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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Hocus Pocus
by Sylvie Desrosiers
Illustrator: Rémy Simard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A determined rabbit attracted by a juicy carrot attempts to “by-pass” an alert watch dog to gain the prize. Humorous digital illustrations.
by Sylvie Desrosiers
Illustrator: Rémy Simard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A determined rabbit attracted by a juicy carrot attempts to “by-pass” an alert watch dog to gain the prize. Humorous digital illustrations.
Hooper Finds a Family
by Jane Paley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When Hurricane Katrina drives his family away a lab puppy must fend for himself. Based on an actual rescue by Labs4rescue.
by Jane Paley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When Hurricane Katrina drives his family away a lab puppy must fend for himself. Based on an actual rescue by Labs4rescue.
Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji
written by F. Zia
Illustrator: Ken Min
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Does Aneel's grandfather really gain super powers as he eats roti (flatbread) in this humorous fantasy about an Indian family in the U.S.? Funny acrylic and colored pencil illustrations.
written by F. Zia
Illustrator: Ken Min
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Does Aneel's grandfather really gain super powers as he eats roti (flatbread) in this humorous fantasy about an Indian family in the U.S.? Funny acrylic and colored pencil illustrations.
How the Weather Works
by Christiane Dorion
Illustrator: Beverley Young
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Interactive, paper-engineered format explores and explains the many complex aspects of the earth's weather.
by Christiane Dorion
Illustrator: Beverley Young
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Interactive, paper-engineered format explores and explains the many complex aspects of the earth's weather.
Hurry Down to Derry Fair
written by Dori Chaconas
Illustrator: Gillian Tyler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Farm chores threaten to keep a small boy from attending the Fair, but Grandma saves the day. Detailed watercolors.
written by Dori Chaconas
Illustrator: Gillian Tyler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Farm chores threaten to keep a small boy from attending the Fair, but Grandma saves the day. Detailed watercolors.
I am Tama, Lucky Cat
by Wendy Henrichs
Illustrator: Yoshiko Jaeggi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
After a hungry cat is taken in by a poor monk, the monk finds that good fortune and friendship come his way. Expressive watercolor illustrations.
by Wendy Henrichs
Illustrator: Yoshiko Jaeggi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
After a hungry cat is taken in by a poor monk, the monk finds that good fortune and friendship come his way. Expressive watercolor illustrations.
I Am the Book
poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrator: Yayo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Whimsical acrylic paintings encourage voyages of the imagination, as do the poems which speak of the pleasures of reading and books.
poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrator: Yayo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Whimsical acrylic paintings encourage voyages of the imagination, as do the poems which speak of the pleasures of reading and books.
I Had A Favorite Dress
by Boni Ashburn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
What to do when you grow out of a favorite piece of clothing? Get creative! Whimsical mixed media illustrations.
by Boni Ashburn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
What to do when you grow out of a favorite piece of clothing? Get creative! Whimsical mixed media illustrations.
I'm Adopted
by Shelley Rotner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Spare yet warm story celebrates adoption and helps answer questions that many adoptees have. Large and diverse family photos enhance the simple text.
by Shelley Rotner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Spare yet warm story celebrates adoption and helps answer questions that many adoptees have. Large and diverse family photos enhance the simple text.
I'm Sure I Saw a Dinosaur
written by Jeanne Willis
Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
All the inhabitants of a seaside town run out to see a dinosaur. Does it really exist? Intensely colored paintings with funny details.
written by Jeanne Willis
Illustrator: Adrian Reynolds
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
All the inhabitants of a seaside town run out to see a dinosaur. Does it really exist? Intensely colored paintings with funny details.
Into the Outdoors
by Susan Gal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The story of a family camping trip serves as a playful introduction to prepositions. Charcoal and digital collage illustrations.
by Susan Gal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The story of a family camping trip serves as a playful introduction to prepositions. Charcoal and digital collage illustrations.
I See the Sun in Afghanistan
by Dedie King
Illustrator: Judith Inglese
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Habiba narrates her family's daily activities in English and Dari, the language of her family. Attractive collages which incorporate photographs.
by Dedie King
Illustrator: Judith Inglese
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Habiba narrates her family's daily activities in English and Dari, the language of her family. Attractive collages which incorporate photographs.
It's Snowing!
written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Engaging watercolors highlight information about snowflakes' formation, different types of snow falls, and many ways to play in snow.
written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Engaging watercolors highlight information about snowflakes' formation, different types of snow falls, and many ways to play in snow.
I Want My Hat Back
written and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A bear realizes that he knows exactly where to find his missing hat in this droll, deceptively simple story. Sepia-toned, digitally enhanced illustrations in Chinese ink.
written and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A bear realizes that he knows exactly where to find his missing hat in this droll, deceptively simple story. Sepia-toned, digitally enhanced illustrations in Chinese ink.
Jam & Honey
by Melita Morales
Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Energetic, vibrant art reflect this rhymed text told from the girl's and then the bee's point of view.
by Melita Morales
Illustrator: Laura J. Bryant
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Energetic, vibrant art reflect this rhymed text told from the girl's and then the bee's point of view.
Jim Henson
by Kathleen Krull
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The originality and humor of this master puppeteer are revealed from childhood years to his early death.
by Kathleen Krull
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The originality and humor of this master puppeteer are revealed from childhood years to his early death.
Joe and Sparky, Superstars!
written by Jamie Michalak
Illustrator: Frank Remkiewicz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Finding one's special talent can be challenging as Joe Giraffe learns when he wants to enter a talent show with Sparky Turtle. Rollicking watercolor and pen illustrations.
written by Jamie Michalak
Illustrator: Frank Remkiewicz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Finding one's special talent can be challenging as Joe Giraffe learns when he wants to enter a talent show with Sparky Turtle. Rollicking watercolor and pen illustrations.
Joseph and the Sabbath Fish
by Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrator: Martina Peluso
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Set in Biblical times, this quiet but powerful story tells of a mon so generous that he shares his entire fortune with others. Glowing pastel illustrations.
by Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrator: Martina Peluso
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Set in Biblical times, this quiet but powerful story tells of a mon so generous that he shares his entire fortune with others. Glowing pastel illustrations.
Jumping Jenny
by Ellen Bari
Illustrator: Raquel García Maciá
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Jenny's jumping keeps getting her into trouble...until she finds way to do it that makes everyone jump for joy. Energetic illustrations.
by Ellen Bari
Illustrator: Raquel García Maciá
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Jenny's jumping keeps getting her into trouble...until she finds way to do it that makes everyone jump for joy. Energetic illustrations.
Just Grace and the Double Surprise
written by Charise Mericle Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Friendship, school, and adoption accompanied by graphics and cartoons create a heartwarming, appealing story.
written by Charise Mericle Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Friendship, school, and adoption accompanied by graphics and cartoons create a heartwarming, appealing story.
King Hugo's Huge Ego
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A shamelessly boastful King get his comeuppance when he treats one of his subjects unkindly. Rhymed text and bold animated illustrations.
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A shamelessly boastful King get his comeuppance when he treats one of his subjects unkindly. Rhymed text and bold animated illustrations.
Let's Look at Dinosaurs:
written and illustrated by Frances Barry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dinosaurs are presented in simple interactive collages, with one question and answer about each. Additional information on the end papers.
written and illustrated by Frances Barry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dinosaurs are presented in simple interactive collages, with one question and answer about each. Additional information on the end papers.
Lighthouse Christmas
story by Toni Buzzeo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
How will Santa find Frances and her little brother now that they have moved into an isolated lighthouse off Maine's coast? Tender illustrations.
story by Toni Buzzeo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
How will Santa find Frances and her little brother now that they have moved into an isolated lighthouse off Maine's coast? Tender illustrations.
Lightning, Hurricanes, and Blizzards
by Paul Fleisher
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Learn to differentiate hurricanes, cyclones and thunderstorms. Can violent weather be helpful? What about sand storms and dust devils? Fascinating facts, experiments, glossary, and resources.
by Paul Fleisher
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Learn to differentiate hurricanes, cyclones and thunderstorms. Can violent weather be helpful? What about sand storms and dust devils? Fascinating facts, experiments, glossary, and resources.
Little Croc's Purse
written and ill. by Lizzie Finlay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Little Croc finds a purse but is challenged at every step as he attempts to return it in this humorous tale with lively illustrations.
written and ill. by Lizzie Finlay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Little Croc finds a purse but is challenged at every step as he attempts to return it in this humorous tale with lively illustrations.