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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Three Scoops and a Fig
by Sara Laux Akin
Illustrator: Susan Kathleen Hartung
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Sofia's grandparents are coming to dinner and she wants to prepare the meal--but everyone says she is “troppo piccola” (too little). Gentle watercolor illustrations.
by Sara Laux Akin
Illustrator: Susan Kathleen Hartung
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Sofia's grandparents are coming to dinner and she wants to prepare the meal--but everyone says she is “troppo piccola” (too little). Gentle watercolor illustrations.
Tiger and Turtle
written and ill. by James Rumford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Gloriously colored pages with Indian motifs provide a background to this simple fable about tiger and Turtle and their fight over a flower.
written and ill. by James Rumford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Gloriously colored pages with Indian motifs provide a background to this simple fable about tiger and Turtle and their fight over a flower.
Time to Pray
by Maha Addasi
Illustrator: Ned Gannon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
On a visit to her loving grandmother, Yazmin learns to practice basic Muslim prayer traditions. The text is accompanied by a translation to Arabic. Oil paintings.
by Maha Addasi
Illustrator: Ned Gannon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
On a visit to her loving grandmother, Yazmin learns to practice basic Muslim prayer traditions. The text is accompanied by a translation to Arabic. Oil paintings.
Todd's TV
written and ill. by James Proimos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Todd's television takes over parental duties in this parody of our dependence on TV. Amusing, cartoon-like illustrations.
written and ill. by James Proimos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Todd's television takes over parental duties in this parody of our dependence on TV. Amusing, cartoon-like illustrations.
Turtle, Turtle, Watch Out!
by April Pulley Sayre
Illustrator: Annie Patterson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
The life of a sea turtle, from hatching to birthing and how its existence is aided by caring individuals, is described. Watercolors evoke the sea. Includes practical information.
by April Pulley Sayre
Illustrator: Annie Patterson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
The life of a sea turtle, from hatching to birthing and how its existence is aided by caring individuals, is described. Watercolors evoke the sea. Includes practical information.
We Planted a Tree
by Diane Muldrow
Illustrator: Bob Staake
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Poetic text and vibrant, folksy illustrations celebrate the importance of trees to the planet.
by Diane Muldrow
Illustrator: Bob Staake
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Poetic text and vibrant, folksy illustrations celebrate the importance of trees to the planet.
What the Ladybug Heard
by Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Lydia Monks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Ladybug never says a word until the day two robbers appear on the farm. Colorful collages enliven the animal humor.
by Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Lydia Monks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Ladybug never says a word until the day two robbers appear on the farm. Colorful collages enliven the animal humor.
What Will You Be, Sara Mee?
by Kate Aver Avraham
Illustrator: Anne Sibley OBrien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Young Sara Mee celebrates her “tol,” a Korean tradition ending her first year and forecasting her potential future. Ink brushline with watercolor illustrations.
by Kate Aver Avraham
Illustrator: Anne Sibley OBrien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Young Sara Mee celebrates her “tol,” a Korean tradition ending her first year and forecasting her potential future. Ink brushline with watercolor illustrations.
Wonder Horse
written and ill. by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Born a slave, veterinarian Bill “Doc” Key believed that an animal treated kindly could do anything; even, as his horse, Jim did learn to spell! Rich watercolor illustrations.
written and ill. by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Born a slave, veterinarian Bill “Doc” Key believed that an animal treated kindly could do anything; even, as his horse, Jim did learn to spell! Rich watercolor illustrations.
Yasmin's Hammer
by Ann Malaspina
Illustrator: Doug Ghayka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
In Dhaba, Bangladesh, Yasmin helps to support her family by chipping bricks all day, until her parents send her to school. Colorful oil paintings capture the bustle of the city.
by Ann Malaspina
Illustrator: Doug Ghayka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
In Dhaba, Bangladesh, Yasmin helps to support her family by chipping bricks all day, until her parents send her to school. Colorful oil paintings capture the bustle of the city.
Young Zeus
written and ill. by G. Brian Karas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Starting with the Greek myths, this imaginary tale of Zeus unfolds with fierce fighting and sibling rivalry. Amusing gouache and pencil illustrations.
written and ill. by G. Brian Karas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
Starting with the Greek myths, this imaginary tale of Zeus unfolds with fierce fighting and sibling rivalry. Amusing gouache and pencil illustrations.
Zapato Power
by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Miguel Benítez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
As Freddie investigatesa gift in a strange box left for him, the reader is taken on a series of adventures.
by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Miguel Benítez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2010
As Freddie investigatesa gift in a strange box left for him, the reader is taken on a series of adventures.
A Book
written and ill. by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A young girl, living inside a book takes a hilariously imaginative romp in search of her story. Quirky, humorous illustrations.
written and ill. by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A young girl, living inside a book takes a hilariously imaginative romp in search of her story. Quirky, humorous illustrations.
A Child's Garden
written and ill. by Michael Foreman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
In a war-torn land, a child's strength of spirit sustains him and ultimately many others.
written and ill. by Michael Foreman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
In a war-torn land, a child's strength of spirit sustains him and ultimately many others.
All God's Critters
Song by Bill Staines
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A lively collection of animals takes the stage to sing this tribute to a diverse world. Dramatic pencil, oil, and watercolor illustrations.
Song by Bill Staines
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A lively collection of animals takes the stage to sing this tribute to a diverse world. Dramatic pencil, oil, and watercolor illustrations.
Always in Trouble
by Corinne Demas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Humorous cartoon style illustrations enliven this tale of Toby, a dog who learns good behavior.
by Corinne Demas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Humorous cartoon style illustrations enliven this tale of Toby, a dog who learns good behavior.
A Mighty Fine Time Machine
written and ill. by Suzanne Bloom
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
An anteater, aardvark, and armadillo turn a carton that didn't work as a time machine into a delightful bookmobile. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations.
written and ill. by Suzanne Bloom
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
An anteater, aardvark, and armadillo turn a carton that didn't work as a time machine into a delightful bookmobile. Gouache and colored pencil illustrations.
Annie and Snowball and the Cozy Nest
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Sucie Stevenson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Annie and Henry observe a robin's nest. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations chronicle their springtime adventure.
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Sucie Stevenson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Annie and Henry observe a robin's nest. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations chronicle their springtime adventure.
Annie and Snowball and the Pink Surprise
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Sucie Stevenson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A hummingbird comes to Annie's garden. Can she and Henry think of a way to attract more?
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Sucie Stevenson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A hummingbird comes to Annie's garden. Can she and Henry think of a way to attract more?
A Party in Ramadan
by Asma Mobin-Uddin
Illustrator: Laura Jacobsen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Leena tries to fast during Ramadan, but wants to attend a friend's party. Her U.S. Muslim family is warmly portrayed in soft, realistic pastels. Author's note on Ramadan and the hijab(headscarf).
by Asma Mobin-Uddin
Illustrator: Laura Jacobsen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Leena tries to fast during Ramadan, but wants to attend a friend's party. Her U.S. Muslim family is warmly portrayed in soft, realistic pastels. Author's note on Ramadan and the hijab(headscarf).
Archie and the Pirates
written and ill. by Marc Rosenthal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Marooned on an island, clever Archie takes adversity in stride while fighting a band of no-good pirates with his new-found friends.
written and ill. by Marc Rosenthal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Marooned on an island, clever Archie takes adversity in stride while fighting a band of no-good pirates with his new-found friends.
Are You Ready to Play Outside?
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
See:I Love My New Toy
written and ill. by Mo Willems
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
See:I Love My New Toy
Baby Elephant
by Ginger L. Clarke
Illustrator: Robbin Cuddy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A baby elephant is born and grows up in the African grassland.
by Ginger L. Clarke
Illustrator: Robbin Cuddy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A baby elephant is born and grows up in the African grassland.
Backpack Stories
written and ill. by Kevin O'Malley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A clever spoof of the ever-present carryall is well supported by energetic, vibrant cartoon-like illustrations.
written and ill. by Kevin O'Malley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A clever spoof of the ever-present carryall is well supported by energetic, vibrant cartoon-like illustrations.
Ballyhoo Bay
by Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Derek Anderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
An art teacher uses her talents and her students to save the beach from development. Told in rhyme with vibrant illustrations.
by Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Derek Anderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
An art teacher uses her talents and her students to save the beach from development. Told in rhyme with vibrant illustrations.