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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Sumo Joe
by Mia Wenjen
Illustrator: Nat Iwata
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
When his younger sister, who takes aikido, wants to join Joe and his friends while they practice sumo wrestling, Joe has a big decision to make. Whimsical and exaggerated color illustrations.
by Mia Wenjen
Illustrator: Nat Iwata
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
When his younger sister, who takes aikido, wants to join Joe and his friends while they practice sumo wrestling, Joe has a big decision to make. Whimsical and exaggerated color illustrations.
SumoKitty
written and illustrated by David Biedrzycki
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Wise proverbs boost the confidence of a wrestler and a hungry cat in this charming, hilarious tale. Watercolor, pencil, and digital artwork. Translation of Japanese terms.
written and illustrated by David Biedrzycki
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Wise proverbs boost the confidence of a wrestler and a hungry cat in this charming, hilarious tale. Watercolor, pencil, and digital artwork. Translation of Japanese terms.
Sun
by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrator: Stevie Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
The highly confident Sun narrates this scientific exploration of a star that's “one in a billion.” Humorous illustrations mix fact with whimsy.
by Stacy McAnulty
Illustrator: Stevie Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
The highly confident Sun narrates this scientific exploration of a star that's “one in a billion.” Humorous illustrations mix fact with whimsy.
Swan Lake
by New York City Ballet
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Atmospheric blue-toned illustrations tell the tragic story of a prince who swears eternal love to an enchanted swan. Back matter includes fun facts about the ballet.
by New York City Ballet
Illustrator: Valeria Docampo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Atmospheric blue-toned illustrations tell the tragic story of a prince who swears eternal love to an enchanted swan. Back matter includes fun facts about the ballet.
Sweep
by Louise Greig
Illustrator: Júlia Sardà
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young boy's bad mood is swept away. Lyrical text and vibrant digital illustrations.
by Louise Greig
Illustrator: Júlia Sardà
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young boy's bad mood is swept away. Lyrical text and vibrant digital illustrations.
Sweet Dreamers
written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A visually stunning collection of poems describes the sleeping habits of different animals. Atmospheric dreamlike digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Isabelle Simler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A visually stunning collection of poems describes the sleeping habits of different animals. Atmospheric dreamlike digital illustrations.
Sweety
written and illustrated by Andrea Zuill
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Sweety marches to the beat of a different drummer and wonders if there's a friend for everyone. Humorous pen and ink drawings, colored digitally.
written and illustrated by Andrea Zuill
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Sweety marches to the beat of a different drummer and wonders if there's a friend for everyone. Humorous pen and ink drawings, colored digitally.
Thanku
edited by Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Marlena Myles
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
This amazing collection of poetry centers on the concept of giving thanks using a diverse collection of poetic forms and poets. Gentle illustrations reflect childhood. Back matter.
edited by Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Marlena Myles
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
This amazing collection of poetry centers on the concept of giving thanks using a diverse collection of poetic forms and poets. Gentle illustrations reflect childhood. Back matter.
The Arctic Fox's Journey
by Wendy Pfeffer
Illustrator: Morgan Huff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
This survival tale of how the Arctic fox copes with frigid winters is clear and engaging. Relevant back matter and engaging illustrations support understanding of young readers.
by Wendy Pfeffer
Illustrator: Morgan Huff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
This survival tale of how the Arctic fox copes with frigid winters is clear and engaging. Relevant back matter and engaging illustrations support understanding of young readers.
The Astronaut who Painted the Moon
by Dean Robbins
Illustrator: Sean Rubin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
After walking on the moon, astronaut Alan Bean devotes his later career to capturing that experience on canvas. Distinct illustration styles portray the events alongside archival photographs. Author's note, timeline.
by Dean Robbins
Illustrator: Sean Rubin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
After walking on the moon, astronaut Alan Bean devotes his later career to capturing that experience on canvas. Distinct illustration styles portray the events alongside archival photographs. Author's note, timeline.
The Balcony
written and illustrated by Melissa Castrillŏn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In this nearly wordless tale, a girl must move to the city. Missing her country life, she transforms her balcony into a wild garden. Brightly colored, stylized art.
written and illustrated by Melissa Castrillŏn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In this nearly wordless tale, a girl must move to the city. Missing her country life, she transforms her balcony into a wild garden. Brightly colored, stylized art.
The Bear and the Star
by Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrator: Bethanne Anderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
One December morning, a bear wakes up, sees a star rising in the sky, and declares it is time. But time for what? Reflective oil-painted illustrations.
by Lola M. Schaefer
Illustrator: Bethanne Anderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
One December morning, a bear wakes up, sees a star rising in the sky, and declares it is time. But time for what? Reflective oil-painted illustrations.
The Bell Rang
written and illustrated by James E. Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Every day begins the same way for an enslaved family when the overseer's bell rings, until one day their son is missing. Realistic, colorful, full-page acrylic illustrations.
written and illustrated by James E. Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Every day begins the same way for an enslaved family when the overseer's bell rings, until one day their son is missing. Realistic, colorful, full-page acrylic illustrations.
The Big Little Thing
written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Alemagna's quirky mixed-media depictios of various people encountering the subject of this riddle are as provocative as the riddle itself. The oversized format demands attention.
written and illustrated by Beatrice Alemagna
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Alemagna's quirky mixed-media depictios of various people encountering the subject of this riddle are as provocative as the riddle itself. The oversized format demands attention.
The Bluest of Blues
written and illustrated by Fiona Robinson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Breakthroughs for Anna Atkins at the turn of the 19th century occurred in both botany and photography. Illustrations simulate Atkins's cyanotype impressions.
written and illustrated by Fiona Robinson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Breakthroughs for Anna Atkins at the turn of the 19th century occurred in both botany and photography. Illustrations simulate Atkins's cyanotype impressions.
The Brain is Kind of a Big Deal
written and illustrated by Nick Seluk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Amusing cartoon-like illustrations and clever word images explain how the brain works to control everything the body does. Glossary.
written and illustrated by Nick Seluk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Amusing cartoon-like illustrations and clever word images explain how the brain works to control everything the body does. Glossary.
The Bravest Man in the World
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
An unintentional stowaway on the Titanic describes the courage of Wallace Hartley, a musician who went down with the ship. Author's note. Acetone marker and pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
An unintentional stowaway on the Titanic describes the courage of Wallace Hartley, a musician who went down with the ship. Author's note. Acetone marker and pencil illustrations.
The Chickens Are Coming
written and illustrated by Barbara Samuels
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Raising chickens in an urban backyard isn't easy, but siblings Winston and Sophie enjoy the challenge and fresh eggs. Lively, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Barbara Samuels
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Raising chickens in an urban backyard isn't easy, but siblings Winston and Sophie enjoy the challenge and fresh eggs. Lively, colorful illustrations.
The Crayon Man
by Natascha Biebow
Illustrator: Steven Salerno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
An eye for color ad an ear for consumers' requests resulted in Edwin Binney's timeless, kid-friendly invention. Cheerful mixed-media illustrations. Past and present methods of production are explained.
by Natascha Biebow
Illustrator: Steven Salerno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
An eye for color ad an ear for consumers' requests resulted in Edwin Binney's timeless, kid-friendly invention. Cheerful mixed-media illustrations. Past and present methods of production are explained.
The Fisherman & the Whale
written and illustrated by Jessica Lanan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Evocative watercolor and gouache illustrations capture the agony of a magnificent whale caught in a fisherman's netting. Author's note illuminates this wordless book.
written and illustrated by Jessica Lanan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Evocative watercolor and gouache illustrations capture the agony of a magnificent whale caught in a fisherman's netting. Author's note illuminates this wordless book.
The Frog Book
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In this comprehensive guide to frogs, readers learn about habitats, adaptations, mating, life cycle, defenses, and environmental danger. Chart with size, diet, and locations. Colorful collage illustrations.
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
In this comprehensive guide to frogs, readers learn about habitats, adaptations, mating, life cycle, defenses, and environmental danger. Chart with size, diet, and locations. Colorful collage illustrations.
The Girl Who Named Pluto
by Alice B. McGinty
Illustrator: Elizabeth Haidle
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Passionate about science and mythology, Venetia, with her grandfather's connections, helped to name a newly discovered planet in 1930. Charming illustrations in muted tones. Author's note. Bibliography.
by Alice B. McGinty
Illustrator: Elizabeth Haidle
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Passionate about science and mythology, Venetia, with her grandfather's connections, helped to name a newly discovered planet in 1930. Charming illustrations in muted tones. Author's note. Bibliography.
The Hundred-Year Barn
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: Kenard Pak
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
One hundred years ago, a community helped build a barn that continues to offer shelter and memories. Beautifully composed illustrations in watercolor, gouache, pencil and ink.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Illustrator: Kenard Pak
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
One hundred years ago, a community helped build a barn that continues to offer shelter and memories. Beautifully composed illustrations in watercolor, gouache, pencil and ink.
The Important Thing about Margaret Wise Brown
by Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Sarah Jacoby
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
The well-known author's life and unique habits are imaginatively reflected in her well-known, appealing stories. Watercolor, Nupastel, and photoshopped illustrations. Sources.
by Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Sarah Jacoby
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
The well-known author's life and unique habits are imaginatively reflected in her well-known, appealing stories. Watercolor, Nupastel, and photoshopped illustrations. Sources.
The Key from Spain
by Debbie Levy
Illustrator: Sonja Wimmer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Flory's family escaped from the Spanish Inquisition and the Holocaust. The key to their home was lost, but the key to their culture was preserved through her music. Digital color illustrations.
by Debbie Levy
Illustrator: Sonja Wimmer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Flory's family escaped from the Spanish Inquisition and the Holocaust. The key to their home was lost, but the key to their culture was preserved through her music. Digital color illustrations.