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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Little One
written and illustrated by Jo Weaver
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When spring arrives, Big Bear begins to teach her young cub everything it will need to know to survive before winter returns. Black and white charcoal illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jo Weaver
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When spring arrives, Big Bear begins to teach her young cub everything it will need to know to survive before winter returns. Black and white charcoal illustrations.
Look Up!
written and illustrated by Jung Jin-Ho
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A child in a wheelchair looks down at the street from a balcony. Everything changes when a boy looks up. Black-and-white illustrations with pops of color.
written and illustrated by Jung Jin-Ho
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A child in a wheelchair looks down at the street from a balcony. Everything changes when a boy looks up. Black-and-white illustrations with pops of color.
Lost and Found
written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
ARC - Adele writes to her mother about her wondrous adventure in China and her brother's mishaps. Map and backmatter.
written and illustrated by Barbara McClintock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
ARC - Adele writes to her mother about her wondrous adventure in China and her brother's mishaps. Map and backmatter.
Louise and Andie
written and illustrated by Kelly Light
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Louise and her new friend Andie love art, but artistic differences and hurt feelings may end their friendship. Whimsical, cartoonish colored pencil and digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Kelly Light
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Louise and her new friend Andie love art, but artistic differences and hurt feelings may end their friendship. Whimsical, cartoonish colored pencil and digital illustrations.
Luis Paints the World
by Terry Farish
Illustrator: Oliver Dominguez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
To keep his army-deployed older brother close, Luis creates a mural capturing images of his Dominican family's world in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Enchanting colorful illustrations.
by Terry Farish
Illustrator: Oliver Dominguez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
To keep his army-deployed older brother close, Luis creates a mural capturing images of his Dominican family's world in Lawrence, Massachusetts. Enchanting colorful illustrations.
Make a Difference (Mouse Scouts series)
written and illustrated by Sarah Dillard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Four scout mice feverishly try to earn their merit badges, this time for the “Make a Difference” community project. Amusing black-and-white illustrations.
written and illustrated by Sarah Dillard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Four scout mice feverishly try to earn their merit badges, this time for the “Make a Difference” community project. Amusing black-and-white illustrations.
Making Books with Kids
by Esther K. Smith
Illustrator: Jane Sanders
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Clear step-by-step instructions accompanied by eye-popping typography and illustrations stimulate children's creativity, thinking and language using a variety of readily accessible materials and tools.
by Esther K. Smith
Illustrator: Jane Sanders
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Clear step-by-step instructions accompanied by eye-popping typography and illustrations stimulate children's creativity, thinking and language using a variety of readily accessible materials and tools.
Malaika's Costume
by Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Lacking money, a Caribbean girl, with her grandmother's help, uses her ingenuity to create a costume for the Kiddie Carnival Parade. Brightly patterned folk-art illustrations.
by Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrator: Irene Luxbacher
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Lacking money, a Caribbean girl, with her grandmother's help, uses her ingenuity to create a costume for the Kiddie Carnival Parade. Brightly patterned folk-art illustrations.
Mamá and the Alien/Mamá la extraterrestre
written and translated by René Colato Laínez
Illustrator: Laura Lacámara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A young girl discovers her mother is an alien -- or is she? Acrylic and collage illustrations.
written and translated by René Colato Laínez
Illustrator: Laura Lacámara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A young girl discovers her mother is an alien -- or is she? Acrylic and collage illustrations.
Mango & Bambang
by Polly Faber
Illustrator: Clara Vulliamy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Mango Allsorts, who does most everything well, befriends a wayward tapir in the midle of a big and busy city. Engaging illustrations.
by Polly Faber
Illustrator: Clara Vulliamy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Mango Allsorts, who does most everything well, befriends a wayward tapir in the midle of a big and busy city. Engaging illustrations.
March of the Mini Beasts
by Ada Hopper
Illustrator: Sam Ricks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When three resourceful second graders meet up with a secret scientist, his experiments produce unexpected results. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Ada Hopper
Illustrator: Sam Ricks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When three resourceful second graders meet up with a secret scientist, his experiments produce unexpected results. Black-and-white illustrations.
Margarito's Forest/El Bosque de Don Margarito
by Andy Carter
Illustrator: Allison Haven
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Bilingual portrayal of the importance of caring for the land and preserving the traditions of the Mayan culture. Full-page color illustrations.
by Andy Carter
Illustrator: Allison Haven
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Bilingual portrayal of the importance of caring for the land and preserving the traditions of the Mayan culture. Full-page color illustrations.
Melena's Jubilee
by Zetta Elliott
Illustrator: Aaron Boyd
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
ARC - After a particularly disappointing day, Melena is determines to start fresh, be better, and hold on to joy. Watercolor and collage illustrations. Backmatter.
by Zetta Elliott
Illustrator: Aaron Boyd
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
ARC - After a particularly disappointing day, Melena is determines to start fresh, be better, and hold on to joy. Watercolor and collage illustrations. Backmatter.
Mission: Back to School
by Susan Hood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
The first day of school is presented as a secret agent's mission. Watercolor illustrations.
by Susan Hood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
The first day of school is presented as a secret agent's mission. Watercolor illustrations.
Miss Mary Reporting
by Sue Macy
Illustrator: C. F. Payne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In the 1940s, the first female sports journalist faced many challenges but ultimately earned recognition and respect. Mixed-media illustrations with caricature-like figures. Well documented.
by Sue Macy
Illustrator: C. F. Payne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In the 1940s, the first female sports journalist faced many challenges but ultimately earned recognition and respect. Mixed-media illustrations with caricature-like figures. Well documented.
More-igami
by Dori Kleber
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Joey loves things that fold, and in his quest to learn origami he helps his neighbors. Delightful pencil-and gouache illustrations capture a diverse neighborhood.
by Dori Kleber
Illustrator: G. Brian Karas
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Joey loves things that fold, and in his quest to learn origami he helps his neighbors. Delightful pencil-and gouache illustrations capture a diverse neighborhood.
Mountain Chef
by Annette Bay Pimentel
Illustrator: Rich Lo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In 1918, to entice 30 lawmakers to support national parks, Tie Sing, a Chinese trail cook, was hired to accompany them on a camping trip. Evocative pencil and watercolor illustrations. Well-referenced.
by Annette Bay Pimentel
Illustrator: Rich Lo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In 1918, to entice 30 lawmakers to support national parks, Tie Sing, a Chinese trail cook, was hired to accompany them on a camping trip. Evocative pencil and watercolor illustrations. Well-referenced.
Mouse Scouts
written and illustrated by Sarah Dillard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Can six members of the Acorn troop earn their merit badges by completing their challenging gardening project? Humorous pen-and-ink illustrations.
written and illustrated by Sarah Dillard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Can six members of the Acorn troop earn their merit badges by completing their challenging gardening project? Humorous pen-and-ink illustrations.
My Dad at the Zoo
by Coralie Saudo
Illustrator: Kris DiGiacomo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In a story of father/son role reversal, Dad acts like a difficult child at the zoo. Zany, muted mixed-media illustrations.
by Coralie Saudo
Illustrator: Kris DiGiacomo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
In a story of father/son role reversal, Dad acts like a difficult child at the zoo. Zany, muted mixed-media illustrations.
My Favorite Pets
by Jeanne Birdsall
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Gus' school report on sheep reveals far more than sheep facts. Colorful watercolor and ink illustrations capture his hilarious misdeeds.
by Jeanne Birdsall
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Gus' school report on sheep reveals far more than sheep facts. Colorful watercolor and ink illustrations capture his hilarious misdeeds.
My Life in Pictures (Bea Garcia series)
written and illustrated by Deborah Zemke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When Bea's neighbor and best friend moves away she copes with a pesky brother and a montsrous new neighbor. Her drawings help her cope.
written and illustrated by Deborah Zemke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
When Bea's neighbor and best friend moves away she copes with a pesky brother and a montsrous new neighbor. Her drawings help her cope.
My Night in the Planetarium
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Aware of Indonesian history, Innosanto hides in an Indonesian planetarium when authorities try to arrest his father for protesting. Realistic, full-color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Innosanto Nagara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Aware of Indonesian history, Innosanto hides in an Indonesian planetarium when authorities try to arrest his father for protesting. Realistic, full-color illustrations.
Never Insult a Killer Zucchini!
by Elana Azose
Illustrator: David Clark
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A green squash exacts revenge on an unsuspecting science fair judge. Hilarious mixed-media illustrations.
by Elana Azose
Illustrator: David Clark
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A green squash exacts revenge on an unsuspecting science fair judge. Hilarious mixed-media illustrations.
Ninja!
written and illustrated by Arree Chung
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Maxwell seeks a worthy opponent with whom to play but his family is too busy. The surprise ending reassures with joy and family fun. Playful graphic format.
written and illustrated by Arree Chung
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
Maxwell seeks a worthy opponent with whom to play but his family is too busy. The surprise ending reassures with joy and family fun. Playful graphic format.
Nobody Likes a Goblin
written and illustrated by Ben Hatke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A tale of friendship cleverly twists bad guys into good guys. Flowing full-color mixed-media illustrations add to the merry chase.
written and illustrated by Ben Hatke
Ages: 6+
Published: 2016
A tale of friendship cleverly twists bad guys into good guys. Flowing full-color mixed-media illustrations add to the merry chase.