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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Over and Under the Pond
by Kate Messner
Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Simple, clear mixed-media illustrations and text show life on the surface and beneath the water as a mother and son explore pond life from their rowboat.
by Kate Messner
Illustrator: Christopher Silas Neal
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Simple, clear mixed-media illustrations and text show life on the surface and beneath the water as a mother and son explore pond life from their rowboat.
Pandora
written and illustrated by Victoria Turnbull
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Elegant pencil and watercolor illustrations capture Pandora's heartfelt journey to find a friend. Spare language expresses complex feelings.
written and illustrated by Victoria Turnbull
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Elegant pencil and watercolor illustrations capture Pandora's heartfelt journey to find a friend. Spare language expresses complex feelings.
Pattan's Pumpkin
by Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Frané Lessac
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A giant pumpkin serves as an ark for Pattan, his wife, and the regional plants and animals. Lovely gouache folk-style art.
by Chitra Soundar
Illustrator: Frané Lessac
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A giant pumpkin serves as an ark for Pattan, his wife, and the regional plants and animals. Lovely gouache folk-style art.
Pocket Full of Colors
by Amy Guglielmo
Illustrator: Brigitte Barrager
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
As she grew, Mary Blair saw much color in her world that she ultimately was able to bring to Disney Studios. Digitally rendered, colorful illustrations.
by Amy Guglielmo
Illustrator: Brigitte Barrager
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
As she grew, Mary Blair saw much color in her world that she ultimately was able to bring to Disney Studios. Digitally rendered, colorful illustrations.
Princess Cora and the Crocodile
by Laura Amy Schlitz
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With the help of her fairy godmother and a friendly crocodile, Princess Cora becomes her own person. Fanciful watercolor and gouache illustrations.
by Laura Amy Schlitz
Illustrator: Brian Floca
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With the help of her fairy godmother and a friendly crocodile, Princess Cora becomes her own person. Fanciful watercolor and gouache illustrations.
Raisin, the Littlest Cow
by Miriam Busch
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Little Raisin's baby role is upstaged by the birth of a brother. She learns to do things on her own. Pencil, ink, goauche, & watercolor illustrations.
by Miriam Busch
Illustrator: Larry Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Little Raisin's baby role is upstaged by the birth of a brother. She learns to do things on her own. Pencil, ink, goauche, & watercolor illustrations.
Ready, Set . . . Baby!
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Qin Leng
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two siblings share their personal experiences of adjusting to a new baby in detailed, informative, comical insights. Includes tips for parents. Animated, cartoonish watercolor illustrations.
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Qin Leng
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two siblings share their personal experiences of adjusting to a new baby in detailed, informative, comical insights. Includes tips for parents. Animated, cartoonish watercolor illustrations.
Remembering Vera
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The author tells the story of the stray dog she met in 1962 who performed heroic rescues with the coast guard. Emotion-filled ink and marker drawings.
written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The author tells the story of the stray dog she met in 1962 who performed heroic rescues with the coast guard. Emotion-filled ink and marker drawings.
Renato and the Lion
written and illustrated by Barbara DiLorenzo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A stone lion magically saves a young boy who emigrates to the United States during World War II. Gentle watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Barbara DiLorenzo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A stone lion magically saves a young boy who emigrates to the United States during World War II. Gentle watercolor illustrations.
Revolutionary Rogues
by Selene Castrovilla
Illustrator: John OBrien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
During the Revolutionary War, an American soldier, seeking glory, tricks a British soldier into undermining George Washington's army. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations. Excellent back matterr.
by Selene Castrovilla
Illustrator: John OBrien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
During the Revolutionary War, an American soldier, seeking glory, tricks a British soldier into undermining George Washington's army. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations. Excellent back matterr.
Ribbit
written and illustrated by Jorey Hurley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Vivid block color illustrations on two-page spreads, each containing a single word, show readers the life cycle of frogs. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Jorey Hurley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Vivid block color illustrations on two-page spreads, each containing a single word, show readers the life cycle of frogs. Back matter.
Rivers of Sunlight
by Molly Bang
Illustrator: Molly Bang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The sun's energy cycles water all over the earth, keeping it in balance. But now that the balance is changing, what can people do to help? Bold, colorful illustrations. Detailed back matter
by Molly Bang
Illustrator: Molly Bang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The sun's energy cycles water all over the earth, keeping it in balance. But now that the balance is changing, what can people do to help? Bold, colorful illustrations. Detailed back matter
Robins!
written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Using speech balloons, two robins provide highlights of their young lives while the text narrates the main story. Comic book panels with painterly illustrations. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Eileen Christelow
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Using speech balloons, two robins provide highlights of their young lives while the text narrates the main story. Comic book panels with painterly illustrations. Back matter.
Robinson
written and illustrated by Peter Sís
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A young boy who loves Robinson Crusoe embarks on an imaginative and wondrous journey to a remote island. Detailed, lush watercolors.
written and illustrated by Peter Sís
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A young boy who loves Robinson Crusoe embarks on an imaginative and wondrous journey to a remote island. Detailed, lush watercolors.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Stacy Innerst
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
As a woman, Jewish, and a mother, Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced many hurdles before becoming the second woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Muted goache, ink, and photoshop illustrations.
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Stacy Innerst
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
As a woman, Jewish, and a mother, Ruth Bader Ginsburg faced many hurdles before becoming the second woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. Muted goache, ink, and photoshop illustrations.
Sam the Man & the Rutabaga Plan
by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Illustrator: Amy June Bates
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Second-grader Sam's project is a rutabaga, and with the help of family and neighbors, he learns about the root vegetable -- and much more. Line drawings.
by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Illustrator: Amy June Bates
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Second-grader Sam's project is a rutabaga, and with the help of family and neighbors, he learns about the root vegetable -- and much more. Line drawings.
Secret Agents! Sharks! Ghost Armies! (Secrets of American History series)
by Laurie Calkhoven
Illustrator: Valerio Fabretti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Ways of fooling the enemy during World War II are cleverly presented. Amusing illustrations. Back matter.
by Laurie Calkhoven
Illustrator: Valerio Fabretti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Ways of fooling the enemy during World War II are cleverly presented. Amusing illustrations. Back matter.
Sergeant Reckless
by Patricia McCormick
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
During the Korean War, American Marines adopt an always hungry horse who lives with them, transports munitions, and helps save lives. Realistic color pencil illustrations. Back matter.
by Patricia McCormick
Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
During the Korean War, American Marines adopt an always hungry horse who lives with them, transports munitions, and helps save lives. Realistic color pencil illustrations. Back matter.
Shell, Beak, Tusk
by Bridget Heos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Animals with seemingly nothing in common share traits that allow them to eat rather than be eaten. Illuminating photographs. Index, bibliography.
by Bridget Heos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Animals with seemingly nothing in common share traits that allow them to eat rather than be eaten. Illuminating photographs. Index, bibliography.
She Persisted
by Chelsea Clinton
Illustrator: Alecandra Boiger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
An introduction for mini-activists to 13 females who never took “No” for an answer. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations.
by Chelsea Clinton
Illustrator: Alecandra Boiger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
An introduction for mini-activists to 13 females who never took “No” for an answer. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations.
Short Stories for Little Monsters
written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Eighteen hilarious narratives with diverse characters tap the mindset of children. Comic-strip, colorful mixed media illustrations with bubble text..
written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Eighteen hilarious narratives with diverse characters tap the mindset of children. Comic-strip, colorful mixed media illustrations with bubble text..
Sled Dog School
by Terry Lynn Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Eleven-year-old Matt struggles with math. But a project on business gets him to start a dog sled school and he learns a lot.
by Terry Lynn Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Eleven-year-old Matt struggles with math. But a project on business gets him to start a dog sled school and he learns a lot.
Sleep Tight, Charlie
by Michael Escoffier
Illustrator: Kris Di Giacomo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Will Charlie finally stop the outdoor noises that prevent him from sleeping? Subdued color illustrations show inventive perspectives.
by Michael Escoffier
Illustrator: Kris Di Giacomo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Will Charlie finally stop the outdoor noises that prevent him from sleeping? Subdued color illustrations show inventive perspectives.
Sparkle Boy
by Lesléa Newman
Illustrator: Maria Mola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When Jessie's little brother wants to wear her skirt, bracelet, and nail polish, love triumphs over embarrassment. Pencil illustrations with digital coloring.
by Lesléa Newman
Illustrator: Maria Mola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When Jessie's little brother wants to wear her skirt, bracelet, and nail polish, love triumphs over embarrassment. Pencil illustrations with digital coloring.
Spiders!
by Laurence Pringle
Illustrator: Meryl Henderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Full of accessible facts, the information about 46,000 species is expanded with other sources to explore. Precise and detailed full-color drawings.
by Laurence Pringle
Illustrator: Meryl Henderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Full of accessible facts, the information about 46,000 species is expanded with other sources to explore. Precise and detailed full-color drawings.