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/.
How to Perform a Search and Save a List
Search
Advanced Search
Where's Tumpty?
written and ill. by Polly Dunbar
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Tumpty, the elephant, discovers how to hide. Humorous mixed media illustrations.
written and ill. by Polly Dunbar
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
Tumpty, the elephant, discovers how to hide. Humorous mixed media illustrations.
Where Teddy Bears Come From
by Mark Burgess
Illustrator: Russell Ayto
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
In thanks for his huffing and puffing, Santa brings a sleepless little wolf a teddy bear to cuddle. Jaunty, multimedia illustrations.
by Mark Burgess
Illustrator: Russell Ayto
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
In thanks for his huffing and puffing, Santa brings a sleepless little wolf a teddy bear to cuddle. Jaunty, multimedia illustrations.
Wombat Walkabout
by Carol Diggory Shields
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
The peaceful walk of six clever, playful wombats is interrupted by an encounter with a hungry dingo. Expressive, humorous illustrations.
by Carol Diggory Shields
Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2009
The peaceful walk of six clever, playful wombats is interrupted by an encounter with a hungry dingo. Expressive, humorous illustrations.
1, 2, Buckle My Shoe
written and ill. by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Dazzling fabric appliqués illustrate the traditional counting rhyme.
written and ill. by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Dazzling fabric appliqués illustrate the traditional counting rhyme.
A Birthday for Cow!
written and ill. by Jan Thomas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
While pig and mouse make a wonderful surprise birthday cake for cow, duck knows what cow really would prefer.
written and ill. by Jan Thomas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
While pig and mouse make a wonderful surprise birthday cake for cow, duck knows what cow really would prefer.
A Child's Day
written and ill. by Ida Pearle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Act, blow, catch, dance--all the way to zoom. Playful, cut-paper collages.
written and ill. by Ida Pearle
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Act, blow, catch, dance--all the way to zoom. Playful, cut-paper collages.
A Cold Winter's Good Knight
by Shelley Moore Thomas
Illustrator: Jennifer Plecas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Three boisterous young dragons can lead to a good time at the ball. Colorful, ink and watercolor drawings capture the mischief.
by Shelley Moore Thomas
Illustrator: Jennifer Plecas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Three boisterous young dragons can lead to a good time at the ball. Colorful, ink and watercolor drawings capture the mischief.
A Kitten Tale
written and ill. by Eric Rohmann
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Three young kittens worry about the winter snow, but the adventurous fourth kitten cannot wait. Simple text and bold, colorful illustrations.
written and ill. by Eric Rohmann
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Three young kittens worry about the winter snow, but the adventurous fourth kitten cannot wait. Simple text and bold, colorful illustrations.
Arabella Miller's Tiny Caterpillar
written and ill. by Clare Jarrett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Vibrant pencil and paper collages illustrate the life cycle of a caterpillar.
written and ill. by Clare Jarrett
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Vibrant pencil and paper collages illustrate the life cycle of a caterpillar.
A Visitor for Bear
by Bonny Becker
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Bear believes he enjoys solitude, but Mouse slyly changes Bear's mind. Muted watercolor, ink and gouache illustrations.
by Bonny Becker
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Bear believes he enjoys solitude, but Mouse slyly changes Bear's mind. Muted watercolor, ink and gouache illustrations.
Bear Feels Scared
by Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Big old Bear loses his way in the storm. Can his little friends save him? Evocative acrylics.
by Karma Wilson
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Big old Bear loses his way in the storm. Can his little friends save him? Evocative acrylics.
Big Little Monkey
by Carole Lexa Schaefer
Illustrator: Pierre Pratt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Monkey sets out alone one morning to look for a playmate. Lush, acrylic paintings.
by Carole Lexa Schaefer
Illustrator: Pierre Pratt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Monkey sets out alone one morning to look for a playmate. Lush, acrylic paintings.
Dance with Me
by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Rhymes and clear illustrations encourage the reader to move and sing along.
by Charles R. Smith Jr.
Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Rhymes and clear illustrations encourage the reader to move and sing along.
Danny's Drawing Book
written and ill. by Sue Heap
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A day at the zoo becomes an African adventure as a boy's imagination pulls us inside the book within a book.
written and ill. by Sue Heap
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A day at the zoo becomes an African adventure as a boy's imagination pulls us inside the book within a book.
Dog and Bear
written and ill. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
The special friendship between a dachshund and a stuffed bear is presented in three humorous stories.
written and ill. by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
The special friendship between a dachshund and a stuffed bear is presented in three humorous stories.
Dog Day
by Sarah Hayes
Illustrator: Hannah Broadway
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
The first day of school is very successful when the new teacher turns out to be a dog. Funny, cheery illustrations.
by Sarah Hayes
Illustrator: Hannah Broadway
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
The first day of school is very successful when the new teacher turns out to be a dog. Funny, cheery illustrations.
Drummer Boy
written and ill. by Loren Long
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A beloved Drummer boy endures a cold, lonely adventure until he is returned home in time to celebrate Christmas. Rich, acrylic illustrations.
written and ill. by Loren Long
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A beloved Drummer boy endures a cold, lonely adventure until he is returned home in time to celebrate Christmas. Rich, acrylic illustrations.
Duck Dunks
by Lynne Berry
Illustrator: Hiroe Nakata
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Count the five happy ducks as they enjoy a day at the beach. Lively watercolor and ink illustrations.
by Lynne Berry
Illustrator: Hiroe Nakata
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Count the five happy ducks as they enjoy a day at the beach. Lively watercolor and ink illustrations.
Friends and Pals and Brothers, Too
by Sarah Wilson
Illustrator: Leo Landry
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Two brothers enjoy the same things and are the best of friends. Enticing watercolors.
by Sarah Wilson
Illustrator: Leo Landry
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Two brothers enjoy the same things and are the best of friends. Enticing watercolors.
Grandma Calls Me Beautiful
by Barbara M. Joosse
Illustrator: Barbara Lavallee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A Hawaiian grandmother's unconditional love for her granddaughter is captured in lyrcal text and illustrations.
by Barbara M. Joosse
Illustrator: Barbara Lavallee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A Hawaiian grandmother's unconditional love for her granddaughter is captured in lyrcal text and illustrations.
Granny's Dragon
by Lisa McCourt
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A youngster's bedtime monster fears are surmounted by her Granny's gentle but fearsome dragon. bold, colorful illustrations.
by Lisa McCourt
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A youngster's bedtime monster fears are surmounted by her Granny's gentle but fearsome dragon. bold, colorful illustrations.
Having Fun!
written and ill. by Jess Stockham
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Fold-out flaps show similarities of activities between baby animals and young children. Vivid, energetic illustrations.
written and ill. by Jess Stockham
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Fold-out flaps show similarities of activities between baby animals and young children. Vivid, energetic illustrations.
Heart in the Pocket
by Laurence Bourguignon
Illustrator: Valerie dHeur
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
After numerous attempts, Mama Kangaroo finds a way to encourage her baby to leave the pouch.
by Laurence Bourguignon
Illustrator: Valerie dHeur
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
After numerous attempts, Mama Kangaroo finds a way to encourage her baby to leave the pouch.
I Like It When... / Me Gusta Cuando...
written and ill. by Mary Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A look at the warm relationship between mother and child is presented with colorful illustrations.
written and ill. by Mary Murphy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
A look at the warm relationship between mother and child is presented with colorful illustrations.
I'm Bad!
by Kate McMullan
Illustrator: Jim McMullan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Follow a romp through prehistoric landscapes with a cocky little dinosaur looking for dinner. Bright, action-filled illustrations.
by Kate McMullan
Illustrator: Jim McMullan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2008
Follow a romp through prehistoric landscapes with a cocky little dinosaur looking for dinner. Bright, action-filled illustrations.