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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Sam Tells Stories
by Thierry Robberecht
Illustrator: Philippe Goossens
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Sam discovers that he doesn't need to make up wild stories to please his friends and family. Colorful oil paintings.

Sports A To Z
by David Diehl
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
An inventive alphabet book teaches sports terminology. Colorful illustrations. Board book.

Stick
written and ill. by Steve Breen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
How much trouble can a young frog encounter when he tries to be independent? Humorous mixed media illustrations.

Taking A Bath With The Dog And Other Things That Make Me Happy
written and ill. by Scott Menchin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
A sad little girl figures out what makes her happy. Simple, energetic illustrations.

The Busy Little Squirrel
written and ill. by Nancy Tafuri
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Squirrel, busily preparing for winter, does not have time to play with the other animals. Vibrant, full-page watercolor, pen and ink illustrations.

The End
by David LaRochelle
Illustrator: Richard Egielski
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
A clever romp which is presented in reverse, complete with dragons, flying tomatoes and lots of lemons. Brilliant paintings in explosive colors.

This is a Poem that Heals Fish
by Jean-Pierre Siméon
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Through exhaustive exploration, little Arthur learns what constitutes a poem. Splashy watercolors.

Trucks Roll!
by George Ella Lyon
Illustrator: Craig Frazier
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Verses describe the many things a truck might carry. Bright, colorful illustrations.

Tummy Girl
by Roseanne Thong
Illustrator: Sam Williams
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Rhythmic rhymes portray the early years along with colorful charcoal and pastel illustrations.

Very Hairy Bear
by Alice Schertle
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Full page pastel and pencil illustrations create a feeling of warmth as bear carries out his seasonal activities.

Virginie's Hat
by Dori Chaconas
Illustrator: Holly Meade
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Unaware of the dangers lurking behind her, Virginie has a great time getting her hat out of a tree.

We Are Cousins / Somos Primos
by Diane Gonzales Bertrand
Illustrator: Christina E. Rodriguez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Gentle humor in both text and illustrations underscores the warmth of a group of first cousins.

What Do Parents Do?
by Jeanie Franz Ransom
Illustrator: Cyd Moore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
A boy imagines the naughty child-like behavior of his parents when the children are away. Whimsical illustrations.

What Will Fat Cat Sit On?
written and ill. by Jan Thomas
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Humorous cartoon-like drawings tell the story as fat cat finds the best place to sit.

Who Likes Rain?
written and ill. by Wong Herbert Lee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Soft, pastel illustrations capture a little girl's discovery of everything she can do in the rain.

Who's in the Tub?
by Sylvie Jones
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Willo's bath routine is humorously unveiled as he shares his tub with various creatures in an unusual colorful format.

Who Will Sing a Lullaby?
by Dee Lillegard
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Only one bird succeeds in stilling a crying baby with its lullaby. Lyrical gouache and airbrush illustrations.

Yo, Jo!
written and ill. by Rachel Isadora
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2007
Neighbors greet each other in their unique styles. Cheerful collages.

A Beautiful Girl
written and ill. by Amy Schwartz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2006
A litle girl and her animal friends compare the differences and similarities between their bodies.

All Aboard the Dinotrain
by Deb Lund
Illustrator: Howard Fine
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2006
Imaginary dinosaurs take a train ride. Cheery rhymes with gouache and watercolor illustrations.

Annie's Chair
written and ill. by Deborah Miland
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2006
When beloved dog Beany sits in Annie's chair, he learns a lesson. Gouache and digital illustrations.

A Particular Cow
by Mem Fox
Illustrator: Terry Denton
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2006
A Saturday walk becomes a silly adventure for a cow and others. Humorous watercolors.

Best Best Friends
written and ill. by Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2006
Although best friends have a serious quarrel, their reconciliation can be satisfying. Colorful collages.

Big Chickens
by Leslie Helakoski
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2006
Four chickens keep getting into dire situations until they discover unexpected chicken power. Humorous illustrations.

Big City Song
by Debora Pearson
Illustrator: Lynn Rowe Reed
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2006
The sounds of the city come through in this noisy picture of urban life. Amusing acrylics.