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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Fergus and Zeke
by Kate Messner
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When the elementary class heads out on a museum trip, the little class pet (a mouse) finds a way to join the fun - and finds a friend. Humorous, supportive illustrations.
by Kate Messner
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When the elementary class heads out on a museum trip, the little class pet (a mouse) finds a way to join the fun - and finds a friend. Humorous, supportive illustrations.
Fizz and the Police Dog Tryouts (Fizz series)
by Lesley Gibbes
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Engaging pen-and-ink drawings dot this transitional reader about a lap dog who longs to be a rough, tough police dog. First in a new series.
by Lesley Gibbes
Illustrator: Stephen Michael King
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Engaging pen-and-ink drawings dot this transitional reader about a lap dog who longs to be a rough, tough police dog. First in a new series.
Fresh-Picked Poetry
by Michelle Schaub
Illustrator: Amy Huntington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two friends and their dogs relish a day in the world of fruit and vegetable stands. Animated mixed-media illustrations.
by Michelle Schaub
Illustrator: Amy Huntington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two friends and their dogs relish a day in the world of fruit and vegetable stands. Animated mixed-media illustrations.
Frida Kahlo And Her Animalitos
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: John Parra
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Kahlo's work was always influenced by her relationship with her beloved pets. Color illustrations incorporate Kahlo's style.
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: John Parra
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Kahlo's work was always influenced by her relationship with her beloved pets. Color illustrations incorporate Kahlo's style.
From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
by Kai Cheng Thom
Illustrator: Wai-Yant Li
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G Enchanting story of Miu Lan, whose identity resists boundaries in a call to challenge stereotypes and to build an inclusive environment. Saturated watercolors.
by Kai Cheng Thom
Illustrator: Wai-Yant Li
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G Enchanting story of Miu Lan, whose identity resists boundaries in a call to challenge stereotypes and to build an inclusive environment. Saturated watercolors.
Garcia & Colette Go Exploring
by Hannah Barnaby
Illustrator: Andrew Joyner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Exploring outer space and the deep sea is exciting, but what if you left something very important at home? Expressive, humorous illustrations.
by Hannah Barnaby
Illustrator: Andrew Joyner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Exploring outer space and the deep sea is exciting, but what if you left something very important at home? Expressive, humorous illustrations.
Ghost Attack (Monster Itch series)
by David Lubar
Illustrator: Kari West
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Alex has allergies to many things but never expected a ghost allergy might help him solve a small town mystery. A humorous story with black-and-white illustrations.
by David Lubar
Illustrator: Kari West
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Alex has allergies to many things but never expected a ghost allergy might help him solve a small town mystery. A humorous story with black-and-white illustrations.
Give Bees a Chance
written and illustrated by Bethany Barton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Can exuberant watercolors, ccomic-style cartoons and poster-style text buzzing with facts convince Edgar to respect an endangered species?
written and illustrated by Bethany Barton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Can exuberant watercolors, ccomic-style cartoons and poster-style text buzzing with facts convince Edgar to respect an endangered species?
Good Night, Planet
written and illustrated by Liniers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
What are a toy and a dog doing at night while their child owner is sleeping? Finely drawn pen and ink and watercolor illustrations. Also available in Spanish.
written and illustrated by Liniers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
What are a toy and a dog doing at night while their child owner is sleeping? Finely drawn pen and ink and watercolor illustrations. Also available in Spanish.
Grace Hopper
by Laurie Wallmark
Illustrator: Katy Wu
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With wit, grit, and brilliance, a Navy Admiral and mother of computer programming earns the title “Amazing Grace.” Humorous illustrations. Timeline, bibliography, and list of honors.
by Laurie Wallmark
Illustrator: Katy Wu
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With wit, grit, and brilliance, a Navy Admiral and mother of computer programming earns the title “Amazing Grace.” Humorous illustrations. Timeline, bibliography, and list of honors.
Hattie & Hudson
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When Hattie befriends a lake water monster they convince the townspeople that differences don't matter. Colorful gouache illustrations.
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When Hattie befriends a lake water monster they convince the townspeople that differences don't matter. Colorful gouache illustrations.
Hawk Mother
written and photographed by Kara Hagedorn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A zoologist establishes a longtime relationship with a wounded raptor, even enabling her to experience her maternal instincts. Emotionally evocative full-page photographs.
written and photographed by Kara Hagedorn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A zoologist establishes a longtime relationship with a wounded raptor, even enabling her to experience her maternal instincts. Emotionally evocative full-page photographs.
Heroes Who Risked Everything for Freedom: Civil War (Secrets of American History series)
by Patricia Lakin
Illustrator: Valerio Fabbretti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Spies played an important role in the Civil War, especially women and people of color. Their methods and their bravery are described. Appealing, cartoon-like illustrations.
by Patricia Lakin
Illustrator: Valerio Fabbretti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Spies played an important role in the Civil War, especially women and people of color. Their methods and their bravery are described. Appealing, cartoon-like illustrations.
Hey Black Child
by Useni Eugene Perkins
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G - Dream big and go far. An ode to black children first written in 1975, it is still powerful today. Evocative illustrations and notes.
by Useni Eugene Perkins
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G - Dream big and go far. An ode to black children first written in 1975, it is still powerful today. Evocative illustrations and notes.
How the Cookie Crumbled
written and illustrated by Gilbert Ford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When were chocolate chip cookies first baked and how was the recipe created? Bold, colorful digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Gilbert Ford
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When were chocolate chip cookies first baked and how was the recipe created? Bold, colorful digital illustrations.
How to Be an Elephant
written and illustrated by Katherine Roy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC Bold, well-labeled illustrations and engaging, informative text give a clear picture of the life of an African elephant. Well resourced.
written and illustrated by Katherine Roy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC Bold, well-labeled illustrations and engaging, informative text give a clear picture of the life of an African elephant. Well resourced.
If Picasso Painted a Snowman
by Amy Newbold
Illustrator: Greg Newbold
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
See how a snowman might be depicted by different artists, including Picasso, Georgia O'Keefe, and Jacob Lawrence, and then draw yours. Back matter.
by Amy Newbold
Illustrator: Greg Newbold
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
See how a snowman might be depicted by different artists, including Picasso, Georgia O'Keefe, and Jacob Lawrence, and then draw yours. Back matter.
I Know Numbers
written and illustrated by Taro Gomi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Vibrant illustrations show readers the vast number of uses for numbers.
written and illustrated by Taro Gomi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Vibrant illustrations show readers the vast number of uses for numbers.
Independence Cake
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Giselle Potter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Amelia Simmons, the author of the first American cookbook in 1796, bakes a special culinary surprise. Recipe is included.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Giselle Potter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Amelia Simmons, the author of the first American cookbook in 1796, bakes a special culinary surprise. Recipe is included.
Isadora Moon Goes to School (Isadora Moon series)
written and illustrated by Harriet Muncaster
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A young girl, half fairy and half vampire, doesn't like either type of school, but finds a comfortable spot in a human school. Pink-and-black illustrations. First in a series.
written and illustrated by Harriet Muncaster
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A young girl, half fairy and half vampire, doesn't like either type of school, but finds a comfortable spot in a human school. Pink-and-black illustrations. First in a series.
It Takes a Village
by Hillary Rodham Clinton
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
What does it take to change the world? It starts with the members of a village - adults and children. Ideas are captured in soft pencil and watercolor illustrations.
by Hillary Rodham Clinton
Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
What does it take to change the world? It starts with the members of a village - adults and children. Ideas are captured in soft pencil and watercolor illustrations.
Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen
by Debbi Michiko Florence
Illustrator: Elizabet Vukovic
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Jasmine hatches a plan to be the first girl to pound mochi - a Japanese tradition reserved for boys. Lively black-and-white illustrations. First in a series.
by Debbi Michiko Florence
Illustrator: Elizabet Vukovic
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Jasmine hatches a plan to be the first girl to pound mochi - a Japanese tradition reserved for boys. Lively black-and-white illustrations. First in a series.
Jingle Bells
written and illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The well-known song is splendidly illustrated in watercolors and ink.
written and illustrated by Susan Jeffers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The well-known song is splendidly illustrated in watercolors and ink.
John Deere, That's Who
by Tracy Nelson Maurer
Illustrator: Tim Zeltner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
John Deere, a blacksmith, invented a new plow in the 1830's that revolutionized farming on the prairies. Illustrated with acrylic paint on plywood.
by Tracy Nelson Maurer
Illustrator: Tim Zeltner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
John Deere, a blacksmith, invented a new plow in the 1830's that revolutionized farming on the prairies. Illustrated with acrylic paint on plywood.
Just Dance
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In a small town in Wyoming, 10-year-old Sylvie wants to understand why her mother, a famous opera singer, is content to live on the farm She also has great hopes for her own life.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
In a small town in Wyoming, 10-year-old Sylvie wants to understand why her mother, a famous opera singer, is content to live on the farm She also has great hopes for her own life.