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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The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling
written and illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A duckling is lost at sea, then on land, but a musical “friend” helps him find his way home. Acrylic, ink, charcoal and graphite illustrations.
written and illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A duckling is lost at sea, then on land, but a musical “friend” helps him find his way home. Acrylic, ink, charcoal and graphite illustrations.
The Water Walker
written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Nokomis loves water but learns that it is in danger. Along with the Mother Earth water walkers, Nokomis walks to raise awareness that we must protect our environment. Folk-style illustrations.
written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Nokomis loves water but learns that it is in danger. Along with the Mother Earth water walkers, Nokomis walks to raise awareness that we must protect our environment. Folk-style illustrations.
The Way Downtown
by Inna Gertsberg
Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The citizens of the city Zoom travel on every type of transportation and discover many facts about city life. Pencil, pen, and ink illustrations.
by Inna Gertsberg
Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The citizens of the city Zoom travel on every type of transportation and discover many facts about city life. Pencil, pen, and ink illustrations.
The Way Home in the Night
written and illustrated by Akiko Miyakoshi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A young bunny observes the activities of different neighbors as his mother carries him home through the darkened streets. Soft pencil, charcoal, and gouache illustrations.
written and illustrated by Akiko Miyakoshi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A young bunny observes the activities of different neighbors as his mother carries him home through the darkened streets. Soft pencil, charcoal, and gouache illustrations.
The William Hoy Story
by Nancy Churnin
Illustrator: Jez Tuya
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When he cannot interpret the umpire's calls, a legendary deaf ball player devises a series of hand signals and changes baseball forever. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations.
by Nancy Churnin
Illustrator: Jez Tuya
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
When he cannot interpret the umpire's calls, a legendary deaf ball player devises a series of hand signals and changes baseball forever. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations.
The Wooden Camel
by Wanuri Kahiu
Illustrator: Manuela Adreani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Will his sister, Akiru, manage to fulfill Etabo's dream of owning a racing camel? Delicate, stylized illustrations.
by Wanuri Kahiu
Illustrator: Manuela Adreani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Will his sister, Akiru, manage to fulfill Etabo's dream of owning a racing camel? Delicate, stylized illustrations.
The World Is Not a Rectangle
written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
This award-winning Muslim Iraqi female architect incorporated her loving view of nature to create unique buildings worldwide. Colorful, evocative illustrations capture Hadid's creations.
written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
This award-winning Muslim Iraqi female architect incorporated her loving view of nature to create unique buildings worldwide. Colorful, evocative illustrations capture Hadid's creations.
The Youngest Marcher
by Cynthia Levison
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Nine-year-old Audrey joins the 1963 Birmingham Children's March to protest segregation, followed by a week spent in jail. Lively, retro-style digital collage illustrations. Back matter.
by Cynthia Levison
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Nine-year-old Audrey joins the 1963 Birmingham Children's March to protest segregation, followed by a week spent in jail. Lively, retro-style digital collage illustrations. Back matter.
Thirsty, Thirsty Elephants
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Fabricio VandenBroeck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A herd of elephants, led by a wise grandmother, finds a lost watering hole, enabling the family to drink. Expressive watercolors and acrylics.
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Fabricio VandenBroeck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A herd of elephants, led by a wise grandmother, finds a lost watering hole, enabling the family to drink. Expressive watercolors and acrylics.
This is How We Do It
written and illustrated by Matt Lamothe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Meet seven kids from all around the world and experience a typical day for a child in India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Peru, Uganda, and Russia. Finely detailed illustrations.
written and illustrated by Matt Lamothe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Meet seven kids from all around the world and experience a typical day for a child in India, Iran, Italy, Japan, Peru, Uganda, and Russia. Finely detailed illustrations.
Thunder Horse
by Eve Bunting
Illustrator: Dennis Nolan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC A young girl receives a magical horse from her special aunt. Can he be the winged horse of Greek mythology? Dreamy, acrylic paintings.
by Eve Bunting
Illustrator: Dennis Nolan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC A young girl receives a magical horse from her special aunt. Can he be the winged horse of Greek mythology? Dreamy, acrylic paintings.
Town Is by the Sea
written and illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova
Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Throughout his daily activities, a boy muses about his father, an undersea coal miner, resigned to a similar future. Lyrical refrains. Evocative and muted color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova
Illustrator: Sydney Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Throughout his daily activities, a boy muses about his father, an undersea coal miner, resigned to a similar future. Lyrical refrains. Evocative and muted color illustrations.
Trickiest! (Extreme Animals series)
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
List with “Deadliest!”
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
List with “Deadliest!”
Victor and Hugo
written and illustrated by Robert J. Blake
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Maestro plays his accordion while two dogs dance along the Seine in Paris. The accordion falls into the water; the dogs follow; an adventure begins. Oil on canvas illustrations.
written and illustrated by Robert J. Blake
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Maestro plays his accordion while two dogs dance along the Seine in Paris. The accordion falls into the water; the dogs follow; an adventure begins. Oil on canvas illustrations.
Wallace and Grace Take the Case
by Heather Alexander
Illustrator: Laura Zarrin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two owls are food friends and good detectives. Lots of clues, lots of humor, and illustrations created with Blackwing pencils and Photoshop help young readers figure things out. [list with Wallace and Grace and the Cupcake Caper]
by Heather Alexander
Illustrator: Laura Zarrin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two owls are food friends and good detectives. Lots of clues, lots of humor, and illustrations created with Blackwing pencils and Photoshop help young readers figure things out. [list with Wallace and Grace and the Cupcake Caper]
Watersong
by Tim McCanna
Illustrator: Richard Smythe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Rich, descriptive language - almost poetry - enables readers to consider the many dimensions of water. Bold, color illustrations and end notes. [when book comes back check medium of artwork]
by Tim McCanna
Illustrator: Richard Smythe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Rich, descriptive language - almost poetry - enables readers to consider the many dimensions of water. Bold, color illustrations and end notes. [when book comes back check medium of artwork]
We Are Shining
by Gwendolyn Brooks
Illustrator: Jan Spivey Gilchrist
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Honoring the renowned African American poet on her 100th Anniversary, this inspiring, life-affirming poem celebrates diversity. Sweeping lyrical and evocative illustrations.
by Gwendolyn Brooks
Illustrator: Jan Spivey Gilchrist
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Honoring the renowned African American poet on her 100th Anniversary, this inspiring, life-affirming poem celebrates diversity. Sweeping lyrical and evocative illustrations.
What Is Hip-Hop?
by Eric Morse
Illustrator: Anny Yi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Rhyming verse and clay figure illustrations tell the history of Hip Hop from its DJ beginnings to the artists of today, including female rappers.
by Eric Morse
Illustrator: Anny Yi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Rhyming verse and clay figure illustrations tell the history of Hip Hop from its DJ beginnings to the artists of today, including female rappers.
What Makes a Monster? (The World of Weird Animals series)
by Jess Keating
Illustrator: David DeGrand
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Organisms with surprising traits and extreme adaptations are featured with photographs and humorous illustrations. Includes glossary.
by Jess Keating
Illustrator: David DeGrand
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Organisms with surprising traits and extreme adaptations are featured with photographs and humorous illustrations. Includes glossary.
What's Your Favorite Color?
by Eric Carleet al.
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With fascinating variety and creativity, fifteen illustrators of children's books present their favorite colors and styles. Bios of the illustrators.
by Eric Carleet al.
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
With fascinating variety and creativity, fifteen illustrators of children's books present their favorite colors and styles. Bios of the illustrators.
Where's Rodney?
by Carmen Bogan
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&Gs Rodney longs to be outside, but the run-down neighborhood park doesn't count. A class trip to a national park is just what he needs. Warm, soft portraits.
by Carmen Bogan
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&Gs Rodney longs to be outside, but the run-down neighborhood park doesn't count. A class trip to a national park is just what he needs. Warm, soft portraits.
Who Are You?
by Brook Pessin-Whedbee
Illustrator: Naomi Bardoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Concepts of gender are broken down into categories of body, identity, and expression, addressed to the child. Back matter and bold illustrations support further discussion.
by Brook Pessin-Whedbee
Illustrator: Naomi Bardoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Concepts of gender are broken down into categories of body, identity, and expression, addressed to the child. Back matter and bold illustrations support further discussion.
William's Winter Nap
by Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Chuck Groenink
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Through rhymed text along with digital colored pencil drawing, we see how William opens his home and his heart.
by Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Chuck Groenink
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Through rhymed text along with digital colored pencil drawing, we see how William opens his home and his heart.
Wolf in the Snow
written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Pictures and onomatopoeic words tell how a lost boy and wolves help each other during a storm. Whimsical illustrations in line art.
written and illustrated by Matthew Cordell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Pictures and onomatopoeic words tell how a lost boy and wolves help each other during a storm. Whimsical illustrations in line art.
Word Play
written and illustrated by Ivan Brunetti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Through the context of comics, kids use their imaginations as they visualize compound words, like housefly, grasshopper, and strawberry literally with amusing results.
written and illustrated by Ivan Brunetti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Through the context of comics, kids use their imaginations as they visualize compound words, like housefly, grasshopper, and strawberry literally with amusing results.