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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Berry Song
Michaela Goade
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A Tlingit girl enjoys foraging with her grandmother and passes on the tradition to her younger sister. Lyrical language with a cycling refrain. Lush watercolor and mixed-media illustrations.
Michaela Goade
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A Tlingit girl enjoys foraging with her grandmother and passes on the tradition to her younger sister. Lyrical language with a cycling refrain. Lush watercolor and mixed-media illustrations.
Beyond the Burrow
Jessica Meserve
Illustrator: Jessica Meserve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A home-loving bunny braves the world, finding that taking a chance can lead to wonderful adventures and new friendships. Soothing digital art.
Jessica Meserve
Illustrator: Jessica Meserve
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A home-loving bunny braves the world, finding that taking a chance can lead to wonderful adventures and new friendships. Soothing digital art.
Big and Small and In-Between
Carter Higgins
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An imaginative visual exploration of size in both physical objects and emotional experiences. Expressive illustrations in deep colors and intriguing textures. Several clever paper foldouts.
Carter Higgins
Illustrator: Daniel Miyares
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An imaginative visual exploration of size in both physical objects and emotional experiences. Expressive illustrations in deep colors and intriguing textures. Several clever paper foldouts.
Big Hedgehog and Little Hedgehog Take an Evening Stroll
Britta Teckentrup
Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Eager to return home, Big Hedgehog prods Little Hedgehog, who repeatedly stops to savor the sights, smells and sounds of their world. Textured color pages capture setting and mood.
Britta Teckentrup
Illustrator: Britta Teckentrup
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Eager to return home, Big Hedgehog prods Little Hedgehog, who repeatedly stops to savor the sights, smells and sounds of their world. Textured color pages capture setting and mood.
Big Scream, The
Kirsti Call
Illustrator: Denis Angelov
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Little ones learn how to manage a tantrum. Sweet, colorful illustrations.
Kirsti Call
Illustrator: Denis Angelov
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Little ones learn how to manage a tantrum. Sweet, colorful illustrations.
Black: The Many Wonders of My World
Nancy Johnson James
Illustrator: Constance Moore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An ode to the color black, both visually and abstractly, evokes a deeper appreciation for the origin and creation of all colors. Bold, striking mixed-media illustrations.
Nancy Johnson James
Illustrator: Constance Moore
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An ode to the color black, both visually and abstractly, evokes a deeper appreciation for the origin and creation of all colors. Bold, striking mixed-media illustrations.
Book of Opposites (Here We Are series)
Oliver Jeffers
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Opposites are presented in single words alongside amusing, imaginative illustrations that capture the concepts clearly.
Oliver Jeffers
Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Opposites are presented in single words alongside amusing, imaginative illustrations that capture the concepts clearly.
Bright Brown Baby: A Treasury
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Brian Pinkney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Five poems celebrate the joys of brown babies and their families. Rhythmic text with whirling watercolor and ink illustrations.
Andrea Davis Pinkney
Illustrator: Brian Pinkney
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Five poems celebrate the joys of brown babies and their families. Rhythmic text with whirling watercolor and ink illustrations.
Bright Winter Night
Alli Brydon
Illustrator: Ashling Lindsay
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
On a winter's night, a group of animals work together to build a sled so they can see the northern lights. Mixed-media llustrations.
Alli Brydon
Illustrator: Ashling Lindsay
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
On a winter's night, a group of animals work together to build a sled so they can see the northern lights. Mixed-media llustrations.
Brown Sugar Baby
Kevin Lewis
Illustrator: Jestenia Southerland
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
The sweetness of brown babies is celebrated through rhyming text. Warm, vibrant illustrations.
Kevin Lewis
Illustrator: Jestenia Southerland
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
The sweetness of brown babies is celebrated through rhyming text. Warm, vibrant illustrations.
Bumblebee Grumblebee
David Elliot
Illustrator: David Elliot
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Animals are shown with alter egos, transformed by lighthearted wordplay. Sweet, beautifully detailed pastel illustrations.
David Elliot
Illustrator: David Elliot
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Animals are shown with alter egos, transformed by lighthearted wordplay. Sweet, beautifully detailed pastel illustrations.
Button Book, The
Sally Nicholls
Illustrator: Bethan Woollvin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Animals find surprises when they press variously colored buttons. Childlike black-and-white illustrations with color accents.
Sally Nicholls
Illustrator: Bethan Woollvin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Animals find surprises when they press variously colored buttons. Childlike black-and-white illustrations with color accents.
Catalogue of Hugs, The
Joshua David Stein and Augustus Heeren Stein
Illustrator: Elizabeth Lilly
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Engaging water color illustrations humorously and lovingly capture the many ways a hug can offer inclusion and affection.
Joshua David Stein and Augustus Heeren Stein
Illustrator: Elizabeth Lilly
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Engaging water color illustrations humorously and lovingly capture the many ways a hug can offer inclusion and affection.
Chester van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme
Avery Monsen
Illustrator: Abby Hanlon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Will Chester be able to recover his special talent? Can his classmates help? Humorous text blends with animated gouache colored-pencil illustrations and rhyme-filled endpapers.
Avery Monsen
Illustrator: Abby Hanlon
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Will Chester be able to recover his special talent? Can his classmates help? Humorous text blends with animated gouache colored-pencil illustrations and rhyme-filled endpapers.
Do Baby Elephants Suck Their Trunks?: Amazing Ways Animals Are Just Like Us
Ben Lerwill
Illustrator: Katharine McEwen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Young children are invited to explore both the uniqueness and similarities between themselves and animals, such as thumb sucking and losing teeth. Colorful collage and digital illustrations on double-page spreads.
Ben Lerwill
Illustrator: Katharine McEwen
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Young children are invited to explore both the uniqueness and similarities between themselves and animals, such as thumb sucking and losing teeth. Colorful collage and digital illustrations on double-page spreads.
Dog Says, Cat Says
Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Sonia Sanchez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In rhyming couplets, two house pets alternate narrating a day with their humans. Delightful, animated pencil illustrations.
Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Sonia Sanchez
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In rhyming couplets, two house pets alternate narrating a day with their humans. Delightful, animated pencil illustrations.
Don't Worry, Murray
David Ezra Stein
Illustrator: David Ezra Stein
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Gentle reassurance from an omniscient narrator helps an anxious long-eared pup conquer his fears. But does it? Humorous animated mixed-media cartoonish illustrations.
David Ezra Stein
Illustrator: David Ezra Stein
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Gentle reassurance from an omniscient narrator helps an anxious long-eared pup conquer his fears. But does it? Humorous animated mixed-media cartoonish illustrations.
Everywhere with You
Carlie Sorosiak
Illustrator: Devon Holzwarth
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A young girl bonds nightly with the next-door dog through snacks and books, stimulating both of their imaginations. Lyrical mixed-media artwork, including illustrated endpapers.
Carlie Sorosiak
Illustrator: Devon Holzwarth
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A young girl bonds nightly with the next-door dog through snacks and books, stimulating both of their imaginations. Lyrical mixed-media artwork, including illustrated endpapers.
Fire Chief Fran
Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Nancy Carpenter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Vibrant acrylic illustrations and punchy rhymed text give a clear picture of the lives of firefighters. Informative "fast facts" appear at the end.
Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Nancy Carpenter
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Vibrant acrylic illustrations and punchy rhymed text give a clear picture of the lives of firefighters. Informative "fast facts" appear at the end.
Firefighter Flo! (Big Jobs, Bold Women)
Andrea Zimmerman
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A heroic female chief and her crew of diverse characters rush to the fire scene, saving a puppy. Vibrant illustrations. Packed with action and sound words.
Andrea Zimmerman
Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A heroic female chief and her crew of diverse characters rush to the fire scene, saving a puppy. Vibrant illustrations. Packed with action and sound words.
Foodie Faces
Bill Wurtzel and Claire Wurtzel
Illustrator: Bill Wurtzel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Emotions are explored through humorous food art. Glossary and guide to an at-home activity.
Bill Wurtzel and Claire Wurtzel
Illustrator: Bill Wurtzel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Emotions are explored through humorous food art. Glossary and guide to an at-home activity.
Frances in the Country
Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A young Black girl experiences the pleasures of rural life while also finding vitality and family love in her own urban environment. Snappy text and playful illustrations.
Liz Garton Scanlon
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A young Black girl experiences the pleasures of rural life while also finding vitality and family love in her own urban environment. Snappy text and playful illustrations.
Ghosts Went Floating, The
Kim Norman
Illustrator: Jay Fleck
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Read or sing along to the tune of “The Ants Go Marching” as colorful, creepy creatures dance under moonlit skies with jaunty numbers.
Kim Norman
Illustrator: Jay Fleck
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Read or sing along to the tune of “The Ants Go Marching” as colorful, creepy creatures dance under moonlit skies with jaunty numbers.
Giant Giant
Dylan Hewitt
Illustrator: Dylan Hewitt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A village learns how to stop their troubles and turn outsized bullies into friends through cooperation. Muted digital drawings.
Dylan Hewitt
Illustrator: Dylan Hewitt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A village learns how to stop their troubles and turn outsized bullies into friends through cooperation. Muted digital drawings.
Gift for Nana, A
Lane Smith
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In this tenderhearted and offbeat saga, a rabbit searches for the perfect gift. Handsomely designed digital art with subtle greens punctuated with bursts of color.
Lane Smith
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In this tenderhearted and offbeat saga, a rabbit searches for the perfect gift. Handsomely designed digital art with subtle greens punctuated with bursts of color.