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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The Pied Piper's Magic
written and ill. by Steven Kellogg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A magical pipe that plays letters rather than notes helps an elf rid a village of gloom. Colorful mixed media drawings.
written and ill. by Steven Kellogg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A magical pipe that plays letters rather than notes helps an elf rid a village of gloom. Colorful mixed media drawings.
The Sleepy Little Alphabet
by Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
The little letters of the alphabet aren't ready to say goodnight in this funny bedtime tale. Humorous illustrations.
by Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
The little letters of the alphabet aren't ready to say goodnight in this funny bedtime tale. Humorous illustrations.
The Three Little Tamales
by Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A Texas takeoff of the “Three Little Pigs” has lively illustrations that reflect the southwestern setting. Glossary of Spanish words.
by Eric A. Kimmel
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A Texas takeoff of the “Three Little Pigs” has lively illustrations that reflect the southwestern setting. Glossary of Spanish words.
The Underground Gators
by Tina Casey
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Alligators that live in sewers peform all sorts of useful functions. Lively, expressive watercolors.
by Tina Casey
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Alligators that live in sewers peform all sorts of useful functions. Lively, expressive watercolors.
Timmerman Was Here
by Colleen Sydor
Illustrator: Nicolas Debon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Despite the rumors about their boarder's late night activities, a young girl's continued belief in his goodness is finally justified. Pencil and gouache drawings.
by Colleen Sydor
Illustrator: Nicolas Debon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Despite the rumors about their boarder's late night activities, a young girl's continued belief in his goodness is finally justified. Pencil and gouache drawings.
Tiny & Hercules
written and ill. by Amy Schwartz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Elephant Tiny and mouse Hercules help one another out of tight spots in five cheery stories. Simple entertaining watercolors.
written and ill. by Amy Schwartz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Elephant Tiny and mouse Hercules help one another out of tight spots in five cheery stories. Simple entertaining watercolors.
Tough Chicks
by Cece Meng
Illustrator: Melissa Suber
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
The unconventional behavior of three girl chicks helps save the hen house in this silly but engaging tale. Colorful, humorous acrylic illustrations.
by Cece Meng
Illustrator: Melissa Suber
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
The unconventional behavior of three girl chicks helps save the hen house in this silly but engaging tale. Colorful, humorous acrylic illustrations.
Tricking the Tallyman
The Great Census Shenanigans of 1790
by Jacqueline Davies
Illustrator: S.D. Schindler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Set in Vermont, this humorous story imagines the problems of taking the first census. Funny paintings. Author's note.
by Jacqueline Davies
Illustrator: S.D. Schindler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Set in Vermont, this humorous story imagines the problems of taking the first census. Funny paintings. Author's note.
Trudy
written and ill. by Henry Cole
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Trudy's goat is talented-she can even predict the weather. Then she does something really special. Warm acrylic illustrations.
written and ill. by Henry Cole
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Trudy's goat is talented-she can even predict the weather. Then she does something really special. Warm acrylic illustrations.
Uncle Andy's Cats
written and ill. by James Warhola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Andy Warhol's nephew describes how one blue pet cat eventually becomes 25 kittens all named Sam. Humorous watercolors.
written and ill. by James Warhola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Andy Warhol's nephew describes how one blue pet cat eventually becomes 25 kittens all named Sam. Humorous watercolors.
Voyage to the Pharos
by Sarah Gauch
Illustrator: Roger Roth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
In this ancient Greek adventure, young Dino travels to see the famous Pharos lighthouse - but will his ship make it? Vivid, dramatic illustrations.
by Sarah Gauch
Illustrator: Roger Roth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
In this ancient Greek adventure, young Dino travels to see the famous Pharos lighthouse - but will his ship make it? Vivid, dramatic illustrations.
Waiting for the Owl's Call
by Gloria Whelan
Illustrator: Pascal Milelli
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Eight-year-old Zulvija weaves carpets all day with her female relatives, while dreaming of school and her own creativity. Detailed, strong images of Turkoman traditional life in Afghanistan. Author's note on child labor.
by Gloria Whelan
Illustrator: Pascal Milelli
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Eight-year-old Zulvija weaves carpets all day with her female relatives, while dreaming of school and her own creativity. Detailed, strong images of Turkoman traditional life in Afghanistan. Author's note on child labor.
Waiting for Winter
written and ill. by Sebastian Meschenmoser
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Squirrel and his friends want to see snow--but what is it and when will it come? Entertaining and intricate mixed-media illustrations.
written and ill. by Sebastian Meschenmoser
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Squirrel and his friends want to see snow--but what is it and when will it come? Entertaining and intricate mixed-media illustrations.
Who Wants to be a Poodle, I Don't
written and ill. by Lauren Child
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A pampered poodle does not like her fancy name or life. She longs to jump in puddles and bark like other dogs. Delightful collages.
written and ill. by Lauren Child
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A pampered poodle does not like her fancy name or life. She longs to jump in puddles and bark like other dogs. Delightful collages.
Who Will I Be, Lord?
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A girl is inspired by her diverse and spirited family members to ponder what-and who-she will become.
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
A girl is inspired by her diverse and spirited family members to ponder what-and who-she will become.
Wink
written and ill. by J.C. Phillipps
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Unimpressed with Wink's flamboyant style, Master Zutsu actually discovers Wink's true talents. Animated collage-style illustrations.
written and ill. by J.C. Phillipps
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Unimpressed with Wink's flamboyant style, Master Zutsu actually discovers Wink's true talents. Animated collage-style illustrations.
You and Me and Home Sweet Home
by George Ella Lyon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Sharonda helps volunteers from her church and community build a house so that she and her mother can have a home. Watercolorand pastel illustrations.
by George Ella Lyon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Sharonda helps volunteers from her church and community build a house so that she and her mother can have a home. Watercolorand pastel illustrations.
Yummy
written and ill. by Lucy Cousins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Each tale is reduced to its essence, painting sound effects and key phrases in large letters so early readers can follow along. Bold brush strokes and electric colors.
written and ill. by Lucy Cousins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
Each tale is reduced to its essence, painting sound effects and key phrases in large letters so early readers can follow along. Bold brush strokes and electric colors.
Zarafa
by Judith St. George
Illustrator: Britt Spencer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
As Zarafa, a gift to the French king, travels from Africa to Paris, he grows up. Watercolor, gouache, and ink illustrations.
by Judith St. George
Illustrator: Britt Spencer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
As Zarafa, a gift to the French king, travels from Africa to Paris, he grows up. Watercolor, gouache, and ink illustrations.
Zelda and Ivy Keeping Secrets
written and ill. by Laura McGee Kvasnosky
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
In three easy-to-read stories, siblings Zelda, Ivy, and Eugene have dramatic, humorous adventures. Animated illustrations.
written and ill. by Laura McGee Kvasnosky
Ages: 6+
Published: 2009
In three easy-to-read stories, siblings Zelda, Ivy, and Eugene have dramatic, humorous adventures. Animated illustrations.
Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Seven-year-old Abe Lincoln falls into a Kentucky creek and is saved by his best friend Austin. Vivid watercolors.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Seven-year-old Abe Lincoln falls into a Kentucky creek and is saved by his best friend Austin. Vivid watercolors.
Adele & Simon in America
written and ill. by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Despite his sister's warnings, Simon scatters his belongings all over twentieth century America. Detailed pen, ink and watercolor illustrations.
written and ill. by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Despite his sister's warnings, Simon scatters his belongings all over twentieth century America. Detailed pen, ink and watercolor illustrations.
A Girl Named Dan
by Dandi Daley Mackall
Illustrator: Renee Graef
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Despite her talent and passion for it, Dandi is excluded from the “boys only” sport of baseall. Expressive illustrations.
by Dandi Daley Mackall
Illustrator: Renee Graef
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Despite her talent and passion for it, Dandi is excluded from the “boys only” sport of baseall. Expressive illustrations.
A Glove of Their Own
by Debbie Moldovan
Illustrator: Lauren Lambiase
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
A tale that celebrates the spontaniety, team play and the kindness of a man who remembers how it was when baseball was a “pick-up” sport. Told in verse.
by Debbie Moldovan
Illustrator: Lauren Lambiase
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
A tale that celebrates the spontaniety, team play and the kindness of a man who remembers how it was when baseball was a “pick-up” sport. Told in verse.
Alex Flint: Super Sleuth
by Jill Santopolo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Fourth-grader Alex and his friends help his policeman father solve a theft.
by Jill Santopolo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2008
Fourth-grader Alex and his friends help his policeman father solve a theft.