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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Ali the Great and the Market Mishap
Saadia Faruqi
Illustrator: Debby Rahmalia
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Pakistani American Ali repeatedly and inventively rescues little brother Fateh from mischief as they shop with their grandfather for traditional snacks. Cheery cartoon-style art. Glossary.
Saadia Faruqi
Illustrator: Debby Rahmalia
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Pakistani American Ali repeatedly and inventively rescues little brother Fateh from mischief as they shop with their grandfather for traditional snacks. Cheery cartoon-style art. Glossary.
All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Ashley Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Taught that she could overcome any obstacles through hard work and determination, Brown Jackson became the first African American woman on the Supreme Court. Bold digital illustrations. Back matter.
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Ashley Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Taught that she could overcome any obstacles through hard work and determination, Brown Jackson became the first African American woman on the Supreme Court. Bold digital illustrations. Back matter.
Always Sisters: A Story of Loss and Love
Saira Mir
Illustrator: Shahrzad Maydani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Raya can't wait to be a big sister, but when she learns the baby won't be coming home, she is devastated. How can she grieve this loss? Soft, blurred illustrations.
Saira Mir
Illustrator: Shahrzad Maydani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Raya can't wait to be a big sister, but when she learns the baby won't be coming home, she is devastated. How can she grieve this loss? Soft, blurred illustrations.
Amazing and True Story of Tooth Mouse Pérez, The
Ana Cristina Herreros
Illustrator: Violeta Lópiz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A storyteller recounts how the tooth mouse (the Hispanic equivalent of the tooth fairy) got his start, long ago and far away in Spain. Mixed-media art sets the mood.
Ana Cristina Herreros
Illustrator: Violeta Lópiz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A storyteller recounts how the tooth mouse (the Hispanic equivalent of the tooth fairy) got his start, long ago and far away in Spain. Mixed-media art sets the mood.
Ancient Night
David Álvarez, with David Bowles
Illustrator: David Álvarez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
After Opossum steals the nectar used to illuminate the moon, he finds a way to bring different light to the world. Acrylic and oil paintings. Detailed source notes.
David Álvarez, with David Bowles
Illustrator: David Álvarez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
After Opossum steals the nectar used to illuminate the moon, he finds a way to bring different light to the world. Acrylic and oil paintings. Detailed source notes.
Animals in Surprising Shades: Poems about Earth's Colorful Creatures
Susan Johnston Taylor
Illustrator: Annie Bakst
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Various forms of poetry and playful, colorful artwork depict brilliantly hued creatures, from orange newts to red velvet ants, on double-page spreads. Glossary. Sources.
Susan Johnston Taylor
Illustrator: Annie Bakst
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Various forms of poetry and playful, colorful artwork depict brilliantly hued creatures, from orange newts to red velvet ants, on double-page spreads. Glossary. Sources.
Are We There Yet?
Sven Völker
Illustrator: Sven Völker
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Bear learns to appreciate the journey he is taking with Butterfly and all they experience during it, rather than focusing only on getting to their destination. Simple tonal illustrations.
Sven Völker
Illustrator: Sven Völker
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Bear learns to appreciate the journey he is taking with Butterfly and all they experience during it, rather than focusing only on getting to their destination. Simple tonal illustrations.
As Night Falls: Creatures That Go Wild after Dark
Donna Jo Napoli
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Lyrical writing and lively illustrations evoke the world of nocturnal animals, some exotic and little known, in their roles as predator and prey. Children's bedtime antics included.
Donna Jo Napoli
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Lyrical writing and lively illustrations evoke the world of nocturnal animals, some exotic and little known, in their roles as predator and prey. Children's bedtime antics included.
At Home with the Prairie Dog: The Story of a Keystone Species
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Illustrator: Photographed by William Muñoz, graphics by Marlo Garnsworthy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A comprehensive exploration of sustainability and the important role of one species in preserving and restoring an ecosystem. Vivid color photographs and clear graphics.
Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
Illustrator: Photographed by William Muñoz, graphics by Marlo Garnsworthy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A comprehensive exploration of sustainability and the important role of one species in preserving and restoring an ecosystem. Vivid color photographs and clear graphics.
At the Poles
David Elliott
Illustrator: Ellen Rooney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A rhyming lyrical look at musk oxen, emperor penguins, and other creatures that inhabit the North and South Poles. Rich mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
David Elliott
Illustrator: Ellen Rooney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A rhyming lyrical look at musk oxen, emperor penguins, and other creatures that inhabit the North and South Poles. Rich mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Bábo: A Tale of Armenian Rug-Washing Day
Astrid Kamalyan
Illustrator: Anait Semirdzhyan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Four siblings spend their day helping their grandmother clean their Armenian rugs and having fun playing in the soapy water. Digitally created illustrations. Glossary. Author's note.
Astrid Kamalyan
Illustrator: Anait Semirdzhyan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Four siblings spend their day helping their grandmother clean their Armenian rugs and having fun playing in the soapy water. Digitally created illustrations. Glossary. Author's note.
Baddies, The
Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Using their special powers, a troll, a witch, and a ghost compete to be the first to steal from a girl, with surprising results. In rhyming text. Sendak-style illustrations.
Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Using their special powers, a troll, a witch, and a ghost compete to be the first to steal from a girl, with surprising results. In rhyming text. Sendak-style illustrations.
Bear and the Wildcat, The
Kazumi Yumoto
Illustrator: Komako Sakai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Bear struggles with grief after his best friend's death, until a music-playing cat leads him gently back into the world. Charcoal art complements the text.
Kazumi Yumoto
Illustrator: Komako Sakai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Bear struggles with grief after his best friend's death, until a music-playing cat leads him gently back into the world. Charcoal art complements the text.
Bees of Notre-Dame, The
Meghan P. Browne
Illustrator: E.B. Goodale
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
In 2013 beekeepers began tending hives on an iconic cathedral's roof, but in 2019 a fire changed everything. Lyrical text and evocative mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Meghan P. Browne
Illustrator: E.B. Goodale
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
In 2013 beekeepers began tending hives on an iconic cathedral's roof, but in 2019 a fire changed everything. Lyrical text and evocative mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
Behold the Octopus!
Suzanne Slade
Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
What animal species has no bones and eight arms, lives in the ocean, varies in size from one inch to 30 feet, and can change color? Luminous photorealistic art. Back matter.
Suzanne Slade
Illustrator: Thomas Gonzalez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
What animal species has no bones and eight arms, lives in the ocean, varies in size from one inch to 30 feet, and can change color? Luminous photorealistic art. Back matter.
Big
Vashti Harrison
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A brown-skinned girl navigates a world that makes her feel small because of her size. Digital pink-hued illustrations and spare text convey love and warmth in this emotionally powerful story.
Vashti Harrison
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A brown-skinned girl navigates a world that makes her feel small because of her size. Digital pink-hued illustrations and spare text convey love and warmth in this emotionally powerful story.
Billy & Rose: Just the Way They Are (Billy & Rose series)
Amy Hest
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Expressive and humorous illustrations capture the close relationship of two friends.
Amy Hest
Illustrator: Kady MacDonald Denton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Expressive and humorous illustrations capture the close relationship of two friends.
Bitsy Bat, School Star (Bitsy Bat series)
Kaz Windness
Illustrator: Kaz Windness
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
An autistic kindergartner finds a way to fit in and helps herself and others find their unique qualities. Graphite on paper and digital paintings. Back matter about autism.
Kaz Windness
Illustrator: Kaz Windness
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
An autistic kindergartner finds a way to fit in and helps herself and others find their unique qualities. Graphite on paper and digital paintings. Back matter about autism.
Bompa's Insect Expedition
David Suzuki, with Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Illustrator: Qin Leng
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Spending time with their grandfather, two children discover the fascinating tiny world of bugs. Detailed watercolor art. Back matter.
David Suzuki, with Tanya Lloyd Kyi
Illustrator: Qin Leng
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Spending time with their grandfather, two children discover the fascinating tiny world of bugs. Detailed watercolor art. Back matter.
Boo-Boos of Bluebell Elementary, The
Chelsea Lin Wallace
Illustrator: Alison Farrell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Rhyming text and lively watercolor and ink illustrations capture a brown-skinned school nurse's workday. She tends to ills, large and small, with humor and warmth, then finally goes home for some TLC.
Chelsea Lin Wallace
Illustrator: Alison Farrell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Rhyming text and lively watercolor and ink illustrations capture a brown-skinned school nurse's workday. She tends to ills, large and small, with humor and warmth, then finally goes home for some TLC.
Book of Turtles, The
Sy Montgomery
Illustrator: Matt Patterson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A clear, comprehensive, and enthusiastic introduction to all aspects of these venerable reptiles. Includes suggestions for helping save the species. Acrylic paintings. Sources.
Sy Montgomery
Illustrator: Matt Patterson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A clear, comprehensive, and enthusiastic introduction to all aspects of these venerable reptiles. Includes suggestions for helping save the species. Acrylic paintings. Sources.
Boom! (I Like to Read Comics series)
Paul Meisel
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Cat isn't afraid of the thunderstorm, but Dog is, frantically searching for a safe place to hide. Dog finally falls asleep and has a surprising dream. Color pen and ink illustrations.
Paul Meisel
Illustrator: Paul Meisel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Cat isn't afraid of the thunderstorm, but Dog is, frantically searching for a safe place to hide. Dog finally falls asleep and has a surprising dream. Color pen and ink illustrations.
Boyogi: How a Wounded Family Learned to Heal
David Barclay Moore
Illustrator: Noa Denmon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young African American boy notices the persistent sadness of his father, who has returned from military service. Yoga helps the whole family. Varying color palettes reflect the emotional changes. Digital illustrations.
David Barclay Moore
Illustrator: Noa Denmon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young African American boy notices the persistent sadness of his father, who has returned from military service. Yoga helps the whole family. Varying color palettes reflect the emotional changes. Digital illustrations.
Breaking to the Beat!
Linda J. Acevedo
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Determination and passion permeate the history of hip-hop, which was conceived in the Bronx and then became a nationwide phenomenon. Persistence bred success. Bold, acrylic illustrations. Extensive back matter.
Linda J. Acevedo
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Determination and passion permeate the history of hip-hop, which was conceived in the Bronx and then became a nationwide phenomenon. Persistence bred success. Bold, acrylic illustrations. Extensive back matter.
Building a Dream: How the Boys of Koh Panyee Became Champions (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)
Darshana Khiani
Illustrator: Dow Phumiruk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Vivid illustrations and lyrical text capture the determination of young Thai boys obsessed with playing soccer despite living in a water-based community. Author's note.
Darshana Khiani
Illustrator: Dow Phumiruk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Vivid illustrations and lyrical text capture the determination of young Thai boys obsessed with playing soccer despite living in a water-based community. Author's note.