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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written and ill. by Oliver Jeffers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
In an evocatively illustrated touching tale, Penguin yearns to fly solo causing his best friend to feel sad.
written and ill. by Oliver Jeffers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
In an evocatively illustrated touching tale, Penguin yearns to fly solo causing his best friend to feel sad.
What About Bear?
written and ill. by Suzanne Bloom
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When Fox joins Bear and Goose at play, they must figure out how they can all have fun together.
written and ill. by Suzanne Bloom
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When Fox joins Bear and Goose at play, they must figure out how they can all have fun together.
What If?
written and ill. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A beach ball is discovered by two seals. What if a third one wants to join in? An award-winning illustrator articulates empathy nearly wordlessly. Bright oil paintings.
written and ill. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A beach ball is discovered by two seals. What if a third one wants to join in? An award-winning illustrator articulates empathy nearly wordlessly. Bright oil paintings.
What's Your Sound Hound the Hound?
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Cat the Cat wants to know what sound her friends make, but what about Bunny the Bunny? Bright, cheerful illustrations.
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Cat the Cat wants to know what sound her friends make, but what about Bunny the Bunny? Bright, cheerful illustrations.
Where is Tippy Toes?
written and ill. by Betsy Lewin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The family cat is easy to find during the day, but who knows where he goes at night? Rhyming text, watercolors, and die cuts.
written and ill. by Betsy Lewin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
The family cat is easy to find during the day, but who knows where he goes at night? Rhyming text, watercolors, and die cuts.
Willow's Whispers
by Lana Button
Illustrator: Tana Howells
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Shy Willow's whispered needs go unnoticed in school. With paternal support she creates a microphone until she finds her “loud” voice. Computer-generated illustrations.
by Lana Button
Illustrator: Tana Howells
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Shy Willow's whispered needs go unnoticed in school. With paternal support she creates a microphone until she finds her “loud” voice. Computer-generated illustrations.
A Carousel Tale
written and ill. by Elisa Kleven
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
A young blue crocodile manages to guard, until spring, the wooden tail which has fallen off his favorite animal on the carousel. Lyrical multi-media illustrations.
written and ill. by Elisa Kleven
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
A young blue crocodile manages to guard, until spring, the wooden tail which has fallen off his favorite animal on the carousel. Lyrical multi-media illustrations.
Adios Oscar!
written and ill. by Peter Elwell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
After meeting with a monarch butterfly, an inquisitive caterpillar, who grows moth wings, ultimately realizes his dreams. Includes basic biological facts. Humorous, watercolor and ink illustrations.
written and ill. by Peter Elwell
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
After meeting with a monarch butterfly, an inquisitive caterpillar, who grows moth wings, ultimately realizes his dreams. Includes basic biological facts. Humorous, watercolor and ink illustrations.
A Friend
written and ill. by Anette Bley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Humorous drawings illustrate all the ways people can be friends to each other, including singing, sharing, and hobbies.
written and ill. by Anette Bley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Humorous drawings illustrate all the ways people can be friends to each other, including singing, sharing, and hobbies.
All the World
by Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
A community enjoys nature and togetherness from morning until night . Rhymed text and evocative pencil and watercolor illustrations.
by Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
A community enjoys nature and togetherness from morning until night . Rhymed text and evocative pencil and watercolor illustrations.
And Then Comes Halloween
by Tom Brenner
Illustrator: Holly Meade
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
The excitement and fun of this favorite holiday fill the pages of this book. Lively watercolor and collage illustrations.
by Tom Brenner
Illustrator: Holly Meade
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
The excitement and fun of this favorite holiday fill the pages of this book. Lively watercolor and collage illustrations.
A Penguin Story
written and ill. by Antoinette Portis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Edna, a bullet-shaped penguin, yearns to see a color other than white, the blue of the sky, and the black of the night. Simple, whimsical illustrations.
written and ill. by Antoinette Portis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Edna, a bullet-shaped penguin, yearns to see a color other than white, the blue of the sky, and the black of the night. Simple, whimsical illustrations.
A Very Curious Bear
by Tony Mitton
Illustrator: Paul Howard
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Charming rhymed text and captivating illustrations explain the wonders of the world on a given day. Perfect for reading aloud.
by Tony Mitton
Illustrator: Paul Howard
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Charming rhymed text and captivating illustrations explain the wonders of the world on a given day. Perfect for reading aloud.
A Walk With Grandpa
by Sharon K. Solomon
Illustrator: Pamela Barcita
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Daniela and her grandpa take a walk in the woods and show what they mean to one another with amusing word games. Realistic illustrations.
by Sharon K. Solomon
Illustrator: Pamela Barcita
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Daniela and her grandpa take a walk in the woods and show what they mean to one another with amusing word games. Realistic illustrations.
A World of Colors
written and photographed by Marie Houblon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Captivating photographs focus attention on the many hues that surround us.
written and photographed by Marie Houblon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Captivating photographs focus attention on the many hues that surround us.
Bears on Chairs
by Shirley Parenteau
Illustrator: David Walker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Not a chair to share...then one more bear! Friendly bears find that there is always room for more when we care for others. Delicate but expressive acrylic illustrations.
by Shirley Parenteau
Illustrator: David Walker
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Not a chair to share...then one more bear! Friendly bears find that there is always room for more when we care for others. Delicate but expressive acrylic illustrations.
Betsy B. Little
by Anne McEvoy
Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Mocked for being too tall, even for a giraffe, Betsy dreams of becoming a ballerina. Will her dream come true? Humorous, colorful illustrations
by Anne McEvoy
Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Mocked for being too tall, even for a giraffe, Betsy dreams of becoming a ballerina. Will her dream come true? Humorous, colorful illustrations
Big Wolf and Little Wolf
by Nadine Brun-Cosme
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Big wolf doesn't think he wants Little Wolf to share his tree, then Little Wolf disappears. Enticing pastel illustrations.
by Nadine Brun-Cosme
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Big wolf doesn't think he wants Little Wolf to share his tree, then Little Wolf disappears. Enticing pastel illustrations.
Big Wolf & Little Wolf
by Nadine Brun-Cosme
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Little Wolf observes the world while Big Wolf teaches patience and a different kind of observation. Soft, impressionistic paintings.
by Nadine Brun-Cosme
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Little Wolf observes the world while Big Wolf teaches patience and a different kind of observation. Soft, impressionistic paintings.
Birds
by Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Laura Dronzek
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
When a young girl observes the shapes and sounds of a variety of birds, it sparks her imagination. Vivid, expressive acrylic illustrations.
by Kevin Henkes
Illustrator: Laura Dronzek
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
When a young girl observes the shapes and sounds of a variety of birds, it sparks her imagination. Vivid, expressive acrylic illustrations.
Boats
by Patricia Hubbell
Illustrator: Megan Halsey
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
A vibrant mix of paintings, drawings, clip-art, and verse depicts all types of boats and their uses. Informative and fun.
by Patricia Hubbell
Illustrator: Megan Halsey
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
A vibrant mix of paintings, drawings, clip-art, and verse depicts all types of boats and their uses. Informative and fun.
Book Fiesta!
by Pat Mora
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Simple, bilingual text and fanciful colorful illustrations convey the joys of reading.
by Pat Mora
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Simple, bilingual text and fanciful colorful illustrations convey the joys of reading.
Budgie & Boo
written and ill. by David McPhail
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Budgie bear and Boo, a rabbit, work together in their garden, solve problems for each other and are the best of friends. Watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations.
written and ill. by David McPhail
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Budgie bear and Boo, a rabbit, work together in their garden, solve problems for each other and are the best of friends. Watercolor and pen-and-ink illustrations.
Busy Chickens
by John Schindel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Eye-catching photographs and simple, amusing rhymes illustrate this day of “busy, busy chickens.”
by John Schindel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Eye-catching photographs and simple, amusing rhymes illustrate this day of “busy, busy chickens.”
Bye-Bye, Baby!
by Richard Morris
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Felix thinks his baby sister should go back where she came from, but then she finds a way to prove her worth. Animated pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Richard Morris
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Felix thinks his baby sister should go back where she came from, but then she finds a way to prove her worth. Animated pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations.