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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I Miss My Grandpa
written and illustrated by Tin Xiaojing
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl asks her relatives what her grandpa looked like and receives many answers. The totally original mixed media illustrations reveal everyone's feelings. Mandarin Chinese translation on endpaper.
written and illustrated by Tin Xiaojing
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl asks her relatives what her grandpa looked like and receives many answers. The totally original mixed media illustrations reveal everyone's feelings. Mandarin Chinese translation on endpaper.
Instructions Not Included
by Tami Lewis Brown
Illustrator: Chelsea Beck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Three women “math whizzes” have to overcome obstacles to program one of the first computers. Told in free verse with retro illustrations. Includes biographical back matter and resources.
by Tami Lewis Brown
Illustrator: Chelsea Beck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Three women “math whizzes” have to overcome obstacles to program one of the first computers. Told in free verse with retro illustrations. Includes biographical back matter and resources.
It Began with a Page
by Kyo Maclear
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A Japanese American artist breaks ground in children's book publishing illustrating babies of many colors. Watercolor, gouache, and pencil crayon sensitively depict her life.
by Kyo Maclear
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A Japanese American artist breaks ground in children's book publishing illustrating babies of many colors. Watercolor, gouache, and pencil crayon sensitively depict her life.
It Feels Good To Be Yourself
by Theresa Thorn
Illustrator: Noah Grigni
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A straight-forward, kid-friedly explanation of emerging gender identities beyond simply boy or girl. Bold art and extensive back matter plus references.
by Theresa Thorn
Illustrator: Noah Grigni
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A straight-forward, kid-friedly explanation of emerging gender identities beyond simply boy or girl. Bold art and extensive back matter plus references.
Just Ask!
by Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Thirteen children with learning and health variations, share their stories and experiences. Vibrant, full-page illustrations.
by Sonia Sotomayor
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Thirteen children with learning and health variations, share their stories and experiences. Vibrant, full-page illustrations.
Just In Case You Want to Fly
by Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
F&G - A child is lovingly tucked into bed with tea and music, giraffes and butterflies, and umbrellas and a cozy blanket. Stylized paint and collage illustrations.
by Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
F&G - A child is lovingly tucked into bed with tea and music, giraffes and butterflies, and umbrellas and a cozy blanket. Stylized paint and collage illustrations.
Just Right
by Curtis Manley
Illustrator: Jessica Lanan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Inviting watercolor illustrations capture the wonder of a family outing to a planetarium and the exciting world of planetary exploration. Are there other earth-like planets?
by Curtis Manley
Illustrator: Jessica Lanan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Inviting watercolor illustrations capture the wonder of a family outing to a planetarium and the exciting world of planetary exploration. Are there other earth-like planets?
King of the Tightrope
by Donna Janell Bowman
Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Through meticulous mathematical and scientific planning, a fearless French prodigy achieves an unparalleled high wire feat. Unusual perspectives, with gouache and watercolor illustrations. Timeline and additional information.
by Donna Janell Bowman
Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Through meticulous mathematical and scientific planning, a fearless French prodigy achieves an unparalleled high wire feat. Unusual perspectives, with gouache and watercolor illustrations. Timeline and additional information.
Kitty and the Moonlight Rescue
by Paula Harrison
Illustrator: Jenny Lovlie
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl with cat-like superpowers has to overcome her fear of the dark to help someone in trouble. Dramatic two-tone illustrations immerse the reader.
by Paula Harrison
Illustrator: Jenny Lovlie
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl with cat-like superpowers has to overcome her fear of the dark to help someone in trouble. Dramatic two-tone illustrations immerse the reader.
Leila in Saffron
by Rukhsanna Guidroz
Illustrator: Dinara Mirtalipova
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Leila loves being with her family but isn't sure she likes herself until her wise Naani helps her see what makes her special. Brightly colored gouache illustrations.
by Rukhsanna Guidroz
Illustrator: Dinara Mirtalipova
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Leila loves being with her family but isn't sure she likes herself until her wise Naani helps her see what makes her special. Brightly colored gouache illustrations.
Lena's Slippers
written and illustrated by Ioana Hobai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Lena finds a solution when she needs white ballet shoes for the recital and cannot find them. Delicate ink, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ioana Hobai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Lena finds a solution when she needs white ballet shoes for the recital and cannot find them. Delicate ink, watercolor, and acrylic illustrations.
Let's Work/Trabajos
by Cynthia Weill
Illustrator: Master Artisans of Chigmecatitlán
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Various careers are depicted in photographs of miniature palm-woven figures crafted by Mexican artisans. Bilingual.
by Cynthia Weill
Illustrator: Master Artisans of Chigmecatitlán
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Various careers are depicted in photographs of miniature palm-woven figures crafted by Mexican artisans. Bilingual.
Light a Candle/Tumaini pasipo na Tumaini
by Godfrey Nkongolo
Illustrator: Eva Campbell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A Chagga boy climbs Mount Kilimanjaro with his elders to light a torch celebrating the independence of Tanzania. Oil paint and pastel illustrations. Bilingual--English and Swahili.
by Godfrey Nkongolo
Illustrator: Eva Campbell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A Chagga boy climbs Mount Kilimanjaro with his elders to light a torch celebrating the independence of Tanzania. Oil paint and pastel illustrations. Bilingual--English and Swahili.
Lili Macaroni
by Nicole Testa
Illustrator: Annie Boulanger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
When her kindergarten classmates criticize her appearance, Lili creates a unique solution to help her sorrows fly away. Color and shadow illustrations.
by Nicole Testa
Illustrator: Annie Boulanger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
When her kindergarten classmates criticize her appearance, Lili creates a unique solution to help her sorrows fly away. Color and shadow illustrations.
Lion of the Sky
by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Mercè López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Haiku riddles (riddle-ku) celebrate the wonders of the seasons using soft pastel illustrations created with acrylic on paper and finished digitally
by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Mercè López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Haiku riddles (riddle-ku) celebrate the wonders of the seasons using soft pastel illustrations created with acrylic on paper and finished digitally
Little Frida
written and illustrated by Anthony Browne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A lonely disabled girl's diary reveals her dream of flying and finding a close friend. Dynamic colored illustrations evoke the Mexican artist's style. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Anthony Browne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A lonely disabled girl's diary reveals her dream of flying and finding a close friend. Dynamic colored illustrations evoke the Mexican artist's style. Back matter.
Little Libraries, Big Heroes
by Miranda Paul
Illustrator: John Parra
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Vivid acrylic illustrations accompany the story of how the magnanimous non-profit organization “Little Free Libraries” was born. Authors note and bibliography provide additional insight.
by Miranda Paul
Illustrator: John Parra
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Vivid acrylic illustrations accompany the story of how the magnanimous non-profit organization “Little Free Libraries” was born. Authors note and bibliography provide additional insight.
Little Tigers
written and illustrated by Jo Weaver
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
When their home is threatened by men hunting with dogs, a tigress and her two cubs must find a new, safer home. Realistic charcoal and digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jo Weaver
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
When their home is threatened by men hunting with dogs, a tigress and her two cubs must find a new, safer home. Realistic charcoal and digital illustrations.
Look Up With Me
by Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Lorraine Nam
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Neil's scientific accomplishments derive from his never-ending curiosity about the universe. Playful mixed-media illustrations. Glossary and resources.
by Jennifer Berne
Illustrator: Lorraine Nam
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Neil's scientific accomplishments derive from his never-ending curiosity about the universe. Playful mixed-media illustrations. Glossary and resources.
Lubna and Pebble
by Wendy Meddour
Illustrator: Daniel Egnéus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Haunting, dreamlike illustrations deepen the emotional impact of a refugee girl who gives her most prized possession to a newfound friend before leaving for permanent housing.
by Wendy Meddour
Illustrator: Daniel Egnéus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Haunting, dreamlike illustrations deepen the emotional impact of a refugee girl who gives her most prized possession to a newfound friend before leaving for permanent housing.
Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words
by Karen Leggett Abouraya
Illustrator: Susan L. Roth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Nobel Peace prize winner Malala stands up and speaks for every child's right to an education. Paper fabric collage illustrations. Pakistan, the Taliban explained, sources. Available in Spanish and paperback.
by Karen Leggett Abouraya
Illustrator: Susan L. Roth
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Nobel Peace prize winner Malala stands up and speaks for every child's right to an education. Paper fabric collage illustrations. Pakistan, the Taliban explained, sources. Available in Spanish and paperback.
Mama Mable's All-Gal Big Band Jazz Extravaganza!
written and illustrated by Annie Sieg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
With men away as soldiers during World War II, women took over many jobs including musical entertainment. Lively mixed-media collage and Adobe photoshop illustrations.
written and illustrated by Annie Sieg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
With men away as soldiers during World War II, women took over many jobs including musical entertainment. Lively mixed-media collage and Adobe photoshop illustrations.
Mangoes, Mischief, and Tales of Friendship
by Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Uma Krishnaswamy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In these original stories based on Indian folklore, a young prince and his friend cleverly solve disputes brought before the royal court. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Uma Krishnaswamy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In these original stories based on Indian folklore, a young prince and his friend cleverly solve disputes brought before the royal court. Black-and-white illustrations.
Manhattan
written and illustrated by Jennifer Thermes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A detailed, accessible history of the island includes maps, pictures, a timeline, and sources. Watercolor, ink, and colored pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jennifer Thermes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A detailed, accessible history of the island includes maps, pictures, a timeline, and sources. Watercolor, ink, and colored pencil illustrations.
Max Attacks
by Kathi Appelt
Illustrator: Penelope Dullaghan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Max wants to get his paws on the fish in their bowl, but is easily distracted from his mission. Catchy rhythm and spare mixed-media illustrations.
by Kathi Appelt
Illustrator: Penelope Dullaghan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Max wants to get his paws on the fish in their bowl, but is easily distracted from his mission. Catchy rhythm and spare mixed-media illustrations.