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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Weird Little Robots
by Carolyn Crimi
Illustrator: Corinna Luyken
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Penny Rose, who is new in town makes a friend, who also likes to create things. Then Penny Rose breaks Lark's confidences. Can their friendship survive?
by Carolyn Crimi
Illustrator: Corinna Luyken
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Penny Rose, who is new in town makes a friend, who also likes to create things. Then Penny Rose breaks Lark's confidences. Can their friendship survive?
What Is Given from the Heart
by Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrator: April Harrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Although James Otis, a young African American boy, has little to share, he makes a book for Sarah, whose house has burned down. Stylized mixed-media illustrations.
by Patricia C. McKissack
Illustrator: April Harrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Although James Otis, a young African American boy, has little to share, he makes a book for Sarah, whose house has burned down. Stylized mixed-media illustrations.
What Miss Mitchell Saw
by Hayley Barrett
Illustrator: Diana Sudyka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A nineteenth century Nantucket woman who loved astronomy discovers a new comet and is honored for it. Dramatic gouache, watercolor, and ink illustrations. Biographical information.
by Hayley Barrett
Illustrator: Diana Sudyka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A nineteenth century Nantucket woman who loved astronomy discovers a new comet and is honored for it. Dramatic gouache, watercolor, and ink illustrations. Biographical information.
What's Going On Here?
written and illustrated by Olivier Tallec
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Mix and match die-cut pages create clever tales. Hysterical illustrations and interactive questions build infinite humorous situations.
written and illustrated by Olivier Tallec
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Mix and match die-cut pages create clever tales. Hysterical illustrations and interactive questions build infinite humorous situations.
When Aidan Became a Brother
by Kyle Lukoff
Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A transgender boy is becoming a big sibling and wants the new baby to feel as loved as he does. Colorful digital illustrations illuminate the story.
by Kyle Lukoff
Illustrator: Kaylani Juanita
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A transgender boy is becoming a big sibling and wants the new baby to feel as loved as he does. Colorful digital illustrations illuminate the story.
When I Colored in the World
by Ahmadreza Ahmadi
Illustrator: Ehsan Abdollahi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A child uses crayons to replace the bad with something more hopeful. Written by a renowned Iranian poet and illustrated with colorful backgrounds and stylized collages.
by Ahmadreza Ahmadi
Illustrator: Ehsan Abdollahi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A child uses crayons to replace the bad with something more hopeful. Written by a renowned Iranian poet and illustrated with colorful backgrounds and stylized collages.
When Sue Found Sue
by Toni Buzzeo
Illustrator: Diana Sudyka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A girl filled with curiosity about science grows up to discover the most complete T-Rex skeleton found prior to 1990. Gouache and watercolor illustrations depict the Dakota landscape. Back matter.
by Toni Buzzeo
Illustrator: Diana Sudyka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A girl filled with curiosity about science grows up to discover the most complete T-Rex skeleton found prior to 1990. Gouache and watercolor illustrations depict the Dakota landscape. Back matter.
Where Is Mommy? (I Like to Read series)
written and illustrated by Pat Cummings
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl loses her mother in the house. Where can she be? Digital artwork created with watercolor pencils and pastels.
written and illustrated by Pat Cummings
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A young girl loses her mother in the house. Where can she be? Digital artwork created with watercolor pencils and pastels.
Who Named Their Pony Macaroni?
by Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Ryan McAmis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Insightful, sometimes humorous poems about the many animals who lived in the White House. Amusing collage illustrations. Informative notes and bibliography.
by Marilyn Singer
Illustrator: Ryan McAmis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Insightful, sometimes humorous poems about the many animals who lived in the White House. Amusing collage illustrations. Informative notes and bibliography.
Wild Honey From the Moon
written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
How far will a mother go to help her ailing child? To the moon, of course. This early chapter book is illustrated in watercolor and ink.
written and illustrated by Kenneth Kraegel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
How far will a mother go to help her ailing child? To the moon, of course. This early chapter book is illustrated in watercolor and ink.
Wilma's Way Home
by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Linda Kukuk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Although growing up on Cherokee land was hard, Wilma returned to her home to help improve her people's lives. Full-page watercolor illustrations. Back matter includes glossary and pronunciation guide.
by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: Linda Kukuk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
Although growing up on Cherokee land was hard, Wilma returned to her home to help improve her people's lives. Full-page watercolor illustrations. Back matter includes glossary and pronunciation guide.
You Are Home
written and illustrated by Evan Turk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A lyrical invitation for all children to enjoy and visit the fauna, flora, and grandeur of our national parks. Evocative, intense pastels showcase 27 parks. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Evan Turk
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
A lyrical invitation for all children to enjoy and visit the fauna, flora, and grandeur of our national parks. Evocative, intense pastels showcase 27 parks. Back matter.
You Are My Friend
by Aimee Reid
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
This fictionalized account describes how Freddie Rogers grew up to be Mr. Rogers, the beloved host of a children's show. Pencil and watercolor illustrations.
by Aimee Reid
Illustrator: Matt Phelan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2019
This fictionalized account describes how Freddie Rogers grew up to be Mr. Rogers, the beloved host of a children's show. Pencil and watercolor illustrations.
A Day with Yayah
by Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
An introduction to both edible plants of British Columbia and Nte?kepmxcín language, framed by the story of a Yayah (grandmother) teaching her family. Vibrant, dynamic illustrations.
by Nicola I. Campbell
Illustrator: Julie Flett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
An introduction to both edible plants of British Columbia and Nte?kepmxcín language, framed by the story of a Yayah (grandmother) teaching her family. Vibrant, dynamic illustrations.
A House That Once Was
by Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Two children explore a long-deserted house dreamily wondering who might have lived in it. Lyrical text and colorful illustrations in digitized ink, oils, and collage.
by Julie Fogliano
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Two children explore a long-deserted house dreamily wondering who might have lived in it. Lyrical text and colorful illustrations in digitized ink, oils, and collage.
Alfie: The Turtle that Disappeared
written and illustrated by Thyra Heder
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Alfie, Nia's pet turtle, doesn't do much...until he embarks upon a quest to find the perfect birthday present for Nia. Warm, detailed watercolors.
written and illustrated by Thyra Heder
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Alfie, Nia's pet turtle, doesn't do much...until he embarks upon a quest to find the perfect birthday present for Nia. Warm, detailed watercolors.
All-of-a-Kind Family Hanukkah
by Emily Jenkins
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Gertie, the youngest of the five sisters, wants passionately to help prepare for Hanukkah. Her father rewards her with the most important task - lighting the candles with him. Colorful digital illustrations. Back story. Glossary.
by Emily Jenkins
Illustrator: Paul O. Zelinsky
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Gertie, the youngest of the five sisters, wants passionately to help prepare for Hanukkah. Her father rewards her with the most important task - lighting the candles with him. Colorful digital illustrations. Back story. Glossary.
All the Animals Where I Live
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A city boy moves to the country and describes his new surroundings, including the landscape and animals, through the changing seasons. Soft mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Philip C. Stead
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A city boy moves to the country and describes his new surroundings, including the landscape and animals, through the changing seasons. Soft mixed-media illustrations.
A Moon for Moe and Mo
by Jane Breskin Zalben
Illustrator: Mehrdokht Amini
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Two boys in Brooklyn, one Jewish and the other Muslim, forge a friendship. Colorful mixed media illustrations.
by Jane Breskin Zalben
Illustrator: Mehrdokht Amini
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Two boys in Brooklyn, one Jewish and the other Muslim, forge a friendship. Colorful mixed media illustrations.
Angel in Beijing
written and illustrated by Belle Yang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
After viewing Beijing's sights, a girl finds that her lost cat is now staying with a lonely old woman. Charming gouache paintings.
written and illustrated by Belle Yang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
After viewing Beijing's sights, a girl finds that her lost cat is now staying with a lonely old woman. Charming gouache paintings.
Anybody's Game
by Heather Lang
Illustrator: Cecilia Puglesi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 1950, Little League baseball was only for boys--until talented 13-year-old Kit Kat, with the support of her family, fulfilled her dream of joining a team. Colorful, expressive illustrations.
by Heather Lang
Illustrator: Cecilia Puglesi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
In 1950, Little League baseball was only for boys--until talented 13-year-old Kit Kat, with the support of her family, fulfilled her dream of joining a team. Colorful, expressive illustrations.
A Place to Start a Family
by David L. Harrison
Illustrator: Giles Laroche
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Ingenious animal architects are depicted on water, land, in the air, and underground. Cut-paper illustrations on hand-painted papers.
by David L. Harrison
Illustrator: Giles Laroche
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Ingenious animal architects are depicted on water, land, in the air, and underground. Cut-paper illustrations on hand-painted papers.
Ayobami and the Names of the Animals
by Pilar López Avila
Illustrator: Mar Azabai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
The path to school is dangerous, but a little girl cleverly convinces the wild jungle animals to let her pass. Gorgeous illustrations. Also available in Spanish.
by Pilar López Avila
Illustrator: Mar Azabai
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
The path to school is dangerous, but a little girl cleverly convinces the wild jungle animals to let her pass. Gorgeous illustrations. Also available in Spanish.
Baby Monkey, Private Eye
by Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Baby Monkey succeeds as a private investigator, even though he struggles to put his pants on. Elaborate pencil drawings and humorous back matter.
by Brian Selznick
Illustrator: Brian Selznick
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Baby Monkey succeeds as a private investigator, even though he struggles to put his pants on. Elaborate pencil drawings and humorous back matter.
Be a City Nature Detective
written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Clever questions and answers explain how some plants and animals survive and thrive in urban areas. Includes mention of bed bugs, rats, and dandelions. Colorful, realistic illustrations. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Peggy Kochanoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Clever questions and answers explain how some plants and animals survive and thrive in urban areas. Includes mention of bed bugs, rats, and dandelions. Colorful, realistic illustrations. Back matter.