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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Frankie Sparks and the Talent Show Trick
by Megan Frazier Blakemore
Illustrator: Nadja Sarell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
list with “Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet
by Megan Frazier Blakemore
Illustrator: Nadja Sarell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
list with “Frankie Sparks and the Class Pet
Freedom Soup
by Tami Charles
Illustrator: Jacqueline Alcantara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Ti Gran and granddaughter Belle make traditional New Year's soup while discussing Haiti's difficult history of slavery. Pencil, marker, and gouache with digitally assembled illustrations.
by Tami Charles
Illustrator: Jacqueline Alcantara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Ti Gran and granddaughter Belle make traditional New Year's soup while discussing Haiti's difficult history of slavery. Pencil, marker, and gouache with digitally assembled illustrations.
Fry Bread
by Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Native American children learn how to make fry bread while being introduced to their history and culture. Vibrant acrylic and pencil illustrations. Author's recipe and extensive notes.
by Kevin Noble Maillard
Illustrator: Juana Martinez-Neal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Native American children learn how to make fry bread while being introduced to their history and culture. Vibrant acrylic and pencil illustrations. Author's recipe and extensive notes.
Fuego, Fueguito/Fire, Little One
by Jorge Tetl Argueta
Illustrator: Felipe Ugalde Alcántara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A poetic evocation of the nature of fire. Bilingual in Spanish and English, with a Nauhat version (the language used in El Salvador). Richly imagined paintings. Bilingual.
by Jorge Tetl Argueta
Illustrator: Felipe Ugalde Alcántara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A poetic evocation of the nature of fire. Bilingual in Spanish and English, with a Nauhat version (the language used in El Salvador). Richly imagined paintings. Bilingual.
Gittel's Journey: An Ellis Island Story
by Lesléa Newman
Illustrator: Amy June Bates
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Her homeland no longer safe, Gittel must journey to America alone when her mother isn't allowed to board the ship. Retro mixed-media illustrations and back matter.
by Lesléa Newman
Illustrator: Amy June Bates
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Her homeland no longer safe, Gittel must journey to America alone when her mother isn't allowed to board the ship. Retro mixed-media illustrations and back matter.
Go for the Moon
written and illustrated by Chris Gall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
As the Apollo 11 astronauts land on the moon, a young boy recreates their adventure while explaining it to the reader. Detailed, instructive digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Chris Gall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
As the Apollo 11 astronauts land on the moon, a young boy recreates their adventure while explaining it to the reader. Detailed, instructive digital illustrations.
Going Down Home with Daddy
by Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Lil' Alan is eager to see Granny at the family reunion, but he fears he has nothing to share. Acrylic illustrations with a blue wash.
by Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Lil' Alan is eager to see Granny at the family reunion, but he fears he has nothing to share. Acrylic illustrations with a blue wash.
Gondra's Treasure
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A baby dragon celebrates the best of both worlds from her Western mother and Eastern father. Humorous, colorful ink, watercolor, and collage illustrations. Author's note.
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: Jennifer Black Reinhardt
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A baby dragon celebrates the best of both worlds from her Western mother and Eastern father. Humorous, colorful ink, watercolor, and collage illustrations. Author's note.
Grandpa's Stories
by Joseph Coelho
Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl uses a blank book her grandfather gave her to draw and write about him after he's gone. Spirited, often whimsical illustrations.
by Joseph Coelho
Illustrator: Allison Colpoys
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl uses a blank book her grandfather gave her to draw and write about him after he's gone. Spirited, often whimsical illustrations.
Grobblechops
by Elizabeth Laird
Illustrator: Jenny Lucander
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
His father assuages Amir's fears about a monster in his room. Based on a tale by Rumi, the Persian poet. Amusing illustrations.
by Elizabeth Laird
Illustrator: Jenny Lucander
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
His father assuages Amir's fears about a monster in his room. Based on a tale by Rumi, the Persian poet. Amusing illustrations.
Hair Love
by Matthew A. Cherry
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It is the tie that binds Zuri and her dad when Mom is out of town. Digital illustrations.
by Matthew A. Cherry
Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Zuri's hair has a mind of its own. It is the tie that binds Zuri and her dad when Mom is out of town. Digital illustrations.
Hands Up!
by Breanna J. McDaniel
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Children of color raise their hands high for everyday activities expressing love, joy, and triumph. Colorful mixed-media digitized illustrations.
by Breanna J. McDaniel
Illustrator: Shane W. Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Children of color raise their hands high for everyday activities expressing love, joy, and triumph. Colorful mixed-media digitized illustrations.
Harold & Hog Pretend for Real!
written and illustrated by Dan Santat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Harold and Hog decide they'll be perfect playing the roles of Elephant and Piggie. But self-discovery proves otherwise. Collaborative cartooned illustrations.
written and illustrated by Dan Santat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Harold and Hog decide they'll be perfect playing the roles of Elephant and Piggie. But self-discovery proves otherwise. Collaborative cartooned illustrations.
Harold Snipperpot's Best Disaster Ever
written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A lonely seven-year-old's first birthday party is invaded by a raucous collection of wild animals. Lively illustrations in gouache, oil, collage, and wax pencils.
written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A lonely seven-year-old's first birthday party is invaded by a raucous collection of wild animals. Lively illustrations in gouache, oil, collage, and wax pencils.
Hedy Lamarr's Double Life
by Laurie Wallmark
Illustrator: Katy Wu
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
An Austrian emigré found fame as a Hollywood movie star and belated recognition as an inventor. Colorful digital illustrations, timeline, references, filmography.
by Laurie Wallmark
Illustrator: Katy Wu
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
An Austrian emigré found fame as a Hollywood movie star and belated recognition as an inventor. Colorful digital illustrations, timeline, references, filmography.
Hey, Water!
written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl explores water in its different forms. Accessible notes on conservation and the water cycle follow. Digitally colored sumi ink and brush illustrations.
written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl explores water in its different forms. Accessible notes on conservation and the water cycle follow. Digitally colored sumi ink and brush illustrations.
Home in the Woods
written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
After the father's death, a family survives the hardships of moving to an abandoned shack through their courage and cooperation. Poignant ink and watercolor illustrations. Author's note.
written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
After the father's death, a family survives the hardships of moving to an abandoned shack through their courage and cooperation. Poignant ink and watercolor illustrations. Author's note.
Home Is a Window
by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
Illustrator: Chris Sasaki
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Through moving to another house a family learns what it really means to leave behind a home in this heartfelt and richly illustrated story.
by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard
Illustrator: Chris Sasaki
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Through moving to another house a family learns what it really means to leave behind a home in this heartfelt and richly illustrated story.
Ho`onani
by Heather Gale
Illustrator: Mika Song
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Ho'onani's parents support her feelings that she is neither wahine (girl) or kane (boy) and a performance in a traditional kane hula chant. Black ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Heather Gale
Illustrator: Mika Song
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Ho'onani's parents support her feelings that she is neither wahine (girl) or kane (boy) and a performance in a traditional kane hula chant. Black ink and watercolor illustrations.
How Do You Do?
by Larissa Theule
Illustrator: Gianna Marino
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Meeting new friends can take the dullness out of any day, including a series of hot ones, as Crane and Water Buffalo learn. Stunning gouache illustrations.
by Larissa Theule
Illustrator: Gianna Marino
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Meeting new friends can take the dullness out of any day, including a series of hot ones, as Crane and Water Buffalo learn. Stunning gouache illustrations.
How to be a Butterfly
by Laura Knowles
Illustrator: Catell Ronca
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Simple text describes both the common characteristics and the differences among the many varieties of butterflies depicted in detailed, brilliant color illustrations.
by Laura Knowles
Illustrator: Catell Ronca
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Simple text describes both the common characteristics and the differences among the many varieties of butterflies depicted in detailed, brilliant color illustrations.
How to Read a Book
by Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Neon colors and elaborate collage art illustrate this lively tribute to the joy of reading.
by Kwame Alexander
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Neon colors and elaborate collage art illustrate this lively tribute to the joy of reading.
I Am Farmer
by Baptiste Paul
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
From the age of four, Tantoh Nforba's love of farming leads him to start a grassroots environmental movement in Cameroon. Photos and collage illustrations.
by Baptiste Paul
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
From the age of four, Tantoh Nforba's love of farming leads him to start a grassroots environmental movement in Cameroon. Photos and collage illustrations.
I Didn't Stand Up
by Lucy Falcone
Illustrator: Jacqueline Hudon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Mixed-media illustrations accompany the story of children finding the courage to stand up to bullies. Inspired by the poem “First They Came,” made famous by Martin Niemöller.
by Lucy Falcone
Illustrator: Jacqueline Hudon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Mixed-media illustrations accompany the story of children finding the courage to stand up to bullies. Inspired by the poem “First They Came,” made famous by Martin Niemöller.
If I Built a School
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In rollicking rhyming lines and over-the-top detailed gouache paintings, Jack describes his ideal school and inspires readers to create their own.
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In rollicking rhyming lines and over-the-top detailed gouache paintings, Jack describes his ideal school and inspires readers to create their own.