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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Bob The Artist
written and illustrated by Marion Denchars
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A bird, teased for his skinny legs, tries to change his body, then embraces his inner artist. Joyful art and design,
written and illustrated by Marion Denchars
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A bird, teased for his skinny legs, tries to change his body, then embraces his inner artist. Joyful art and design,
Brave Like Me
by Barbara Kerley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A photo-essay explores the various feelings and emotions of children when a parent is away in the military. Full-color photographs.
by Barbara Kerley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A photo-essay explores the various feelings and emotions of children when a parent is away in the military. Full-color photographs.
Build, Beaver, Build!
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Deborah Hocking
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
During its first year, a kit learns the ways of beaver life as it interacts with its natural habitat. Lush, rich paintings.
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Deborah Hocking
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
During its first year, a kit learns the ways of beaver life as it interacts with its natural habitat. Lush, rich paintings.
Can a Penguin Ride a Bike?
by Camilla de la Bédayere
Illustrator: Aleksei Bitskoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Discover the facts about these popular birds by observing how they would function in everyday human activities. Humorous colorful illustrations.
by Camilla de la Bédayere
Illustrator: Aleksei Bitskoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Discover the facts about these popular birds by observing how they would function in everyday human activities. Humorous colorful illustrations.
Cecil's Pride
by Craig Hatkoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Stunning photographs illuminate the family life of the lion whose death in Africa became a sensation. Clear explanation of the animal science and conservation efforts.
by Craig Hatkoff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Stunning photographs illuminate the family life of the lion whose death in Africa became a sensation. Clear explanation of the animal science and conservation efforts.
Circle
written and illustrated by Jeannie Baker
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Detailed mixed-media collage illustrations chronicle a bar-tailed godwit shorebird's annual migration flight from Australia to Alaska and back again. Author's note. Migration map.
written and illustrated by Jeannie Baker
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Detailed mixed-media collage illustrations chronicle a bar-tailed godwit shorebird's annual migration flight from Australia to Alaska and back again. Author's note. Migration map.
Clara
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In the 1800's, an orphaned rhinoceros adopted by a caring Dutch sea captain charmed the people of Europe. Vivid period landscape illustrations. Notes raise animal treatment issues.
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In the 1800's, an orphaned rhinoceros adopted by a caring Dutch sea captain charmed the people of Europe. Vivid period landscape illustrations. Notes raise animal treatment issues.
Come Over to My House
by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel)
Illustrator: Katie Kath
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Clever rhymes explore different places in the world and invite children to play with the inhabitants. Cheerful new illustrations enhance this classic.
by Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel)
Illustrator: Katie Kath
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Clever rhymes explore different places in the world and invite children to play with the inhabitants. Cheerful new illustrations enhance this classic.
Coyote Moon
by Maria Gianferrari
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A coyote mother feeds her young by hunting in a suburban environment at night. Realistic photographic paintings. Facts and further reading.
by Maria Gianferrari
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A coyote mother feeds her young by hunting in a suburban environment at night. Realistic photographic paintings. Facts and further reading.
Cricket Song
written and illustrated by Anne Hunter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Lyrical prose describes the sounds of the night as children on different shores drift off to sleep. Full page, realistic watercolor and ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Anne Hunter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Lyrical prose describes the sounds of the night as children on different shores drift off to sleep. Full page, realistic watercolor and ink illustrations.
Crossing Niagara
written and illustrated by Matt Tavares
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In 1859, a French tightrope walker traveled to America to attempt what no one had yet dared. Watercolor, pencil, and gouache illustrations.
written and illustrated by Matt Tavares
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In 1859, a French tightrope walker traveled to America to attempt what no one had yet dared. Watercolor, pencil, and gouache illustrations.
Curious About Snow
written and illustrated by Gina Shaw
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In this introduction to the science and structure of snowflakes photographs show snow affecting various environments and a variety of snowflakes.
written and illustrated by Gina Shaw
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In this introduction to the science and structure of snowflakes photographs show snow affecting various environments and a variety of snowflakes.
Daniel Finds a Poem
written and illustrated by Micha Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A little boy's animal friends help him discover the poetry to be found in nature. Painterly, vibrant oil and collage illustrations.
written and illustrated by Micha Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A little boy's animal friends help him discover the poetry to be found in nature. Painterly, vibrant oil and collage illustrations.
Dear Dragon
by Josh Funk
Illustrator: Rodolfo Montalvo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Pen pals George and Blaise exchange letters writing about their interests. They they meet and find out who they really are. Watercolor and black acrylic illustrations.
by Josh Funk
Illustrator: Rodolfo Montalvo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Pen pals George and Blaise exchange letters writing about their interests. They they meet and find out who they really are. Watercolor and black acrylic illustrations.
Dog Rules
written and illustrated by Jef Czekaj
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Two canines are tricked into raising a baby bird as if it were a puppy. Humorous cartoon-style illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jef Czekaj
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Two canines are tricked into raising a baby bird as if it were a puppy. Humorous cartoon-style illustrations.
Don't Call Me Grandma
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Great-grandmother is fancy and fussy but her great-granddaughter loves being together and sharing lipsticks and bittersweet memories of racism. Colorful collage art.
by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Great-grandmother is fancy and fussy but her great-granddaughter loves being together and sharing lipsticks and bittersweet memories of racism. Colorful collage art.
Dorothea's Eyes
by Barb Rosenstock
Illustrator: Gérard DuBois
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Despite being a woman in a man's profession and living with polio, Dorothea Lange memorably captured the faces of the Great Depression. Acrylic paintings, photographs, and back matter.
by Barb Rosenstock
Illustrator: Gérard DuBois
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Despite being a woman in a man's profession and living with polio, Dorothea Lange memorably captured the faces of the Great Depression. Acrylic paintings, photographs, and back matter.
Dr. Seuss: The Great Doodler
by Kate Klimo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
The boy who writes stories and draws animals grows up to become a favorite of children everywhere. Colorful illustrations with some by Dr. Seuss.
by Kate Klimo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
The boy who writes stories and draws animals grows up to become a favorite of children everywhere. Colorful illustrations with some by Dr. Seuss.
Emma and Julia Love Ballet
written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
During one busy day an African American ballerina prepares for an evening performance that a young white ballet student attends. Detailed ink, gouache, and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
During one busy day an African American ballerina prepares for an evening performance that a young white ballet student attends. Detailed ink, gouache, and watercolor illustrations.
Every Breath We Take
by Maya Ajmera
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Color photographs highlight the importance of keeping the air clean for all living things.
by Maya Ajmera
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Color photographs highlight the importance of keeping the air clean for all living things.
Fabulous Frogs
by Martin Jenkins
Illustrator: Tim Hopgood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Colorful mixed-media illustrations and simple text detail the characteristics of a wide variety of these amphibians.
by Martin Jenkins
Illustrator: Tim Hopgood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Colorful mixed-media illustrations and simple text detail the characteristics of a wide variety of these amphibians.
Fearless Flyer
by Heather Lang
Illustrator: Raúl Colón
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In 1916, when aviation was in its infancy, the daring aviatrix took off on an impossible cross-country flight. Distinctive pencil drawings. Detailed sources.
by Heather Lang
Illustrator: Raúl Colón
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In 1916, when aviation was in its infancy, the daring aviatrix took off on an impossible cross-country flight. Distinctive pencil drawings. Detailed sources.
Ferocious Fluffity
by Erica S. Perl
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Cute little Fluffity turns out to be ferocious and teaches class 2B something about keeping class pets. Catchy rhyming text and humorous illustrations.
by Erica S. Perl
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Cute little Fluffity turns out to be ferocious and teaches class 2B something about keeping class pets. Catchy rhyming text and humorous illustrations.
Finding Wild
by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Illustrator: Abigail Halpin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Two young city dwellers seek nature within and beyond their cityscape. Inviting, playful watercolor and colored pencil pictures.
by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Illustrator: Abigail Halpin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Two young city dwellers seek nature within and beyond their cityscape. Inviting, playful watercolor and colored pencil pictures.
Flying Frogs and Walking Fish
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A octopus walks, a lizard leaps, a snake flies, a spider rolls, and creatures swim by jet propulsion. Colorful cut-paper collage illustrations. Notes and backmatter.
by Steve Jenkins
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A octopus walks, a lizard leaps, a snake flies, a spider rolls, and creatures swim by jet propulsion. Colorful cut-paper collage illustrations. Notes and backmatter.