various animals' bathing habits and connect them playfully to a child's bath time.
A Pet for Petunia
written and ill. by Paul Schmid
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Petunia learns the hard way why skunks don't make good pets. Pencil and watercolor illustrations.
written and ill. by Paul Schmid
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Petunia learns the hard way why skunks don't make good pets. Pencil and watercolor illustrations.
Around One Log
by Anthony D. Fredericks
Illustrator: Jennifer DiRubbio
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A giant oak is felled by lightning and gradually becomes home to a variety of woodland creatures.
by Anthony D. Fredericks
Illustrator: Jennifer DiRubbio
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A giant oak is felled by lightning and gradually becomes home to a variety of woodland creatures.
Back to School Tortoise
by Lucy M. George
Illustrator: Merel Eyckerman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Tortoise shows us that all sorts of creatures can feel nervous on the first day of school. Whimsical watercolors add to the text.
by Lucy M. George
Illustrator: Merel Eyckerman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Tortoise shows us that all sorts of creatures can feel nervous on the first day of school. Whimsical watercolors add to the text.
Bedtime for Bear
written and illustrated by Brett Helquist
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bear and his raccoon friends enjoy a final romp in the snow before he settles in for the winter. Joyous color paintings.
written and illustrated by Brett Helquist
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bear and his raccoon friends enjoy a final romp in the snow before he settles in for the winter. Joyous color paintings.
Before You Came
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: David Diaz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A mother shares her happy memories with her child. Poetic lan guage and bold, colorful images.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: David Diaz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A mother shares her happy memories with her child. Poetic lan guage and bold, colorful images.
Big Brothers Don't Take Naps
by Louise Borden
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Will Nicholas be able to be a great big brother just like James? Digital illustrations show their adventures together as they prepare for a new family development.
by Louise Borden
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Will Nicholas be able to be a great big brother just like James? Digital illustrations show their adventures together as they prepare for a new family development.
Blue Chameleon
written and illustrated by Emily Gravett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Chameleon tries to find a friend by changing his color and shape. Intriguing, humorous crayon and pencil drawings.
written and illustrated by Emily Gravett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Chameleon tries to find a friend by changing his color and shape. Intriguing, humorous crayon and pencil drawings.
Bug and Bear:
written by Ann Bonwill
Illustrator: Layn Marlow
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bug and Bear find out what friendship is all about.
written by Ann Bonwill
Illustrator: Layn Marlow
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Bug and Bear find out what friendship is all about.
Busy Elephants
by John Schindel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Rhymed couplets describe a broad range of elephant behavior. Illuminating photographs.
by John Schindel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Rhymed couplets describe a broad range of elephant behavior. Illuminating photographs.
Cat Secrets
written and illustrated by Jef Czekaj
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
This book is for cats only--and for YOU if you can pass the test. Bold colorful cartoon-like illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jef Czekaj
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
This book is for cats only--and for YOU if you can pass the test. Bold colorful cartoon-like illustrations.
Chicken, Chicken, Duck!
written and illustrated by Nadia Krilanovich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
The names and sounds of the animals under the leadership of duck are portrayed with lively illustrations.
written and illustrated by Nadia Krilanovich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
The names and sounds of the animals under the leadership of duck are portrayed with lively illustrations.
Chicks Run Wild
by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Illustrator: Ward Jenkins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When Mama tucks in her chicks, they are not ready to go to sleep. Fun, bright illustrations.
by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Illustrator: Ward Jenkins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When Mama tucks in her chicks, they are not ready to go to sleep. Fun, bright illustrations.
Colores de la Vida
by Cynthia Weill
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Vivid colors are presented on double pages with the name of the color in English and Spanish. Illustrations are folk art from Oaxaca.
by Cynthia Weill
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Vivid colors are presented on double pages with the name of the color in English and Spanish. Illustrations are folk art from Oaxaca.