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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Balloons Over Broadway
by Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
An Italian immigrant with a love of puppetry helped Macy's create a Thanksgiving parade which is a beloved tradition to this day. Inventive collage and 3D images.
by Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
An Italian immigrant with a love of puppetry helped Macy's create a Thanksgiving parade which is a beloved tradition to this day. Inventive collage and 3D images.
Ben Franklin
by Alan Schroeder
Illustrator: John OBrien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
From humble beginnings, Ben Franklin rises to international renown in this lively primer of Colonial America. Cartoon ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Alan Schroeder
Illustrator: John OBrien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
From humble beginnings, Ben Franklin rises to international renown in this lively primer of Colonial America. Cartoon ink and watercolor illustrations.
Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake
written by Michael B. Kaplan
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Betty is a “handful” - which she takes as a compliment! She falls in love with chocolate cake and has to learn patience. Delicious illustrations!
written by Michael B. Kaplan
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Betty is a “handful” - which she takes as a compliment! She falls in love with chocolate cake and has to learn patience. Delicious illustrations!
Binky Under Pressure
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In his latest graphic adventure, Binky needs all his space cat skills when a new kitty arrives in his space station.
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In his latest graphic adventure, Binky needs all his space cat skills when a new kitty arrives in his space station.
Birds of a Feather
poetry by Jane Yolen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The unique qualities of each species are accompanied by exquisite close-up photographs and lyrical poems.
poetry by Jane Yolen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The unique qualities of each species are accompanied by exquisite close-up photographs and lyrical poems.
Black Beauty and the Thunderstorm
by Susan Hill
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Episodes from Anna Sewell's classic Black Beauty adapted for beginning readers.
by Susan Hill
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Episodes from Anna Sewell's classic Black Beauty adapted for beginning readers.
Black Beauty Stolen!
story by Susan Hill
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
see Black Beauty and the Thunderstorm
story by Susan Hill
Illustrator: Bill Farnsworth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
see Black Beauty and the Thunderstorm
Bone Dog
written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Gus feels lost when his beloved dog Ella dies, but he soon learns that she is never far away. Sensitive illustrations enhanced the suspense and humor.
written and illustrated by Eric Rohmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Gus feels lost when his beloved dog Ella dies, but he soon learns that she is never far away. Sensitive illustrations enhanced the suspense and humor.
Bring On the Birds
written and illustrated by Susan Stockdale
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Delightful introduction to both exotic and familiar birds is described in simple rhyming text with exotic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Susan Stockdale
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Delightful introduction to both exotic and familiar birds is described in simple rhyming text with exotic illustrations.
Brother Sun, Sister Moon:
reimagined by Katherine Paterson
Illustrator: Pamela Dalton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Stunning papercuts and watercolors illustrate this poetic prayer, based on Saint Francis of Assisi's famous hymn.
reimagined by Katherine Paterson
Illustrator: Pamela Dalton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Stunning papercuts and watercolors illustrate this poetic prayer, based on Saint Francis of Assisi's famous hymn.
Butterfly Tree
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Leslie Wu
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A daughter and her mother follow an orange cloud from the beach into the woods and discover it is a mass of migrating monarch butterflies. Soft pastel illustrations.
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Leslie Wu
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A daughter and her mother follow an orange cloud from the beach into the woods and discover it is a mass of migrating monarch butterflies. Soft pastel illustrations.
Calendar Mysteries
by Ron Roy
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The young sleuths plan to make their father's favorite jam for Fathers' Day, but first they must discover who is eating from the strawberry patch. Animated black and white illustrations.
by Ron Roy
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The young sleuths plan to make their father's favorite jam for Fathers' Day, but first they must discover who is eating from the strawberry patch. Animated black and white illustrations.
Calvin Coconut: Kung Fooey
written by Graham Salisbury
Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Calvin and his Hawaiian friends become involved with an ‘outsider' in an experience Calvin will always remember.
written by Graham Salisbury
Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Calvin and his Hawaiian friends become involved with an ‘outsider' in an experience Calvin will always remember.
Can Hens Give Milk?
by Joan Betty Stuchner
Illustrator: Joe Weissmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In Chelm, the mythical town of fools, Tova's father asks her to get milk from their hens. Cartoonish, acrylic illustrations.
by Joan Betty Stuchner
Illustrator: Joe Weissmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In Chelm, the mythical town of fools, Tova's father asks her to get milk from their hens. Cartoonish, acrylic illustrations.
Carl and the Baby Duck
written and illustrated by Alexandra Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Carl helps out his animal friends in these sweet, simple stories. Colorful, engaging illustrations.
written and illustrated by Alexandra Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Carl helps out his animal friends in these sweet, simple stories. Colorful, engaging illustrations.
Carl and the Puppies
written and illustrated by Alexandra Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
See: Carl and the Baby Duck
written and illustrated by Alexandra Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
See: Carl and the Baby Duck
Charlie and Kiwi
written by Eileen Campbell
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Charlie goes back in time, meets his ancestor Charles (Darwin) and learns how birds evolved from dinosaurs. Cartoon illustrations.
written by Eileen Campbell
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Charlie goes back in time, meets his ancestor Charles (Darwin) and learns how birds evolved from dinosaurs. Cartoon illustrations.
Check It Out!
by Patricia Hubbell
Illustrator: Nancy Speir
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A rhyming ode to a librarian listing all the things she does. Bright, acrylic illustrations.
by Patricia Hubbell
Illustrator: Nancy Speir
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A rhyming ode to a librarian listing all the things she does. Bright, acrylic illustrations.
Children Make Terrible Pets
written and ill. by Peter Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When Lucy, a young, friendly bear, finds an adorable little boy, she wants to keep him for a pet, but her mother issues warnings. Retro drawings using paper and wood.
written and ill. by Peter Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When Lucy, a young, friendly bear, finds an adorable little boy, she wants to keep him for a pet, but her mother issues warnings. Retro drawings using paper and wood.
Chirchir Is Singing
by Kelly Cunnane
Illustrator: Jude Daly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Chirchir, a little Kenyan girl, tries to help her family with their chores. Detailed folk-style illustrations. Helpful author's note and glossary.
by Kelly Cunnane
Illustrator: Jude Daly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Chirchir, a little Kenyan girl, tries to help her family with their chores. Detailed folk-style illustrations. Helpful author's note and glossary.
Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream
by Jenny Han
Illustrator: Julia Kuo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Clara Lee is too shy to try out for Little Miss Apple Pie, but a lucky dream and a loving grandfather turn things around. Black and white drawings.
by Jenny Han
Illustrator: Julia Kuo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Clara Lee is too shy to try out for Little Miss Apple Pie, but a lucky dream and a loving grandfather turn things around. Black and white drawings.
Clink
manufactured by Kelly DiPucchio
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Nobody wants Clink, a dusty robot, until he meets a boy who is great at fixing things. Colorful paintings provide delightful details.
manufactured by Kelly DiPucchio
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Nobody wants Clink, a dusty robot, until he meets a boy who is great at fixing things. Colorful paintings provide delightful details.
Come and Eat!
written and photographed by George Ancona
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Enticing, delicious-looking photographs present regular meals and celebrations all around the world.
written and photographed by George Ancona
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Enticing, delicious-looking photographs present regular meals and celebrations all around the world.
Crouching Tiger
by Ying Chang Compestine
Illustrator: Yan Nascimbene
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When his grandfather visits from China, young Vinson learns tai chi and what it means to be part Chinese. Delicate, vibrant ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Ying Chang Compestine
Illustrator: Yan Nascimbene
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When his grandfather visits from China, young Vinson learns tai chi and what it means to be part Chinese. Delicate, vibrant ink and watercolor illustrations.
Dear Tabby
by
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Advice columnist Tabby D. Cat uses common sense and humor to solve the problems of Crittersville animals. Bright, humorous illustrations.
by
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Advice columnist Tabby D. Cat uses common sense and humor to solve the problems of Crittersville animals. Bright, humorous illustrations.