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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10 Things I Love about You!
Danielle McLean
Illustrator: Grace Habib
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In this counting book, a child expresses her warm feelings for her mother. Rhyming text. Mixed-media illustrations with touch-and-feel textural elements.
Danielle McLean
Illustrator: Grace Habib
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In this counting book, a child expresses her warm feelings for her mother. Rhyming text. Mixed-media illustrations with touch-and-feel textural elements.
13 Stories about Ayana
Amy Schwartz
Illustrator: Amy Schwartz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Ayana and her family, along with her friend, Harris, have many event-filled days. Bright, coloful gouache and pen-and-ink illustrations.
Amy Schwartz
Illustrator: Amy Schwartz
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Ayana and her family, along with her friend, Harris, have many event-filled days. Bright, coloful gouache and pen-and-ink illustrations.
Abuelita and Me
Leonarda Carranza
Illustrator: Rafael Mayani
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Indoors, a girl treasures quality time with her abuelita. But outdoors, Abuelita sometimes faces unkindness and racism. Together, the two find strength in each other. Vibrant, animated illustrations.
Leonarda Carranza
Illustrator: Rafael Mayani
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Indoors, a girl treasures quality time with her abuelita. But outdoors, Abuelita sometimes faces unkindness and racism. Together, the two find strength in each other. Vibrant, animated illustrations.
After the Buzz Comes the Bee: Lift-the Flap Animal Sounds
Rachel Isadora & Robie Rogge
Illustrator: Rachel Isadora
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Each whimsical, colorful, glossy double-page spread invites children to discover an animal, under the sturdy flap, that matches that creature's sound.
Rachel Isadora & Robie Rogge
Illustrator: Rachel Isadora
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Each whimsical, colorful, glossy double-page spread invites children to discover an animal, under the sturdy flap, that matches that creature's sound.
All Are Neighbors
Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Clear, simple text and cheerful, colorful mixed-media illustrations depict the elements that make up a community.
Alexandra Penfold
Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Clear, simple text and cheerful, colorful mixed-media illustrations depict the elements that make up a community.
Armadillo Antics
Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson
Illustrator: Nathalie Beauvois
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Rhyming couplets introduce this nocturnal mammal as it runs, digs, eats, and eventually returns to its burrow at sunrise. Visually arresting mixed media art. Armadillo facts.
Bill Martin Jr. and Michael Sampson
Illustrator: Nathalie Beauvois
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Rhyming couplets introduce this nocturnal mammal as it runs, digs, eats, and eventually returns to its burrow at sunrise. Visually arresting mixed media art. Armadillo facts.
Baby's Here!
Jessica Young
Illustrator: Geneviève Godbout
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This interactive and playful rhyming celebration of the arrival of a new sibling is told from the perspective of diverse toddlers. Soft pastel illustrations.
Jessica Young
Illustrator: Geneviève Godbout
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
This interactive and playful rhyming celebration of the arrival of a new sibling is told from the perspective of diverse toddlers. Soft pastel illustrations.
Ballet Kids
Holly Sterling
Illustrator: Holly Sterling
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In Mr. Elliot's dance class, Thomas and his friends move freely and are encouraged to experience the magic from within. Bright illustrations evoke pure joy.
Holly Sterling
Illustrator: Holly Sterling
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
In Mr. Elliot's dance class, Thomas and his friends move freely and are encouraged to experience the magic from within. Bright illustrations evoke pure joy.
Bathe the Cat
Alice B. McGinty
Illustrator: David Roberts
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Grandma's coming over soon, so it's time to clean up the house. But why does that keep getting harder and harder? Humorous, detailed illustrations provide a clue.
Alice B. McGinty
Illustrator: David Roberts
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
Grandma's coming over soon, so it's time to clean up the house. But why does that keep getting harder and harder? Humorous, detailed illustrations provide a clue.
Bearplane!
Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Sam Wedelich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A cub taking a first plane ride learns what to expect on the journey. Rhyming text and playful illustrations will provide excellent preparation for the youngest travelers.
Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Sam Wedelich
Ages: 5 & Under
Published: 2022
A cub taking a first plane ride learns what to expect on the journey. Rhyming text and playful illustrations will provide excellent preparation for the youngest travelers.
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.