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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Yossel's Journey
Kathryn Lasky
Illustrator: Johnson Yazzie
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
When his family, fleeing from anti-Jewish pogroms in Russia, settles near a Navajo reservation in the American Southwest, Yossel finds a friend and shares cultural differences. Evocative painterly illustrations.
Kathryn Lasky
Illustrator: Johnson Yazzie
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
When his family, fleeing from anti-Jewish pogroms in Russia, settles near a Navajo reservation in the American Southwest, Yossel finds a friend and shares cultural differences. Evocative painterly illustrations.
You Are the Loveliest
Hans Hagen and Monique Hagen
Illustrator: Marit Törnqvist
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
Detailed mixed-media illustrations accompany rhyming and free verse poems written to express the words and thoughts of a little girl experiencing her world.
Hans Hagen and Monique Hagen
Illustrator: Marit Törnqvist
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
Detailed mixed-media illustrations accompany rhyming and free verse poems written to express the words and thoughts of a little girl experiencing her world.
Zhang Heng and the Incredible Earthquake Detector
Randel McGee
Illustrator: Randel McGee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
In 132 CE, a Chinese scientist invents a device that shows the direction from which an earthquake originated. Vivid illustrations evoke traditional Chinese puppet theater.
Randel McGee
Illustrator: Randel McGee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
In 132 CE, a Chinese scientist invents a device that shows the direction from which an earthquake originated. Vivid illustrations evoke traditional Chinese puppet theater.
Zoobilations!: Animal Poems and Paintings
Douglas Florian
Illustrator: Douglas Florian
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
Whimsical pun-filled rhymed poems with childlike watercolor illustrations describe a collection of animals.
Douglas Florian
Illustrator: Douglas Florian
Ages: 6+
Published: 2022
Whimsical pun-filled rhymed poems with childlike watercolor illustrations describe a collection of animals.
13 Ways to Eat a Fly
Sue Heavenrich
Illustrator: David Clark
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Told in rhyme and countdown, a range of predators, devour insect prey using their unique anatomy and method. Bold humorous illustrations. Well-referenced.
Sue Heavenrich
Illustrator: David Clark
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Told in rhyme and countdown, a range of predators, devour insect prey using their unique anatomy and method. Bold humorous illustrations. Well-referenced.
Alien Nation
Sandro Bassi
Illustrator: Sandro Bassi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Can anything disturb humans with oversized headgear, deeply absorbed on their mobile phones in this wordless allegory? Dramatically detailed black and white crosshatched illustrations.
Sandro Bassi
Illustrator: Sandro Bassi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Can anything disturb humans with oversized headgear, deeply absorbed on their mobile phones in this wordless allegory? Dramatically detailed black and white crosshatched illustrations.
All Eyes On Ozzy!
K-Fai Steele
Illustrator: K-Fai Steele
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
An attention-grabbing girl learns musical chaos results unless everyone plays as a team. Dense comical watercolor artwork elevates this important message.
K-Fai Steele
Illustrator: K-Fai Steele
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
An attention-grabbing girl learns musical chaos results unless everyone plays as a team. Dense comical watercolor artwork elevates this important message.
All Kinds of Animal Families
Sophy Henn
Illustrator: Sophy Henn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A celebration of the diversity of animal families provides simple informative facts about each animal. Bold, colorful illustrations.
Sophy Henn
Illustrator: Sophy Henn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A celebration of the diversity of animal families provides simple informative facts about each animal. Bold, colorful illustrations.
Amira's Picture Day
Reem Faruqi
Illustrator: Fahmida Azim
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Amira loves celebrating Eid at the end of Ramadan; but it's also picture day at school, and she longs to be there too. Lively, digital illustrations of diversie worshippers at her mosque. Back matter.
Reem Faruqi
Illustrator: Fahmida Azim
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Amira loves celebrating Eid at the end of Ramadan; but it's also picture day at school, and she longs to be there too. Lively, digital illustrations of diversie worshippers at her mosque. Back matter.
Anteaters, Bats & Boas: The Amazon Rainforest from the Forest Floor to the Treetops
Roxie Munro
Illustrator: Roxie Munro
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Basic facts about 30 animals from ants to primates drawn true to size and color, illustrated with lush acrylic paintings. Detailed back matter contains a conservation plea.
Roxie Munro
Illustrator: Roxie Munro
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Basic facts about 30 animals from ants to primates drawn true to size and color, illustrated with lush acrylic paintings. Detailed back matter contains a conservation plea.
Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story
Areli Morales
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A DACA recipient recounts her own story of coming to New York City from a small Mexican town. Naïve digital illustrations. Author's note. Glossary. Also available in Spanish.
Areli Morales
Illustrator: Luisa Uribe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A DACA recipient recounts her own story of coming to New York City from a small Mexican town. Naïve digital illustrations. Author's note. Glossary. Also available in Spanish.
Baloney and Friends: Going Up! (Baloney and Friends series)
Greg Pizzoli
Illustrator: Greg Pizzoli
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Baloney, Bizz, Krabbit, and Peanut go on a camping trip, write their theme song, and more. Tips on drawing expressive cartoons.
Greg Pizzoli
Illustrator: Greg Pizzoli
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Baloney, Bizz, Krabbit, and Peanut go on a camping trip, write their theme song, and more. Tips on drawing expressive cartoons.
Barn, The
Leah H. Rodgers
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Each free verse poem comments on the creatures living inside and around the barn. Inventive imagery, luscious watercolor and gouache art.
Leah H. Rodgers
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Each free verse poem comments on the creatures living inside and around the barn. Inventive imagery, luscious watercolor and gouache art.
Bartali's Bicycle: The True Story of Gino Bartali, Italy's Secret Hero
Megan Hoyt
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A renowned cyclist uses his skills and fame to rescue hundreds of Jews during World War II. Bold, historically evocative poster-like multimedia color illustrations. Timeline, author's note, sources.
Megan Hoyt
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A renowned cyclist uses his skills and fame to rescue hundreds of Jews during World War II. Bold, historically evocative poster-like multimedia color illustrations. Timeline, author's note, sources.
Battle of the Blanket Forts (Fort Builders Inc. series)
Dee Romito
Illustrator: Marta Kissi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Things take on a competitive bent, when Kiara and Caleb's cabin both aim to win the CREATE award at summer camp. How will they remain friends? Black/white illustrations.
Dee Romito
Illustrator: Marta Kissi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Things take on a competitive bent, when Kiara and Caleb's cabin both aim to win the CREATE award at summer camp. How will they remain friends? Black/white illustrations.
Bear Island
Matthew Cordell
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
After her dog dies, grieving Louise meets a sad bear. They help eachother heal, but is bear real? Ink and watercolor illustrations.
Matthew Cordell
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
After her dog dies, grieving Louise meets a sad bear. They help eachother heal, but is bear real? Ink and watercolor illustrations.
Be a Tree!
Maria Gianferrari
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A playful, poetic text links the characteristics that trees and humans have in common. Lush mixed-media art, informative back matter.
Maria Gianferrari
Illustrator: Felicita Sala
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A playful, poetic text links the characteristics that trees and humans have in common. Lush mixed-media art, informative back matter.
Beautifully Me
Nabela Noor
Illustrator: Nabi H. Ali
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A Bangladeshi-American girl's confusion about body image is sensitively handled with a joyous conclusion. Cultural elements are seamlessly integrated. Digital art.
Nabela Noor
Illustrator: Nabi H. Ali
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A Bangladeshi-American girl's confusion about body image is sensitively handled with a joyous conclusion. Cultural elements are seamlessly integrated. Digital art.
Begin with a Bee
Liza Ketchum, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and Phyllis Root
Illustrator: Claudia McGehee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
The life cycle of the rusty-patched bumble bee is described with wonder and lyrical language, enhanced by vibrant scratchboard artwork and abundant supplemental information.
Liza Ketchum, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and Phyllis Root
Illustrator: Claudia McGehee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
The life cycle of the rusty-patched bumble bee is described with wonder and lyrical language, enhanced by vibrant scratchboard artwork and abundant supplemental information.
Being You: A First Conversation About Gender (First Conversations)
Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli
Illustrator: Anne/Andy Passchier
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Simple and engaging text encourages children to learn that being yourself is beautiful. Colorful digital artwork.
Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli
Illustrator: Anne/Andy Passchier
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Simple and engaging text encourages children to learn that being yourself is beautiful. Colorful digital artwork.
Big Bad Wolf in My House, The
Valérie Fontaine
Illustrator: Nathalie Dion
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
An intense tragic tale of domestic abuse that ends on a note of hope. Gouache and digital art.
Valérie Fontaine
Illustrator: Nathalie Dion
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
An intense tragic tale of domestic abuse that ends on a note of hope. Gouache and digital art.
Big Bath House, The
Kyo Maclear
Illustrator: Gracey Zhang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A brown-haired girl visits her Japanese grandmother, where the women of various ages and body types joyfully gather at a communal bath. Cheery multimedia illustrations; Japanese glossary.
Kyo Maclear
Illustrator: Gracey Zhang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
A brown-haired girl visits her Japanese grandmother, where the women of various ages and body types joyfully gather at a communal bath. Cheery multimedia illustrations; Japanese glossary.
Bird Boy
Matthew Burgess
Illustrator: Shahrzad Maydani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Nico's new classmates come to appreciate his imagination, kindness and love of nature. Mixed-media color illustrations gently blend reality and imagination.
Matthew Burgess
Illustrator: Shahrzad Maydani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Nico's new classmates come to appreciate his imagination, kindness and love of nature. Mixed-media color illustrations gently blend reality and imagination.
Birds on Wishbone Street
Suzanne Del Rizzo
Illustrator: Suzanne Del Rizzo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
When Maureen welcomes a Syrian refugee boy to her diverse community, their friendship blossoms as they discover their mutual love of birds. Mixed media illustrations create three- dimensional effect. Back matter.
Suzanne Del Rizzo
Illustrator: Suzanne Del Rizzo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
When Maureen welcomes a Syrian refugee boy to her diverse community, their friendship blossoms as they discover their mutual love of birds. Mixed media illustrations create three- dimensional effect. Back matter.
Book of Not Entirely Useful Advice, The
A.F. Harrold
Illustrator: Mini Grey
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Inventive mixed-media collages and cartoons illustrate largely free verse offering quirky observations and warnings about everyday life. Witty and thought-provoking.
A.F. Harrold
Illustrator: Mini Grey
Ages: 6+
Published: 2021
Inventive mixed-media collages and cartoons illustrate largely free verse offering quirky observations and warnings about everyday life. Witty and thought-provoking.