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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Cookiebot!
by Katie Van Camp
Illustrator: Lincoln Agnew
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When the cookies are out of reach, Harry and Horsie know what to do - build a robot! Bright, exciting digitally created illustrations.
by Katie Van Camp
Illustrator: Lincoln Agnew
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When the cookies are out of reach, Harry and Horsie know what to do - build a robot! Bright, exciting digitally created illustrations.
Cows to the Rescue
written and illustrated by John Himmelman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
After they get the Greenstalk family to the fair, the cows must keep saving the day. Bright, amusing watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by John Himmelman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
After they get the Greenstalk family to the fair, the cows must keep saving the day. Bright, amusing watercolor illustrations.
Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters:
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Kelly Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Despite their busy day, these monsters are not quite ready for bed. Colorful, mixed media illustrations imbue each monster with personality.
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Kelly Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Despite their busy day, these monsters are not quite ready for bed. Colorful, mixed media illustrations imbue each monster with personality.
Dot
written and illustrated by Patricia Intriago
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A predominantly black and white rendering of dots in various positions teaches concepts with humor and wit.
written and illustrated by Patricia Intriago
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
A predominantly black and white rendering of dots in various positions teaches concepts with humor and wit.
Eddie Gets Ready For School
written and illustrated by David Milgrim
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Eddie can get ready for school all by himself....well maybe with a little adult help. Humorous, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by David Milgrim
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Eddie can get ready for school all by himself....well maybe with a little adult help. Humorous, colorful illustrations.
Edwin Speaks Up
by April Stevens
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Baby Edwin has a way with words that his family doesn't appreciate. Delicate ink and watercolor illustrations add humor and quirky charm.
by April Stevens
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Baby Edwin has a way with words that his family doesn't appreciate. Delicate ink and watercolor illustrations add humor and quirky charm.
Everything Goes On Land
written and illustrated by Brian Biggs
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
In this dizzy cartoonish adventure, a boy and his father journey through streets crowded with vehicles to pick up mom from the train station.
written and illustrated by Brian Biggs
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
In this dizzy cartoonish adventure, a boy and his father journey through streets crowded with vehicles to pick up mom from the train station.
Farmyard Beat
by Lindsey Craig
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When these farmyard animals can't sleep, their rhyming and rhythmic noise gets everyone dancing to the beat. Bright,textured collage artwork complements the text.
by Lindsey Craig
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
When these farmyard animals can't sleep, their rhyming and rhythmic noise gets everyone dancing to the beat. Bright,textured collage artwork complements the text.
Follow Me
written and illustrated by Tricia Tusa
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
An imaginative game is described in simple, playful language and pictures.
written and illustrated by Tricia Tusa
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
An imaginative game is described in simple, playful language and pictures.
Fortune Cookies
by Albert Bitterman
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Pull the tabs to find out what each fortune cookie says. Whimsical, loose watercolors depict a little girl and her good luck story.
by Albert Bitterman
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Pull the tabs to find out what each fortune cookie says. Whimsical, loose watercolors depict a little girl and her good luck story.
George Flies South
written and illustrated by Simon James
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Baby bird George is afraid to leave the nest despite his mother's urgings that it is time to fly south, until a gust of wind sends the nest airborne and George discovers the pleasures of flight. Amusingly detailed ink and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Simon James
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Baby bird George is afraid to leave the nest despite his mother's urgings that it is time to fly south, until a gust of wind sends the nest airborne and George discovers the pleasures of flight. Amusingly detailed ink and watercolor illustrations.
Good Night, Chickie
written and illustrated by Émile Jadoul
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Chickie and his toy bunny need constant reassurance that mother is nearby at sleep time. Bold, evocative color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Émile Jadoul
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Chickie and his toy bunny need constant reassurance that mother is nearby at sleep time. Bold, evocative color illustrations.
Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site
by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
In a soothing, rhyming text, a group of busy construction vehicles settle down for the night. Richly colored illustrations with just enough detail and character.
by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Tom Lichtenheld
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
In a soothing, rhyming text, a group of busy construction vehicles settle down for the night. Richly colored illustrations with just enough detail and character.
Gracie the Lighthouse Cat
written and illustrated by Ruth Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Two stories, one in pictures and one in words, tell the tale of a shipwreck and the rescue of a kitten in this true story. Realistic watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ruth Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2011
Two stories, one in pictures and one in words, tell the tale of a shipwreck and the rescue of a kitten in this true story. Realistic watercolor illustrations.
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.