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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Becoming Bach
written and illustrated by Tom Leonard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC Johann Sebastian hears beautiful patterns in musical notes and gifts the world with a rich bounty of instrumental and vocal music. Ornate, colorful illustrations. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Tom Leonard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC Johann Sebastian hears beautiful patterns in musical notes and gifts the world with a rich bounty of instrumental and vocal music. Ornate, colorful illustrations. Back matter.
Before She Was Harriet
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Harriet Taubman's diverse roles as suffragist, general, union spy, Aunt Harriet, Minty and Araminta are described in lyrical poems. Emotive, painterly, full-color illustrations.
by Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Harriet Taubman's diverse roles as suffragist, general, union spy, Aunt Harriet, Minty and Araminta are described in lyrical poems. Emotive, painterly, full-color illustrations.
Bertolt
written and illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Engaging pastel illustrations capture a boy, who is a loner, and his best friend, a tree.
written and illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Engaging pastel illustrations capture a boy, who is a loner, and his best friend, a tree.
Birthdays Around the World
by Margriet Ruurs
Illustrator: Ashley Barron
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The various ways birthdays are celebrated in different countries is presented. Cut-paper collage and Photoshop illustrations. Glossary and back matter.
by Margriet Ruurs
Illustrator: Ashley Barron
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
The various ways birthdays are celebrated in different countries is presented. Cut-paper collage and Photoshop illustrations. Glossary and back matter.
Block Party
by Gwendolyn Hooks
Illustrator: Shirley Ng-Benitez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Padma is excited about an invitation to a gathering until she learns her mother is bringing her ethnic soup. Animated diverse illustrations. Soup recipe included.
by Gwendolyn Hooks
Illustrator: Shirley Ng-Benitez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Padma is excited about an invitation to a gathering until she learns her mother is bringing her ethnic soup. Animated diverse illustrations. Soup recipe included.
Blue Sky White Stars
by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Lyrical verse and luminous oil paintings pay tribute to an America of beauty, promise, inclusion, and its flag of freedom.
by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Lyrical verse and luminous oil paintings pay tribute to an America of beauty, promise, inclusion, and its flag of freedom.
Book of Bones
by Gabrielle Balkan
Illustrator: Sam Brewster
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Guess which animal has the biggest bone, the smallest, the heaviest, and more! Black-and-white and color illustrations. Back matter.
by Gabrielle Balkan
Illustrator: Sam Brewster
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Guess which animal has the biggest bone, the smallest, the heaviest, and more! Black-and-white and color illustrations. Back matter.
Brave Red, Smart Frog
by Emily Jenkins
Illustrator: Rohan Daniel Eason
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
These retellings of seven much-loved tales expand the stories' original spirit with inventive twists and recurring elements. Watercolor-and-ink illustrations enhance the text.
by Emily Jenkins
Illustrator: Rohan Daniel Eason
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
These retellings of seven much-loved tales expand the stories' original spirit with inventive twists and recurring elements. Watercolor-and-ink illustrations enhance the text.
Caroline's Comets
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
An 18th century woman, working with her astronomer brother, studies the heavens through their telescopes and discovers comets. Pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Back matter.
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
An 18th century woman, working with her astronomer brother, studies the heavens through their telescopes and discovers comets. Pen, ink, and watercolor illustrations. Back matter.
Charlie & Mouse
by Laurel Snyder
Illustrator: Emily Hughes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two brothers enjoy adventures, some imaginary, resulting in unexpected humor. Joyous illustrations. First in a series.
by Laurel Snyder
Illustrator: Emily Hughes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Two brothers enjoy adventures, some imaginary, resulting in unexpected humor. Joyous illustrations. First in a series.
Chef Roy Choi and the Street Food Remix
by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Illustrator: Man One
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A naturalized American brings wholesome, flavorful food to low-income Los Angeles neighborhoods. Layered, graffiti-style artwork. Back matter.
by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
Illustrator: Man One
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A naturalized American brings wholesome, flavorful food to low-income Los Angeles neighborhoods. Layered, graffiti-style artwork. Back matter.
Chester Raccoon and the Almost Perfect Sleepover
by Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Barbara L. Gibson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Chester Raccoon misses his mother during his first “overday” sleepover. Chester's mother reassures him that he was missed too. Expressive color illustrations.
by Audrey Penn
Illustrator: Barbara L. Gibson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Chester Raccoon misses his mother during his first “overday” sleepover. Chester's mother reassures him that he was missed too. Expressive color illustrations.
Chicken in Mittens
by Adam Lehrhaupt
Illustrator: Shahar Kober
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A chicken and a pig go out for an adventure to find the North Pole and are not disappointed. Colorful watercolors.
by Adam Lehrhaupt
Illustrator: Shahar Kober
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A chicken and a pig go out for an adventure to find the North Pole and are not disappointed. Colorful watercolors.
Cinnamon
by Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Divya Srinivasan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A fierce but wise tiger appears in an imaginary Indian kingdom to help a blind princess regain her speech. Bold, detailed digital illustrations.
by Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Divya Srinivasan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A fierce but wise tiger appears in an imaginary Indian kingdom to help a blind princess regain her speech. Bold, detailed digital illustrations.
Come Home Already!
by Jory John
Illustrator: Benji Davies
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Duck wants to hang out with Bear, but Bear wants to go camping alone. Colorful humorous illustrations.
by Jory John
Illustrator: Benji Davies
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Duck wants to hang out with Bear, but Bear wants to go camping alone. Colorful humorous illustrations.
Cricket in the Thicket
by Carol Murray
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Spiders, bees, butterflies, bugs, and the cockroach are celebrated in brief, humorous verse accompanied by lively eye-catching illustrations in watercolor and mixed media. Back matter.
by Carol Murray
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Spiders, bees, butterflies, bugs, and the cockroach are celebrated in brief, humorous verse accompanied by lively eye-catching illustrations in watercolor and mixed media. Back matter.
Crown
by Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Boldly painted illustrations and lyrical language capture the exhilarating experience of a fresh haircut at the barbershop that can make a young African American boy feel like royalty.
by Derrick Barnes
Illustrator: Gordon C. James
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Boldly painted illustrations and lyrical language capture the exhilarating experience of a fresh haircut at the barbershop that can make a young African American boy feel like royalty.
Curious about Worms
by Kate Waters
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Diverse types of worms, their habitats, and important roles in their ecosystems are explored with the help of colorful photographs and a glossary.
by Kate Waters
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Diverse types of worms, their habitats, and important roles in their ecosystems are explored with the help of colorful photographs and a glossary.
Danza!
written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A classically trained ballerina adapts her country's folkloric dance traditions for the stage and creates a modern institution. Mixtec-inspired illustrations.
written and illustrated by Duncan Tonatiuh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
A classically trained ballerina adapts her country's folkloric dance traditions for the stage and creates a modern institution. Mixtec-inspired illustrations.
Deadliest! (Extreme Animals series)
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Fascinating presentations of extreme animals who use poison, speed, camouflage, and other skills to trick or attack. Detailed cut-paper collage illustrations.
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Fascinating presentations of extreme animals who use poison, speed, camouflage, and other skills to trick or attack. Detailed cut-paper collage illustrations.
Dragons: Father and Son
by Alexandre Lacroix
Illustrator: Ronan Badel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
To prove to his father he's a real dragon, Drake goes to the village to start a fire, but returns with a lesson for dad. Colorful, dramatic illustrations
by Alexandre Lacroix
Illustrator: Ronan Badel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
To prove to his father he's a real dragon, Drake goes to the village to start a fire, but returns with a lesson for dad. Colorful, dramatic illustrations
Droughts (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series)
by Melissa Stewart
Illustrator: André Ceolin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
What causes a drought? How can we conserve water? Colorful illustrations accompany clear, simple text. Includes experiment activities.
by Melissa Stewart
Illustrator: André Ceolin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
What causes a drought? How can we conserve water? Colorful illustrations accompany clear, simple text. Includes experiment activities.
Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas
by Russell Hoban
Illustrator: Lillian Hoban
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G - An impoverished widow and her son each secretly try to earn enough to buy one another a Christmas present. Rustic crayon and pastel illustrations.
by Russell Hoban
Illustrator: Lillian Hoban
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
F&G - An impoverished widow and her son each secretly try to earn enough to buy one another a Christmas present. Rustic crayon and pastel illustrations.
Fallingwater
by Marc Harshman
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC - Incorporating the rocks and water of its surroundings, a unique home arises in Pennsylvania. Beautiful, detailed illustrations follow the long, meticulous architectural process.
by Marc Harshman
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
ARC - Incorporating the rocks and water of its surroundings, a unique home arises in Pennsylvania. Beautiful, detailed illustrations follow the long, meticulous architectural process.
Family Poems for Every Day of the Week / Poems Familiares para cada dia de la semana
by Francisco X. Alarcón
Illustrator: Maya Christina Gonzalez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Bilingual poems celebrating the days of the week (referring to both Spanish and English origins) and everyday experiences. Vibrant, stylized illustrations with folkloric touches.
by Francisco X. Alarcón
Illustrator: Maya Christina Gonzalez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2017
Bilingual poems celebrating the days of the week (referring to both Spanish and English origins) and everyday experiences. Vibrant, stylized illustrations with folkloric touches.