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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Bilal Cooks Daal
by Aisha Saeed
Illustrator: Anoosha Syed
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Bilal, 6, invites his friends over to make daal, his favorite food, with him and his father. Spare, colorful digital illustrations.
by Aisha Saeed
Illustrator: Anoosha Syed
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Bilal, 6, invites his friends over to make daal, his favorite food, with him and his father. Spare, colorful digital illustrations.
Birds of a Feather
written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
F&Gs Eye-popping collages compare and contrast the meticulous labors of a bird attracting his mate and an artist creating children's books. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Susan L. Roth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
F&Gs Eye-popping collages compare and contrast the meticulous labors of a bird attracting his mate and an artist creating children's books. Back matter.
Birdsong
written and illustrated by Julie Flett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Young Katherena and her mom move and befriend elderly Agnes, a potter, in this tender cross-generational story of friendship and artistic creation. Gentle pastel and pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Julie Flett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Young Katherena and her mom move and befriend elderly Agnes, a potter, in this tender cross-generational story of friendship and artistic creation. Gentle pastel and pencil illustrations.
Black Cat Yellow Bunny
written and illustrated by Wook Jin Jung
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A chance encounter in the park changes two lives. Mixed media illustrations in a graphic format.
written and illustrated by Wook Jin Jung
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A chance encounter in the park changes two lives. Mixed media illustrations in a graphic format.
Blooming Beneath the Sun
poetry by Christina Rossetti
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Elegant rhythmic poems describe the world around us and stimulate the imagination. Brilliantly colored, dynamic cut paper collage illustrations.
poetry by Christina Rossetti
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Elegant rhythmic poems describe the world around us and stimulate the imagination. Brilliantly colored, dynamic cut paper collage illustrations.
Brave Ballerina
by Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Despite obstacles, Janet Collins followed her dream and became the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera. Rhymed text and gentle Adobe photoshopped illustrations.
by Michelle Meadows
Illustrator: Ebony Glenn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Despite obstacles, Janet Collins followed her dream and became the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera. Rhymed text and gentle Adobe photoshopped illustrations.
Bruce's Big Fun Day
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Humorous illustrations show exactly how little fun Bruce is having during a day out planned by his friend Nibbs.
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Humorous illustrations show exactly how little fun Bruce is having during a day out planned by his friend Nibbs.
Camilla, Cartographer
by Julie Dillemuth
Illustrator: Laura Wood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Fortunately, Camilla loves maps. When her neighbor can't find a familiar path because of a snowstorm, she maps their efforts. Full-page illustrations, including the map. Author's note.
by Julie Dillemuth
Illustrator: Laura Wood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Fortunately, Camilla loves maps. When her neighbor can't find a familiar path because of a snowstorm, she maps their efforts. Full-page illustrations, including the map. Author's note.
Camp Tiger
by Susan Choi
Illustrator: John Rocco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Brilliant, vivid illustrations draw readers into a magical camping trip where a young boy comes to terms with fears of first grade.
by Susan Choi
Illustrator: John Rocco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Brilliant, vivid illustrations draw readers into a magical camping trip where a young boy comes to terms with fears of first grade.
Captain Rosalie
by Timothée de Fombelle
Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
With her mother working long hours, five-year-old Rosalie sits quietly drawing, awaiting the return of her father away at the war. Watercolor, pen, and ink illustrations.
by Timothée de Fombelle
Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
With her mother working long hours, five-year-old Rosalie sits quietly drawing, awaiting the return of her father away at the war. Watercolor, pen, and ink illustrations.
Carter Reads the Newspaper
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Carter Woodson, born into poverty to formerly enslaved parents in 1926, champions the heretofore unacknowledged history of African Americans. Simple, powerful mixed-media illustrations.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Carter Woodson, born into poverty to formerly enslaved parents in 1926, champions the heretofore unacknowledged history of African Americans. Simple, powerful mixed-media illustrations.
Clackety Track
by Skila Brown
Illustrator: Jamey Christoph
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Travel along from morning in the yard to the sleeper car as lively poems celebrate trains of all different shapes and sizes. Retro-looking digital illustrations and train facts.
by Skila Brown
Illustrator: Jamey Christoph
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Travel along from morning in the yard to the sleeper car as lively poems celebrate trains of all different shapes and sizes. Retro-looking digital illustrations and train facts.
Cyril and Pat
written and illustrated by Emily Gravett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
As a lonely squirrel teams up with an energetic rat, their adventures are celebrated with striking illustrations in pencil, watercolor, and acrylic ink.
written and illustrated by Emily Gravett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
As a lonely squirrel teams up with an energetic rat, their adventures are celebrated with striking illustrations in pencil, watercolor, and acrylic ink.
Dancing Hands
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
The Venezuelan immigrant's career as a gifted young pianist during the nineteenth century is recounted. Colorful mixed-media illustrations.
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
The Venezuelan immigrant's career as a gifted young pianist during the nineteenth century is recounted. Colorful mixed-media illustrations.
Dear Abuelo
by Grecia Huesca Dominguez
Illustrator: Teresa Martinez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Juana moves to New York City and chronicles every part of her new life in letters to her beloved grandfather still in Mexico. Colorful, lively illustrations.
by Grecia Huesca Dominguez
Illustrator: Teresa Martinez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Juana moves to New York City and chronicles every part of her new life in letters to her beloved grandfather still in Mexico. Colorful, lively illustrations.
Dinosaur Feathers
written and illustrated by Dennis Nolan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
F&G - Rhyming text and striking watercolor illustrations showcase a wide variety of colorful dinosaurs and their equally varied and colorful avian descendants. Back matter and pronunciation guides.
written and illustrated by Dennis Nolan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
F&G - Rhyming text and striking watercolor illustrations showcase a wide variety of colorful dinosaurs and their equally varied and colorful avian descendants. Back matter and pronunciation guides.
Dogs in Space
by Vix Southgate
Illustrator: Iris Deppe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Belka and Strelka, two stray dogs in 1960s Moscow, meet two scientists who send them to space. Full-page dramatic illustrations. Timeline.
by Vix Southgate
Illustrator: Iris Deppe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Belka and Strelka, two stray dogs in 1960s Moscow, meet two scientists who send them to space. Full-page dramatic illustrations. Timeline.
Don't Let Them Disappear
by Chelsea Clinton
Illustrator: Gianna Marino
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
What can be done to save twelve endangered animals? Colorful gouache illustrations.
by Chelsea Clinton
Illustrator: Gianna Marino
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
What can be done to save twelve endangered animals? Colorful gouache illustrations.
Douglas
written and illustrated by Randy Cecil
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A little mouse must find her way back to her movie-theater home, a perilous journey of chases, escapes and rescues. Black-and-white retro illustrations.
written and illustrated by Randy Cecil
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A little mouse must find her way back to her movie-theater home, a perilous journey of chases, escapes and rescues. Black-and-white retro illustrations.
Everyone Counts
by Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Count along with tiger cub Takoda as he and his friends convert a tumbledown mall into a fabulous zoo. Rhyming text. Humorous gouache and pencil illustrations.
by Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Count along with tiger cub Takoda as he and his friends convert a tumbledown mall into a fabulous zoo. Rhyming text. Humorous gouache and pencil illustrations.
Fearsome Giant, Fearless Child
by Paul Fleischman
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Earthy, bold gouache illustrations of snippets of worldwide folk tales which recount a small child's triumph over evil.
by Paul Fleischman
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Earthy, bold gouache illustrations of snippets of worldwide folk tales which recount a small child's triumph over evil.
Feed Your Mind
by Jen Bryant
Illustrator: Cannaday Chapman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Lyrical free verse and realistic illustrations introduce the life of a poor high school dropout whose plays capture the voices of 20th century African Americans and have brought him success and fame.
by Jen Bryant
Illustrator: Cannaday Chapman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Lyrical free verse and realistic illustrations introduce the life of a poor high school dropout whose plays capture the voices of 20th century African Americans and have brought him success and fame.
Felix Eats Up (Felix & Feona series)
written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Guinea Pig Fiona is planning her half-birthday celebration with Felix, her best friend. but Felix is a very picky eater. Watercolor and aquarelle pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Rosemary Wells
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Guinea Pig Fiona is planning her half-birthday celebration with Felix, her best friend. but Felix is a very picky eater. Watercolor and aquarelle pencil illustrations.
Flower Talk
by Sara Levine
Illustrator: Masha Dyans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A chatty, cantankerous cactus describes how different colored plants communicate with insects and birds. Vibrant watercolors.
by Sara Levine
Illustrator: Masha Dyans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A chatty, cantankerous cactus describes how different colored plants communicate with insects and birds. Vibrant watercolors.
Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet
by Megan Frazier Blakemore
Illustrator: Nadja Sarell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In this new chapter book series, Frankie uses her inventiveness and ingenuity to help friends solve problems both in school and outside. Pencil line/digital illustrations.
by Megan Frazier Blakemore
Illustrator: Nadja Sarell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In this new chapter book series, Frankie uses her inventiveness and ingenuity to help friends solve problems both in school and outside. Pencil line/digital illustrations.