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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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.
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.