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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Fur, Feather, Fin
by Diane Lang
Illustrator: Stephanie Laberis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Arresting and detailed color illustrations enliven this rhyming explanation of the common bonds that link all animals. Helpful back matter, including suggestions for further study.
by Diane Lang
Illustrator: Stephanie Laberis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Arresting and detailed color illustrations enliven this rhyming explanation of the common bonds that link all animals. Helpful back matter, including suggestions for further study.
Galápagos Girl/Galapagueña
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Angela Dominguez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
F&Gs When she learns it is under threat, Valentina vows to protect the wildlife she loves. Bold, colorful illustrations. Extensive back matter on Galapagos wildlife.
by Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Angela Dominguez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
F&Gs When she learns it is under threat, Valentina vows to protect the wildlife she loves. Bold, colorful illustrations. Extensive back matter on Galapagos wildlife.
Game Changers
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Through hard work, overcoming physical and social obstacles, two world champion African-American sisters elevate the game of women's tennis. Energetic multimedia illustrations. Extensive back matter.
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Through hard work, overcoming physical and social obstacles, two world champion African-American sisters elevate the game of women's tennis. Energetic multimedia illustrations. Extensive back matter.
George Washington: The First President
by Sarah Albee
Illustrator: Chin Ko
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
This account of our first president includes interesting facts about the beginning of the U.S. as well as Washington's life as general and president. Useful illustrations of events, maps, timeline, and other back matter.
by Sarah Albee
Illustrator: Chin Ko
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
This account of our first president includes interesting facts about the beginning of the U.S. as well as Washington's life as general and president. Useful illustrations of events, maps, timeline, and other back matter.
Giraffe Problems
by Jory John
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Edward the giraffe doesn't like his too-long, bendy neck. Cyrus the turtle doesn't like his too=short neck. Soon, a friendship ensues. Amusing textured illustrations.
by Jory John
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Edward the giraffe doesn't like his too-long, bendy neck. Cyrus the turtle doesn't like his too=short neck. Soon, a friendship ensues. Amusing textured illustrations.
Girl Running
by Annette Bay Pimentel
Illustrator: Micha Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A determined young woman, disguised, successfully competes in the 1966 male-only Boston Marathon, breaking down barriers. Animated mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
by Annette Bay Pimentel
Illustrator: Micha Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A determined young woman, disguised, successfully competes in the 1966 male-only Boston Marathon, breaking down barriers. Animated mixed-media illustrations. Back matter.
God Bless America
by Adah Nuchi
Illustrator: Rob Polivka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Fleeing religious persecution, “Izzy” becomes one of America's greatest songwriters, composing inspiring musical tributes to his new country. Rhythmic text. Period cartoonish illustrations. Back matter.
by Adah Nuchi
Illustrator: Rob Polivka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Fleeing religious persecution, “Izzy” becomes one of America's greatest songwriters, composing inspiring musical tributes to his new country. Rhythmic text. Period cartoonish illustrations. Back matter.
Good Rosie!
by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
When her owner George takes Rosie, a shy, lonely terrier, to a dog park, she meets two unlikely friends. Line-and-watercolor comic book panel illustrations.
by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
When her owner George takes Rosie, a shy, lonely terrier, to a dog park, she meets two unlikely friends. Line-and-watercolor comic book panel illustrations.
Gordon: Bark to the Future (P.U.R.S.T. series)
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Aliens have invaded. Gordon's partner has been captured. Will Gordon's time machine work to stop the invasion? Deadpan narration across small panels in muted tones.
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Aliens have invaded. Gordon's partner has been captured. Will Gordon's time machine work to stop the invasion? Deadpan narration across small panels in muted tones.
Grace for Gus
written and illustrated by Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A girl finds creative ways to raise money for a class pet in this almost wordless book. Detailed rich, humorous illustrations in graphic format.
written and illustrated by Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A girl finds creative ways to raise money for a class pet in this almost wordless book. Detailed rich, humorous illustrations in graphic format.
Hawk Rising
by Maria Gianferrari
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A father hawk successfully hunts for food for his chicks as a human mother and daughter watch. Expressive, detailed illustrations. Back matter.
by Maria Gianferrari
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A father hawk successfully hunts for food for his chicks as a human mother and daughter watch. Expressive, detailed illustrations. Back matter.
Hello Lighthouse
written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
The life of a lighthouse keeper is captured in lyrical text and vivid watercolors. Extensive back matter expands one's knowledge.
written and illustrated by Sophie Blackall
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
The life of a lighthouse keeper is captured in lyrical text and vivid watercolors. Extensive back matter expands one's knowledge.
Henry and the Yeti
written and illustrated by Russell Ayto
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
If you believe in yourself and your goals, you might just find a Yeti, but who will believe you? Amusing, mixed-media line drawings.
written and illustrated by Russell Ayto
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
If you believe in yourself and your goals, you might just find a Yeti, but who will believe you? Amusing, mixed-media line drawings.
Hidden City
by Sarah Grace Tuttle
Illustrator: Amy Schimler-Safford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Short poems show how plants and animals thrive in the city. Beautiful collage illustrations help readers appreciate urban ecology.
by Sarah Grace Tuttle
Illustrator: Amy Schimler-Safford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Short poems show how plants and animals thrive in the city. Beautiful collage illustrations help readers appreciate urban ecology.
Hidden Figures
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Despite prejudice against African Americans and women, four mathematicians contribute mightily to America's flights into space. Colorfully illustrated. Back matter.
by Margot Lee Shetterly
Illustrator: Laura Freeman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Despite prejudice against African Americans and women, four mathematicians contribute mightily to America's flights into space. Colorfully illustrated. Back matter.
Holes in the Sky
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
After her grandmother dies, a grief-stricken young girl moves to Oakland, where a dynamic and caring community helps her heal. Pencil and marker illustrations.
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
After her grandmother dies, a grief-stricken young girl moves to Oakland, where a dynamic and caring community helps her heal. Pencil and marker illustrations.
How to Be a Lion
written and illustrated by Ed Vere
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
By standing up to his fellow fierce lions, Leonard shows them that lions can be sensitive too. Simple, expressive illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ed Vere
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
By standing up to his fellow fierce lions, Leonard shows them that lions can be sensitive too. Simple, expressive illustrations.
How to Build a Hug
by Amy Guglielmo
Illustrator: Giselle Potter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Autism made Temple hypersensitive and unable to give or receive the hugs that others enjoyed, so she invented a clever machine. Watercolor illustrations.
by Amy Guglielmo
Illustrator: Giselle Potter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Autism made Temple hypersensitive and unable to give or receive the hugs that others enjoyed, so she invented a clever machine. Watercolor illustrations.
If Polar Bears Disappeared
written and illustrated by Lily Williams
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
What happens as ice melts in the Arctic? Explore the changing ecosystem and the impact of global warming on animals, plants, and their environment. Colorful, informative illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lily Williams
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
What happens as ice melts in the Arctic? Explore the changing ecosystem and the impact of global warming on animals, plants, and their environment. Colorful, informative illustrations.
If the S in Moose Comes Loose
by Peter Hermann
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Fast-paced rhymes depict the hilarious attempt by Cow to put Moose back together. Inventive, humorous pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Peter Hermann
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Fast-paced rhymes depict the hilarious attempt by Cow to put Moose back together. Inventive, humorous pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations.
I Got It!
written and illustrated by David Wiesner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Many scenarios occur to a young outfielder as he waits the few seconds for a fly ball to come down. Acrylic, gouache, and watercolor illustrations. Almost wordless.
written and illustrated by David Wiesner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Many scenarios occur to a young outfielder as he waits the few seconds for a fly ball to come down. Acrylic, gouache, and watercolor illustrations. Almost wordless.
I Got the Christmas Spirit
by Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A girl and her mother head to the city to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday and spread the Christmas spirit. Bold, colorful frosty illustrations.
by Connie Schofield-Morrison
Illustrator: Frank Morrison
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
A girl and her mother head to the city to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday and spread the Christmas spirit. Bold, colorful frosty illustrations.
Imagine
by Juan Felipe Herrera
Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Poignant evocative illustrations accompany an eloquent poem by the Poet Laureate, calling upon children to dream as they search for their personal journey in life.
by Juan Felipe Herrera
Illustrator: Lauren Castillo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Poignant evocative illustrations accompany an eloquent poem by the Poet Laureate, calling upon children to dream as they search for their personal journey in life.
In a Small Kingdom
by Tomie dePaola
Illustrator: Doug Salati
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Can the kingdom's townsfolk sew a magic robe from pieces shredded by his evil brother, in order to restore its power to the new king? Multimedia illustrations.
by Tomie dePaola
Illustrator: Doug Salati
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Can the kingdom's townsfolk sew a magic robe from pieces shredded by his evil brother, in order to restore its power to the new king? Multimedia illustrations.
I Need All of It
by Petra Postert
Illustrator: Jens Rassmus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Each of Jim's precious treasures conjures up a creative, imaginary story. Dad should never throw them away! Cartoon-like, digital artwork.
by Petra Postert
Illustrator: Jens Rassmus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2018
Each of Jim's precious treasures conjures up a creative, imaginary story. Dad should never throw them away! Cartoon-like, digital artwork.