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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Garden in My Hands, A
Meera Sriram
Illustrator: Sandhya Prabhat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A mother paints henna designs, mehndi, on her little daughter's hands in preparation for an Indian wedding. Poetic text and vivid, stylized digital illustrations. Back matter.
Meera Sriram
Illustrator: Sandhya Prabhat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A mother paints henna designs, mehndi, on her little daughter's hands in preparation for an Indian wedding. Poetic text and vivid, stylized digital illustrations. Back matter.
Gentle Genius of Trees, The
Philip Bunting
Illustrator: Philip Bunting
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
An introduction to trees, containing clear descriptions of topics such as photosynthesis. Simple digital art supports the playful text with many diagrams.
Philip Bunting
Illustrator: Philip Bunting
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
An introduction to trees, containing clear descriptions of topics such as photosynthesis. Simple digital art supports the playful text with many diagrams.
Gertie, the Darling Duck of WWII
Shari Swanson
Illustrator: Renée Graef
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
In 1945 a duck built her nest on precarious pilings in the Milwaukee River as the whole town cheered her and her ducklings on. Sepia-toned illustrations. Back matter.
Shari Swanson
Illustrator: Renée Graef
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
In 1945 a duck built her nest on precarious pilings in the Milwaukee River as the whole town cheered her and her ducklings on. Sepia-toned illustrations. Back matter.
Gigi and Ojiji: Food for Thought (Gigi and Ojiji series/I Can Read! series)
Melissa Iwai
Illustrator: Melissa Iwai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young girl from a multicultural family strengthens her relationship with her Japanese grandfather by preparing breakfast and sharing it with him. Colorful cartoon-style illustrations.
Melissa Iwai
Illustrator: Melissa Iwai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young girl from a multicultural family strengthens her relationship with her Japanese grandfather by preparing breakfast and sharing it with him. Colorful cartoon-style illustrations.
Girl Who Heard the Music, The: How One Pianist and 85,000 Bottles and Cans Brought New Hope to an Island
Marni Fogelson, with Mahani Teave
Illustrator: Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Teave, an award-winning musician and environmentalist, was born on Rapa Nui and, using garbage in its construction, created a school of the arts there. Digital paintings. Back matter.
Marni Fogelson, with Mahani Teave
Illustrator: Marta Álvarez Miguéns
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Teave, an award-winning musician and environmentalist, was born on Rapa Nui and, using garbage in its construction, created a school of the arts there. Digital paintings. Back matter.
Glitter Everywhere!: Where It Came From, Where It's Found & Where It's Going
Chris Barton
Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Explore the art, science, history, and negative social and environmental impact of these sparkling specks. Colorful digital art. Back matter includes extensive bibliography.
Chris Barton
Illustrator: Chaaya Prabhat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Explore the art, science, history, and negative social and environmental impact of these sparkling specks. Colorful digital art. Back matter includes extensive bibliography.
Gloria's Promise (American Ballet Theatre Presents series)
Robin Preiss Glasser and Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman
Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
When a young girl, passionate about dancing, auditions for the American Ballet Theatre school, she falls! Can she possibly be accepted? Gouache and watercolor illustrations.
Robin Preiss Glasser and Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman
Illustrator: Robin Preiss Glasser
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
When a young girl, passionate about dancing, auditions for the American Ballet Theatre school, she falls! Can she possibly be accepted? Gouache and watercolor illustrations.
Good Books for Bad Children: The Genius of Ursula Nordstrom
Beth Kephart
Illustrator: Chloe Bristol
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Never forgetting what it felt like to be a child, Nordstrom revolutionized children's book publishing, working with Maurice Sendak, E. B. White, Margaret Wise Brown, and others. Evocative drawings of the 1950s.
Beth Kephart
Illustrator: Chloe Bristol
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Never forgetting what it felt like to be a child, Nordstrom revolutionized children's book publishing, working with Maurice Sendak, E. B. White, Margaret Wise Brown, and others. Evocative drawings of the 1950s.
Grandma's Tipi: A Present-Day Lakota Story
S. D. Nelson
Illustrator: S. D. Nelson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Clara learns about her rich tribal heritage while spending the summer on the reservation with her grandmother. Immersive acrylic art. Extensive author's note.
S. D. Nelson
Illustrator: S. D. Nelson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Clara learns about her rich tribal heritage while spending the summer on the reservation with her grandmother. Immersive acrylic art. Extensive author's note.
Grandpa and the Kingfisher
Anna Wilson
Illustrator: Sarah Massini
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
While they observe river birds through the seasons, a grandfather gently teaches his grandchild that no one lives forever, but nature and the world abide. Digital art. Includes link to audiobook.
Anna Wilson
Illustrator: Sarah Massini
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
While they observe river birds through the seasons, a grandfather gently teaches his grandchild that no one lives forever, but nature and the world abide. Digital art. Includes link to audiobook.
Great Carrier Reef (Books for a Better Earth series)
Jessica Stremer
Illustrator: Gordy Wright
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
The retired carrier USS Oriskany, refitted as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida, serves as a protective environment for endangered coral reef ecosystems. Detailed illustrations. Back matter.
Jessica Stremer
Illustrator: Gordy Wright
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
The retired carrier USS Oriskany, refitted as an artificial reef off the coast of Florida, serves as a protective environment for endangered coral reef ecosystems. Detailed illustrations. Back matter.
Green Piano, The: How Little Me Found Music
Roberta Flack, with Tonya Bolden
Illustrator: Hayden Goodman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist shares how her parents' extraordinary support made her early start to a shining musical career possible. Gouache artwork. Back matter.
Roberta Flack, with Tonya Bolden
Illustrator: Hayden Goodman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
The Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist shares how her parents' extraordinary support made her early start to a shining musical career possible. Gouache artwork. Back matter.
Harriet Spies
Elana K. Arnold
Illustrator: Dung Ho
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
During a summer at her grandmother's B&B, Harriet solves mysteries, makes friends, and learns something about truth-telling. Sequel to Just Harriet. Spot art.
Elana K. Arnold
Illustrator: Dung Ho
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
During a summer at her grandmother's B&B, Harriet solves mysteries, makes friends, and learns something about truth-telling. Sequel to Just Harriet. Spot art.
Hello, Mister Blue
Daria Peoples
Illustrator: Daria Peoples
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young girl and her grandfather spend a day playing music with Papa's old friend, now unhoused, but nonetheless a popular neighborhood fixture. Oil paint and graphite illustrations.
Daria Peoples
Illustrator: Daria Peoples
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young girl and her grandfather spend a day playing music with Papa's old friend, now unhoused, but nonetheless a popular neighborhood fixture. Oil paint and graphite illustrations.
Henry, Like Always
Jenn Bailey
Illustrator: Mika Song
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
When his teacher announces a parade, Henry gets upset that the classroom routine will change. Then he finds a way to manage. Early chapter book. Gentle ink and blue wash illustrations.
Jenn Bailey
Illustrator: Mika Song
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
When his teacher announces a parade, Henry gets upset that the classroom routine will change. Then he finds a way to manage. Early chapter book. Gentle ink and blue wash illustrations.
Hole Story, The
Kelly Canby
Illustrator: Kelly Canby
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Charlie seeks to find a new owner for the troublesome hole he discovers. Will he find a willing taker? Endpapers provide a thoughtful twist. Brushstroke illustrations.
Kelly Canby
Illustrator: Kelly Canby
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Charlie seeks to find a new owner for the troublesome hole he discovers. Will he find a willing taker? Endpapers provide a thoughtful twist. Brushstroke illustrations.
Homeland: My Father Dreams of Palestine
Hannah Moushabeck
Illustrator: Reem Madooh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young girl shares the stories her father told about life in Palestine before his family left their homeland in 1948. Colorful, detailed illustrations.
Hannah Moushabeck
Illustrator: Reem Madooh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young girl shares the stories her father told about life in Palestine before his family left their homeland in 1948. Colorful, detailed illustrations.
Hornbeam All In (Hornbeam series)
Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Arthur Howard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Three short stories featuring a goofy moose focus on themes of supporting friends, being generous, and understanding shortcomings. Cartoon-style art captures the gentle humor.
Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Arthur Howard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Three short stories featuring a goofy moose focus on themes of supporting friends, being generous, and understanding shortcomings. Cartoon-style art captures the gentle humor.
Hospital Book, The
Lisa Brown
Illustrator: Lisa Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young brown-skinned girl is hospitalized with abdominal pain. After surgery, she recovers and returns home. Detailed india ink and watercolor illustrations.
Lisa Brown
Illustrator: Lisa Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
A young brown-skinned girl is hospitalized with abdominal pain. After surgery, she recovers and returns home. Detailed india ink and watercolor illustrations.
How Birds Sleep
David Obuchowski and Sarah Pedry
Illustrator: Sarah Pedry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Charcoal, ink, and gouache illustrations accompany this informative text on how a wide variety of birds sleep. Extensive back matter.
David Obuchowski and Sarah Pedry
Illustrator: Sarah Pedry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Charcoal, ink, and gouache illustrations accompany this informative text on how a wide variety of birds sleep. Extensive back matter.
How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?
Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
An author speculates about one of life's greatest mysteries. Hilarious illustrations.
Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
An author speculates about one of life's greatest mysteries. Hilarious illustrations.
How Do You Spell Unfair?: MacNolia Cox and the National Spelling Bee
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Despite the practice of excluding Black children from the competition as well as numerous other barriers, one brave, talented girl made history in 1936. Oil paintings convey deep emotion. Foreword and epilogue.
Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Despite the practice of excluding Black children from the competition as well as numerous other barriers, one brave, talented girl made history in 1936. Oil paintings convey deep emotion. Foreword and epilogue.
How the Sea Came to Be: And All the Creatures in It (Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series)
Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Amanda Hall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
How did life begin on Earth? Dramatic, sweeping illustrations capture single-celled creatures, invertebrates, arthropods, and finally, fish. Told in rhyming verse. Sources, glossary, time line.
Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Amanda Hall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
How did life begin on Earth? Dramatic, sweeping illustrations capture single-celled creatures, invertebrates, arthropods, and finally, fish. Told in rhyming verse. Sources, glossary, time line.
How to Love a Pony (Beginner Books series)
Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Sawyer Cloud
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
In gentle rhymes, a young Black girl tells how she cares for her pony on the family farm. Full-color illustrations show the changing seasons.
Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Sawyer Cloud
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
In gentle rhymes, a young Black girl tells how she cares for her pony on the family farm. Full-color illustrations show the changing seasons.
I Absolutely, Positively Love My Spots
Lid'ya C. Rivera
Illustrator: Niña Mata
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Inspired by her own experience, the author pens a celebratory ode to children with vitiligo. Vibrant, joyful illustrations. Back matter about the author's life.
Lid'ya C. Rivera
Illustrator: Niña Mata
Ages: 6+
Published: 2023
Inspired by her own experience, the author pens a celebratory ode to children with vitiligo. Vibrant, joyful illustrations. Back matter about the author's life.