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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The Gobble Gobble Moooooo Tractor Book
written and ill. by Jez Alborough
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Sheep and friends take over Farmer Dougal's tractor while he sleeps. Will all the boisterous fun wake the farmer up? Bright, colorful illustrations.
written and ill. by Jez Alborough
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Sheep and friends take over Farmer Dougal's tractor while he sleeps. Will all the boisterous fun wake the farmer up? Bright, colorful illustrations.
The Perfect Gift
written and ill. by Mary Newell DePalma
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
On her way to Grandma's, Little Lori drops her gift in the river and an adventure ensues. Clever acrylic illustrations.
written and ill. by Mary Newell DePalma
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
On her way to Grandma's, Little Lori drops her gift in the river and an adventure ensues. Clever acrylic illustrations.
The Princess and Her Panther
by Wendy Orr
Illustrator: Lauren Stringer
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Two sisters camping in their backyard conquer their fears as they act out their fantasies. Colorful illustrations. Read-aloud.
by Wendy Orr
Illustrator: Lauren Stringer
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Two sisters camping in their backyard conquer their fears as they act out their fantasies. Colorful illustrations. Read-aloud.
The Red Scarf
written and ill. by Anne Villeneuve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Crayon illustrations convey the almost wordless story of Turpin, a white mole cabbie whose gray day becomes an adventure as he chases the mysterious owner of a lost, red scarf.
written and ill. by Anne Villeneuve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Crayon illustrations convey the almost wordless story of Turpin, a white mole cabbie whose gray day becomes an adventure as he chases the mysterious owner of a lost, red scarf.
There's Going to Be a Baby
by John Burningham
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A brother imagines, via Sunday comic panels, the disruptive antics the new sibling will bring as we view his mother preparing for the new family configuration.
by John Burningham
Illustrator: Helen Oxenbury
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A brother imagines, via Sunday comic panels, the disruptive antics the new sibling will bring as we view his mother preparing for the new family configuration.
The Sea of Sleep
by Warren Hanson
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A lilting poetic journey into the sea of sleep accompanies illustrations of otters on the same journey.
by Warren Hanson
Illustrator: Jim LaMarche
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A lilting poetic journey into the sea of sleep accompanies illustrations of otters on the same journey.
The Thingamabob
written and ill. by Il Sung Na
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
What use is a thingamabob? The elephant can't fly with it or sail in it, but it does keep everyone dry when the rain starts to fall.
written and ill. by Il Sung Na
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
What use is a thingamabob? The elephant can't fly with it or sail in it, but it does keep everyone dry when the rain starts to fall.
The Village Garage
written and ill. by G. Brian Karas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
An amazing and fact-filled exploration of how one village's crew keeps the town in good repair. Engaging gouache and acrylic illustrations.
written and ill. by G. Brian Karas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
An amazing and fact-filled exploration of how one village's crew keeps the town in good repair. Engaging gouache and acrylic illustrations.
The Yellow Tutu
by Kirsten Bramsen
Illustrator: Carin Bramsen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A spunky little girl discovers her individuality and a new friendship by taking a tutu far beyond its regular purpose. Whimsical pastel-like paintings.
by Kirsten Bramsen
Illustrator: Carin Bramsen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A spunky little girl discovers her individuality and a new friendship by taking a tutu far beyond its regular purpose. Whimsical pastel-like paintings.
Three Little Kittens
written and ill. by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Expressive, wonderfully detailed illustrations bring new life to these classic nursery rhymes.
written and ill. by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Expressive, wonderfully detailed illustrations bring new life to these classic nursery rhymes.
Time for Bed, Baby Ted
by Debra Sartell
Illustrator: Kay Chorao
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Playful language as patient dad coaxes Ted to bed. Watercolor and gouache illustrations match the mood.
by Debra Sartell
Illustrator: Kay Chorao
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Playful language as patient dad coaxes Ted to bed. Watercolor and gouache illustrations match the mood.
Time to Sleep Sheep the Sheep!
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bedtime is a happy event in Cat the Cat's animal world, but there's one holdout. Colorful, humorous illustrations.
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Bedtime is a happy event in Cat the Cat's animal world, but there's one holdout. Colorful, humorous illustrations.
Tiny Little Fly
by Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Kevin Waldron
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A great big elephant, a great big hippo, and a great big tiger are no match for this daring, tiny fly. Pencil and gouache illustrations.
by Michael Rosen
Illustrator: Kevin Waldron
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
A great big elephant, a great big hippo, and a great big tiger are no match for this daring, tiny fly. Pencil and gouache illustrations.
Tubby
written and ill. by Leslie Patricelli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Squish, squash - the fun involved in getting clean is humorously illustrated in this board book.
written and ill. by Leslie Patricelli
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2010
Squish, squash - the fun involved in getting clean is humorously illustrated in this board book.
Up and Down
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.