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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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
Compost Stew
by Mary McKenna Siddals
Illustrator: Ashley Wolff
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Rhyming text presents a lively look at some of the things that can become compost. The dynamic gouache and collage illustrations are made of recycled materials.
by Mary McKenna Siddals
Illustrator: Ashley Wolff
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Rhyming text presents a lively look at some of the things that can become compost. The dynamic gouache and collage illustrations are made of recycled materials.
Dancing Feet!
by Lindsey Craig
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bright, energetic collages and a catchy rhythmic text help the reader to identify each animal. Great read aloud.
by Lindsey Craig
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bright, energetic collages and a catchy rhythmic text help the reader to identify each animal. Great read aloud.
Diary of a Baby Wombat
by Jackie French
Illustrator: Bruce Whatley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
This adorable baby animal records her daily activities in whimsical text and illustrations.
by Jackie French
Illustrator: Bruce Whatley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
This adorable baby animal records her daily activities in whimsical text and illustrations.
Dogs
written and ill. by Emily Gravett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Lovable dogs, big and small, tough and gentle, are depicted in playful watercolors.
written and ill. by Emily Gravett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Lovable dogs, big and small, tough and gentle, are depicted in playful watercolors.
Don't Slam the Door!
by Dori Chaconas
Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Rhymed text with expressive and humorous mixed-media illustrations convey the chaos that ensues when the banging screen door wakes the cat.
by Dori Chaconas
Illustrator: Will Hillenbrand
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Rhymed text with expressive and humorous mixed-media illustrations convey the chaos that ensues when the banging screen door wakes the cat.
Easy as Pie
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Jacob, who loves to bake, happily solves a series of problems as he makes a delicious peach pie to celebrate his parents' anniversary. Humorous illustrations.
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Jacob, who loves to bake, happily solves a series of problems as he makes a delicious peach pie to celebrate his parents' anniversary. Humorous illustrations.
Elmer and the Hippos
written and ill. by David McKee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When hippos invade the elephants' river because theirs has dried up, Elmer soothes tempers and solves the problem. Colorful gouache illustrations.
written and ill. by David McKee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
When hippos invade the elephants' river because theirs has dried up, Elmer soothes tempers and solves the problem. Colorful gouache illustrations.
Elsie's Bird
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: David Small
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A city girl, used to the sounds of Boston, finally is able to hear the sounds of her new prairie home. Illustrations with brush and ink in watercolor pastels.
by Jane Yolen
Illustrator: David Small
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A city girl, used to the sounds of Boston, finally is able to hear the sounds of her new prairie home. Illustrations with brush and ink in watercolor pastels.
Fire Drill
by Paul DuBois Jacobs
Illustrator: Huy Voun Lee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A kindergarten class learns what to do during a fire drill. Brief rhyming text and colorful collages.
by Paul DuBois Jacobs
Illustrator: Huy Voun Lee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A kindergarten class learns what to do during a fire drill. Brief rhyming text and colorful collages.
Ginger and the Mystery Visitor
written and ill. by Charlotte Voake
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Does the hungry visitor to Ginger's house have a home? Spare but cheerful watercolors and an amusing answer.
written and ill. by Charlotte Voake
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Does the hungry visitor to Ginger's house have a home? Spare but cheerful watercolors and an amusing answer.
Heads
written and ill. by Matthew Van Fleet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Solid pull-tab construction and bright, colorful illustrations present all the different things animals' heads can do.
written and ill. by Matthew Van Fleet
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Solid pull-tab construction and bright, colorful illustrations present all the different things animals' heads can do.