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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Follow the Moon Home
by Philippe Cousteau
Illustrator: Meilo So
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Vivienne and Clementine come up with a community project to ensure that hatchling turtles follow the moonlight toward the ocean. Muted multicolor illustrations.
by Philippe Cousteau
Illustrator: Meilo So
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Vivienne and Clementine come up with a community project to ensure that hatchling turtles follow the moonlight toward the ocean. Muted multicolor illustrations.
Frank and Lucky Get Schooled
written and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Math, science, history, and even art are some of the topics brilliantly learned through the touching friendship of a boy and his dog. Captivating color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lynne Rae Perkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Math, science, history, and even art are some of the topics brilliantly learned through the touching friendship of a boy and his dog. Captivating color illustrations.
Freedom in Congo Square
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Through poetry and paintings, slaves on their Sundays off congregating in New Orleans is movingly depicted. Colorful folkart-style illustrations.
by Carole Boston Weatherford
Illustrator: R. Gregory Christie
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Through poetry and paintings, slaves on their Sundays off congregating in New Orleans is movingly depicted. Colorful folkart-style illustrations.
From Wolf to Woof!
written and illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A simple tale explains the relationship between humans and wolves that may have sparked wolves' development into dogs. Mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A simple tale explains the relationship between humans and wolves that may have sparked wolves' development into dogs. Mixed-media illustrations.
Get a Hit, Mo!
by David A. Adler
Illustrator: Sam Ricks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Can small Mo Jackson be a credit to his baseball team and finally get on base? Colorful illustrations.
by David A. Adler
Illustrator: Sam Ricks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Can small Mo Jackson be a credit to his baseball team and finally get on base? Colorful illustrations.
Giant Squid
by Candace Fleming
Illustrator: Eric Rohmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
The mysterious world of a rarely seen sea creature is revealed with spell-binding words and brilliant dark-toned paintings. Diagram and back matter.
by Candace Fleming
Illustrator: Eric Rohmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
The mysterious world of a rarely seen sea creature is revealed with spell-binding words and brilliant dark-toned paintings. Diagram and back matter.
Giraffes
by Jennifer Dussling
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Discover the amazing facts about the tallest animals in the world, including their huge tongue, their unique markings, and their defenses. Photographs.
by Jennifer Dussling
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Discover the amazing facts about the tallest animals in the world, including their huge tongue, their unique markings, and their defenses. Photographs.
Glow
by W. H. Beck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Stunningly printed on black paper, a book on bioluminescence shows visuality and describes creatures in this category.`
by W. H. Beck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Stunningly printed on black paper, a book on bioluminescence shows visuality and describes creatures in this category.`
Green City
written and illustrated by Allan Drummond
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Devastated by a tornado, residents of a small town in Kansas rebuild green. Attractive watercolors. Author's notes, source notes, and “Tips for Going Green.”
written and illustrated by Allan Drummond
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Devastated by a tornado, residents of a small town in Kansas rebuild green. Attractive watercolors. Author's notes, source notes, and “Tips for Going Green.”
Grimelda
by Diana Murray
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When she can't find the essential ingredient for pickle pie, Grimelda is forced to take drastic measures. Clever text and magical digital illustrations.
by Diana Murray
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When she can't find the essential ingredient for pickle pie, Grimelda is forced to take drastic measures. Clever text and magical digital illustrations.
Hare and Tortoise
written and illustrated by Alison Murray
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Carrots lead to hare's downfall in this humorous retelling of the Aesop fable. Colorful digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Alison Murray
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Carrots lead to hare's downfall in this humorous retelling of the Aesop fable. Colorful digital illustrations.
Hippopotamister
written and illustrated by John Patrick Green
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Tired of their run-down city zoo, Red Panda and Hippo try different jobs living among humans. Drawing instructions included. Graphite and digitally colored graphic illustrations.
written and illustrated by John Patrick Green
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Tired of their run-down city zoo, Red Panda and Hippo try different jobs living among humans. Drawing instructions included. Graphite and digitally colored graphic illustrations.
Home at Last
by Vera B. Williams
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Although his two adoptive dads love him, Lester is having trouble adjusting to his new life. Can Wincka, the dog, help? Expressive watercolor illustrations.
by Vera B. Williams
Illustrator: Chris Raschka
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Although his two adoptive dads love him, Lester is having trouble adjusting to his new life. Can Wincka, the dog, help? Expressive watercolor illustrations.
Ida, Always
by Caron Levis
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Polar bears Gus and Ida played together everyday at the zoo. When Ida gets sick and dies, Gus grieves the loss of his friend. Soft, expressive, digital illustrations.
by Caron Levis
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Polar bears Gus and Ida played together everyday at the zoo. When Ida gets sick and dies, Gus grieves the loss of his friend. Soft, expressive, digital illustrations.
I Dissent
by Debbie Levy
Illustrator: Elizabeth Baddeley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her life dissenting from conventional wisdom but was smart enough to convince others to join her when she became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Expressive mixed-media illustrations. Bibliography,
by Debbie Levy
Illustrator: Elizabeth Baddeley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Ruth Bader Ginsburg spent her life dissenting from conventional wisdom but was smart enough to convince others to join her when she became a U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Expressive mixed-media illustrations. Bibliography,
Introducing Teddy
by Jessica Walton
Illustrator: Dougal MacPherson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Errol and Thomas the teddy are best friends, but Thomas fears their friendship will end if she reveals she is a girl teddy. Gentle colored-pencil drawings.
by Jessica Walton
Illustrator: Dougal MacPherson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Errol and Thomas the teddy are best friends, but Thomas fears their friendship will end if she reveals she is a girl teddy. Gentle colored-pencil drawings.
Isaac and HIs Amazing Asperger Superpowers!
written and illustrated by Melanie Walsh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A young boy happily describes the Asperger “superpowers” that make him different from his classmates. Large bold acrylic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Melanie Walsh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A young boy happily describes the Asperger “superpowers” that make him different from his classmates. Large bold acrylic illustrations.
Jack's Worry
written and illustrated by Sam Zuppardi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Can a boy conquer his growing anxiety as he gets ready to perform his trumpet part at his first concert? Acrylic paint and pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Sam Zuppardi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Can a boy conquer his growing anxiety as he gets ready to perform his trumpet part at his first concert? Acrylic paint and pencil illustrations.
Just a Lucky So and So
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
F&G - From his childhood in New Orleans to Chicago and around the world, Armstrong thrilled audiences with his extraordinary cornet and trumpet performances. Lively watercolors. End notes.
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
F&G - From his childhood in New Orleans to Chicago and around the world, Armstrong thrilled audiences with his extraordinary cornet and trumpet performances. Lively watercolors. End notes.
Life Without Nico
by Andrea Maturana
Illustrator: Francisco Javier Olea
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When Maia's best friend moves away, she struggles to fill the hole he leaves. Multimedia illustrations help depict physical and emotional growth.
by Andrea Maturana
Illustrator: Francisco Javier Olea
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When Maia's best friend moves away, she struggles to fill the hole he leaves. Multimedia illustrations help depict physical and emotional growth.
Lift Your Light a Little Higher
by Heather Hensen
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
An enslaved man is the proud Guide for Visitors to Kentucky's Mammoth Caves. Dramatic watercolors and collages.
by Heather Hensen
Illustrator: Bryan Collier
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
An enslaved man is the proud Guide for Visitors to Kentucky's Mammoth Caves. Dramatic watercolors and collages.
Lily's New Home
by Paula Yoo
Illustrator: Shirley Ng-Benitez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Lily and her parents adjust to city life and makes new friends in the park. Multimedia illustrations.
by Paula Yoo
Illustrator: Shirley Ng-Benitez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Lily and her parents adjust to city life and makes new friends in the park. Multimedia illustrations.
Little Home Bird
written and illustrated by Jo Empson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Beautiful watercolors add to the tender story of Little Bird trying to find a new home. His worries abate as he completes his journey.
written and illustrated by Jo Empson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Beautiful watercolors add to the tender story of Little Bird trying to find a new home. His worries abate as he completes his journey.
Little Kids First Big Book of How
by Jill Esbaum
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A child-friendly format lures children to discover many facts about their everyday world through questions and answers. References, parental tips, photographs.
by Jill Esbaum
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A child-friendly format lures children to discover many facts about their everyday world through questions and answers. References, parental tips, photographs.
Little Night Cat
written and illustrated by Sonja Danowski
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Little Tony insists on giving all his stuffed toys to a fundraiser for the animal shelter. Intimate scenes depicted, rendered in pencil, ink, and watercolor.
written and illustrated by Sonja Danowski
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Little Tony insists on giving all his stuffed toys to a fundraiser for the animal shelter. Intimate scenes depicted, rendered in pencil, ink, and watercolor.