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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Girl Dad
Sean Williams
Illustrator: Jay Davis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Strong, supportive dads are presented from their children's point of view. Black fathers/daughters are featured. Pencil, gouache, and watercolor cartoon-style digital illustrations
Sean Williams
Illustrator: Jay Davis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Strong, supportive dads are presented from their children's point of view. Black fathers/daughters are featured. Pencil, gouache, and watercolor cartoon-style digital illustrations
Give Me a Snickle
Alisha Sevigny
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A snuggle. A tickle. That combination is a "snickle." With photos of diverse babies and loving adults and funny made-up words, this is a gem.
Alisha Sevigny
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A snuggle. A tickle. That combination is a "snickle." With photos of diverse babies and loving adults and funny made-up words, this is a gem.
Good-bye, Bear
Jane Chapman
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Friends mourn and process the death of their good friend Bear. Colorful illustrations help share how Bear is remembered by his friends.
Jane Chapman
Illustrator: Jane Chapman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Friends mourn and process the death of their good friend Bear. Colorful illustrations help share how Bear is remembered by his friends.
Good Place, A
Lucy Cousins
Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Four different insects with diverse needs look for a place where they can live happily together. Vibrant gouache illustrations enhance the storyline.
Lucy Cousins
Illustrator: Lucy Cousins
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Four different insects with diverse needs look for a place where they can live happily together. Vibrant gouache illustrations enhance the storyline.
Grandma and Me
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Ashleigh Corrin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In the yard or the kitchen, on laps and in loving arms, brown and Black babies and toddlers spend joyful moments with their grandmothers. Simple rhyming text and gentle, colorful illustrations.
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Ashleigh Corrin
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In the yard or the kitchen, on laps and in loving arms, brown and Black babies and toddlers spend joyful moments with their grandmothers. Simple rhyming text and gentle, colorful illustrations.
Grandma's Magic, A
Charlotte Offsay
Illustrator: Asa Gilland
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Diverse grandmothers and grandchildren engage in favorite activities, forging bonds of enduring love. Lyrical text with animated color illustrations.
Charlotte Offsay
Illustrator: Asa Gilland
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Diverse grandmothers and grandchildren engage in favorite activities, forging bonds of enduring love. Lyrical text with animated color illustrations.
Great Zapfino, The
Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A circus high diver who has lost his nerve finds himself forced to face his fears. Almost wordless. Dramatic pencil illustrations.
Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A circus high diver who has lost his nerve finds himself forced to face his fears. Almost wordless. Dramatic pencil illustrations.
Hands On!
Anne Wynter
Illustrator: Alea Marley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A baby makes the journey to taking their first steps. Sweet mixed-media illustrations.
Anne Wynter
Illustrator: Alea Marley
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A baby makes the journey to taking their first steps. Sweet mixed-media illustrations.
Hats Are Not for Cats!
Jacqueline K. Rayner
Illustrator: Jacqueline K. Rayner
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An exuberant cat, aided by a vast array of hats, tries to persuade an increasingly frustrated dog that hats can be for everyone. Rhyming text. Watercolor and charcoal illustrations.
Jacqueline K. Rayner
Illustrator: Jacqueline K. Rayner
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An exuberant cat, aided by a vast array of hats, tries to persuade an increasingly frustrated dog that hats can be for everyone. Rhyming text. Watercolor and charcoal illustrations.
Hello, Puddle!
Anita Sanchez
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Lush color scenic illustrations reveal the many uses of puddles for wildlife as bathing and drinking sites, oases, breeding grounds, and more. Extensive back matter.
Anita Sanchez
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Lush color scenic illustrations reveal the many uses of puddles for wildlife as bathing and drinking sites, oases, breeding grounds, and more. Extensive back matter.
Here We Come!
Janna Matthies
Illustrator: Christine Davenier
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This rollicking cumulative tale of a jolly parade is perfect for chanting along. Pencil and ink artwork add to the fun.
Janna Matthies
Illustrator: Christine Davenier
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This rollicking cumulative tale of a jolly parade is perfect for chanting along. Pencil and ink artwork add to the fun.
Horse and Buggy on Ice (I Like to Read Series)
Ethan Long
Illustrator: Ethan Long
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Horse can skate, but naysaying Buggy doubts Horse can do tricks. Can he? Energetic illustrations enrich the storytelling.
Ethan Long
Illustrator: Ethan Long
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Horse can skate, but naysaying Buggy doubts Horse can do tricks. Can he? Energetic illustrations enrich the storytelling.
How to Say Hello to a Worm: A First Guide to Outside
Kari Percival
Illustrator: Kari Percival
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A how-to guide for the youngest gardeners that introduces some creatures they'll encounter and demonstrates that patience leads to rewards. Gleeful illustrations appeal to all the senses.
Kari Percival
Illustrator: Kari Percival
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A how-to guide for the youngest gardeners that introduces some creatures they'll encounter and demonstrates that patience leads to rewards. Gleeful illustrations appeal to all the senses.
I Am Golden
Eva Chen
Illustrator: Sophie Diao
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A loving ode to immigrant Chinese American children celebrates the strength and power of their history, culture, and language. Colorful, expressive digital illustrations.
Eva Chen
Illustrator: Sophie Diao
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A loving ode to immigrant Chinese American children celebrates the strength and power of their history, culture, and language. Colorful, expressive digital illustrations.
I Like This, You Like That
Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Eve Coy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Two children value their friendship even though they have little in common. A great message for our world. Gentle watercolor and crayon art.
Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Eve Coy
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Two children value their friendship even though they have little in common. A great message for our world. Gentle watercolor and crayon art.
I'm a Little Pumpkin (I'm a Little series)
Hannah Eliot
Illustrator: Anna Daviscourt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This introduction to all varieties of pumpkins, in verse, can be sung to the tune of “I'm a Little Teapot.” Humorous mixed-media illustrations.
Hannah Eliot
Illustrator: Anna Daviscourt
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This introduction to all varieties of pumpkins, in verse, can be sung to the tune of “I'm a Little Teapot.” Humorous mixed-media illustrations.
I'm Terrified of Bath Time
Simon Rich
Illustrator: Tom Toro
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An anthropomorphized bathtub shares its dread of having its space violated by its recalcitrant toddler bather. Can the experience be made better for both? Cartoon-style illustrations highlight the tub's complaints.
Simon Rich
Illustrator: Tom Toro
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
An anthropomorphized bathtub shares its dread of having its space violated by its recalcitrant toddler bather. Can the experience be made better for both? Cartoon-style illustrations highlight the tub's complaints.
I'm Up!
Antoinette Portis
Illustrator: Antoinette Portis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Early-riser baby wakes everybody up! Sunny, mixed-media illustrations.
Antoinette Portis
Illustrator: Antoinette Portis
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Early-riser baby wakes everybody up! Sunny, mixed-media illustrations.
In Our Teeny Tiny Matzah House
Bill Wurtzel and Claire Wurtzel
Illustrator: Bill Wurtzel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Told by Kitzel the cat, this rollicking holiday tale is reminiscent of the Yiddish folktale "It Could Be Worse." Food art collage illustrations enliven the story.
Bill Wurtzel and Claire Wurtzel
Illustrator: Bill Wurtzel
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Told by Kitzel the cat, this rollicking holiday tale is reminiscent of the Yiddish folktale "It Could Be Worse." Food art collage illustrations enliven the story.
I Want My Book Back
Viviane Elbee
Illustrator: Nicole Miies
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Can Daryl ever find consolation after being devastated when he is unable to renew his favorite dinosaur book? Emotive humorous bold color illustrations.
Viviane Elbee
Illustrator: Nicole Miies
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Can Daryl ever find consolation after being devastated when he is unable to renew his favorite dinosaur book? Emotive humorous bold color illustrations.
I Won't Give Up My Rubber Band
Shinsuke Yoshitake
Illustrator: Shinsuke Yoshitake
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A little girl uses a rubber band imaginatively to expand her world. Pen and digital illustrations.
Shinsuke Yoshitake
Illustrator: Shinsuke Yoshitake
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A little girl uses a rubber band imaginatively to expand her world. Pen and digital illustrations.
Joy Ride
Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Ana Ramirez González
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This is a winning combination: a loving supportive grandfather, a unique bicycle, and a girl who figures out what is important to her. Appealing digital illustrations.
Sherri Duskey Rinker
Illustrator: Ana Ramirez González
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This is a winning combination: a loving supportive grandfather, a unique bicycle, and a girl who figures out what is important to her. Appealing digital illustrations.
Kunoichi Bunny
Sara Cassidy
Illustrator: Brayden Sato
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A toddler, unbeknownst to her stroller-pushing father, uses her stuffed bunny throughout the day to prevent potential disasters. Wordless graphic format with muted palette.
Sara Cassidy
Illustrator: Brayden Sato
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A toddler, unbeknownst to her stroller-pushing father, uses her stuffed bunny throughout the day to prevent potential disasters. Wordless graphic format with muted palette.
Leila, the Perfect Witch
Flavia Z. Drago
Illustrator: Flavia Z. Drago
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Leila enters the witchy cake-off to prove her worth in the Dark Arts of Patisserie. She learns winning isn't the only way to have fun. Humor enhanced by comic illustrations.
Flavia Z. Drago
Illustrator: Flavia Z. Drago
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Leila enters the witchy cake-off to prove her worth in the Dark Arts of Patisserie. She learns winning isn't the only way to have fun. Humor enhanced by comic illustrations.
Let's Do Everything and Nothing
Julia Kuo
Illustrator: Julia Kuo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This lyrical ode shows the love between a parent and child. Digital illustrations portray this bond in both imaginary and everyday moments.
Julia Kuo
Illustrator: Julia Kuo
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This lyrical ode shows the love between a parent and child. Digital illustrations portray this bond in both imaginary and everyday moments.