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/.
How to Perform a Search and Save a List
Search
Advanced Search
Over and Under the Snow
by Kate Messner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
These poetic observations of animals hidden beneath the snow are accompanied by textural and graphic images in a muted palette. Includes information and suggestions for further reading.
by Kate Messner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
These poetic observations of animals hidden beneath the snow are accompanied by textural and graphic images in a muted palette. Includes information and suggestions for further reading.
Pablo Neruda
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A simple text about the poet's life and poetry is accompanied by vibrant paintings.
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A simple text about the poet's life and poetry is accompanied by vibrant paintings.
Passing the Music Down
by Sarah Sullivan
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
On a trip to Appalachia, a young boy hears music that he, too, will play and then pass on. Watercolor and gouache illustrations.
by Sarah Sullivan
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
On a trip to Appalachia, a young boy hears music that he, too, will play and then pass on. Watercolor and gouache illustrations.
Peaceful Pieces
written and illustrated by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Exquisite illustrations of quilts provide a background for a variety of original poems exploring the central theme in unusual ways.
written and illustrated by Anna Grossnickle Hines
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Exquisite illustrations of quilts provide a background for a variety of original poems exploring the central theme in unusual ways.
Pelly and Mr. Harrison Visit the Moon
by
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Getting ready for bed, Pelly notices her bathtub has a rocket engine, creating an opportunity for a space adventure with her dog. Whimsical illustrations enhance the story.
by
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Getting ready for bed, Pelly notices her bathtub has a rocket engine, creating an opportunity for a space adventure with her dog. Whimsical illustrations enhance the story.
Perfect Snow
by Barbara Reid
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Imaginative plasticine(clay) illustrations bring the swirling snow alive in the creative play of a fort builder and snowman maker.
by Barbara Reid
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Imaginative plasticine(clay) illustrations bring the swirling snow alive in the creative play of a fort builder and snowman maker.
Perfect Square
written and ill. by Michael Hall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A perfect square is torn into pieces and otherwise changed, but each transformation creates something new and delightful.
written and ill. by Michael Hall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A perfect square is torn into pieces and otherwise changed, but each transformation creates something new and delightful.
Planting the Wild Garden
by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrator: Wendy Anderson Halperin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Soft, richly detailed watercolors and gentle prose explore the many ways wild seeds are spread.
by Kathryn O. Galbraith
Illustrator: Wendy Anderson Halperin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Soft, richly detailed watercolors and gentle prose explore the many ways wild seeds are spread.
Polar Bears
written and photographed by Mark Newman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Surprising facts about this Arctic animal are described in clear text and glorious color photographs.
written and photographed by Mark Newman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Surprising facts about this Arctic animal are described in clear text and glorious color photographs.
Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten
by Catherine Urdahl
Illustrator: Mai S. Kemble
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Even with her fix-it kit, Polka-dot can't seem to fix kindergarten--or can she? Watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite illustrations.
by Catherine Urdahl
Illustrator: Mai S. Kemble
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Even with her fix-it kit, Polka-dot can't seem to fix kindergarten--or can she? Watercolor, colored pencil, and graphite illustrations.
Polka Dot Penguin Pottery
by Lenore Look
Illustrator: Yumi Heo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Kim Chee Lee discovers that she can be an artist and a writer in Aspen, Colorado. Amusing oil, pencil, and collage illustrations.
by Lenore Look
Illustrator: Yumi Heo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Kim Chee Lee discovers that she can be an artist and a writer in Aspen, Colorado. Amusing oil, pencil, and collage illustrations.
Pond Walk
written and illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Buddy and his mother take a walk and explore the creatures that live in the pond. Mother supplies the facts and buddy makes drawings and takes notes on what he sees. Cut paper and colored pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Buddy and his mother take a walk and explore the creatures that live in the pond. Mother supplies the facts and buddy makes drawings and takes notes on what he sees. Cut paper and colored pencil illustrations.
Prairie Dogs
written by Darice Bailer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The habits, habitats, life-style, predators, and protective barking are explained with excellent photographs, Bibliography, glossary, index, and websites.
written by Darice Bailer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The habits, habitats, life-style, predators, and protective barking are explained with excellent photographs, Bibliography, glossary, index, and websites.
Princess Kim and Too Much Truth
written and ill. by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Kim learns that honesty is not always the best policy when she begins to say everything she thinks. Expressive illustrations.
written and ill. by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Kim learns that honesty is not always the best policy when she begins to say everything she thinks. Expressive illustrations.
Queen of the Falls
written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In 1901 Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel successfully. Intriguing sepia pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In 1901 Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel successfully. Intriguing sepia pencil illustrations.
Rapunzel
retold and illustrated by Sarah Gibb
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dramatic black silhouettes and intricate colored paintings alternate in this traditional story of the girl locked in a tower.
retold and illustrated by Sarah Gibb
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dramatic black silhouettes and intricate colored paintings alternate in this traditional story of the girl locked in a tower.
Ruby Lu: Star of the Show
by Lenore Look
Illustrator: Stef Choi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When Ruby's father loses his job, things get hard for the family. But with help from neighbors and a new teacher, they manage.
by Lenore Look
Illustrator: Stef Choi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When Ruby's father loses his job, things get hard for the family. But with help from neighbors and a new teacher, they manage.
Same, Same but Different
written and illustrated by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Through exchanging letters, Elliott in America and Kailash in India discover how their worlds compare and build a solid friendship. Colorful multimedia illustrations
written and illustrated by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Through exchanging letters, Elliott in America and Kailash in India discover how their worlds compare and build a solid friendship. Colorful multimedia illustrations
Sammy in the Sky
by Barbara Walsh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In this poignant tale of love and loss, a family helps their mourning daughter keep the spirit of her dog alive. Soft-edged watercolor paintings.
by Barbara Walsh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In this poignant tale of love and loss, a family helps their mourning daughter keep the spirit of her dog alive. Soft-edged watercolor paintings.
Say Something, Perico
by Trudy Harris
Illustrator: Cecilia Rebora
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A misunderstood parrot finds the perfect bilingual home. Gentle illustrations in muted colors.
by Trudy Harris
Illustrator: Cecilia Rebora
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A misunderstood parrot finds the perfect bilingual home. Gentle illustrations in muted colors.
Sea Horses
by Nicole Corse
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A fish with no scales? A father that has babies? Learn more about these unusual creatures in descriptive text and close-up photographs.
by Nicole Corse
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A fish with no scales? A father that has babies? Learn more about these unusual creatures in descriptive text and close-up photographs.
Sheila Says We're Weird
by Ruth Ann Smalley
Illustrator: Jennifer Emery
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Sheila is always asking her neighbors questions about their environmentally-conscious habits, but joins in the fun and the fruits of their tasks.
by Ruth Ann Smalley
Illustrator: Jennifer Emery
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Sheila is always asking her neighbors questions about their environmentally-conscious habits, but joins in the fun and the fruits of their tasks.
Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes and Other Tricky Tongue Twisters
by Brian P. Cleary
Illustrator: Steve Mack
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Deceptively simple twisters to challenge one's tongue with an explanation of how to create them are illustrated in comic book style.
by Brian P. Cleary
Illustrator: Steve Mack
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Deceptively simple twisters to challenge one's tongue with an explanation of how to create them are illustrated in comic book style.
Skunk Kits
by Ruth Owen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The early years of these animals are described in these scientific introductions. Vivid photographs and graphics. Bibliography, index.
by Ruth Owen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The early years of these animals are described in these scientific introductions. Vivid photographs and graphics. Bibliography, index.
Sophie's Lovely Locks
written and illustrated by Erica Pelton Villnave
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Colorful, animated watercolors show how beautiful and annoying it is to have long hair. Her solution helps two people.
written and illustrated by Erica Pelton Villnave
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Colorful, animated watercolors show how beautiful and annoying it is to have long hair. Her solution helps two people.