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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Maya's Blanket/La Manta De Maya
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: David Diaz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When Maya's blanket becomes frayed, it is transformed into a shirt and then.... A Latin version in English and Spanish of a Yiddish folk song. Rich mixed-media illustrations.
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: David Diaz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When Maya's blanket becomes frayed, it is transformed into a shirt and then.... A Latin version in English and Spanish of a Yiddish folk song. Rich mixed-media illustrations.
Miracle on 133rd Street
by Sonia Manzano
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
It's Christmas Eve. Everyone is grumpy and the roast won't fit in the oven. Will José's solution be the Christmas miracle everyone needs? Colorful gouache illustrations.
by Sonia Manzano
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
It's Christmas Eve. Everyone is grumpy and the roast won't fit in the oven. Will José's solution be the Christmas miracle everyone needs? Colorful gouache illustrations.
Misty (Stanley & Me series)
by Christine Dencer
Illustrator: Jessica Meserve
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Will Sophie succeed in conquering her fear of her friend's dog? Lively, colorful illustrations.
by Christine Dencer
Illustrator: Jessica Meserve
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Will Sophie succeed in conquering her fear of her friend's dog? Lively, colorful illustrations.
Moon Bears
written and photographed by Mark Newman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Learn how some of Asia's rescued, indigenous Moon Bears live, what they eat, and why their ears are round and far apart. Detailed photographs.
written and photographed by Mark Newman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Learn how some of Asia's rescued, indigenous Moon Bears live, what they eat, and why their ears are round and far apart. Detailed photographs.
Mother Bruce
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When eggs produce goslings, Bruce, the bear, has a problem. Humorous illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ryan T. Higgins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When eggs produce goslings, Bruce, the bear, has a problem. Humorous illustrations.
Mummy Cat
by Marcus Ewert
Illustrator: Lisa Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A mummy cat awakes and searches the Egyptian tomb/pyramid for his friend, the queen/pharoah. Ink, watercolor, hieroglyphics and end notes introduce ancient Egypt.
by Marcus Ewert
Illustrator: Lisa Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A mummy cat awakes and searches the Egyptian tomb/pyramid for his friend, the queen/pharoah. Ink, watercolor, hieroglyphics and end notes introduce ancient Egypt.
My Name Is Truth
by Ann Turner
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Transforming herself after a harsh life as a slave, this legendary orator and preacher vigorously advocated abolition and women's rights in the 1800s. Lyrical watercolor illustrations. Well referenced.
by Ann Turner
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Transforming herself after a harsh life as a slave, this legendary orator and preacher vigorously advocated abolition and women's rights in the 1800s. Lyrical watercolor illustrations. Well referenced.
My Pen
written and illustrated by Christopher Myers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
The acclaimed illustrator shares his pen-and-ink sketchbook and invites kids to pick up a pen and create imaginary worlds.
written and illustrated by Christopher Myers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
The acclaimed illustrator shares his pen-and-ink sketchbook and invites kids to pick up a pen and create imaginary worlds.
My Three Best Friends and Me, Zulay
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Zulay, who is blind, loves her classroom and friends, but not using her sensory cane. She decides to run in a race to prove her mettle. Bright, cheerful illustrations.
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Zulay, who is blind, loves her classroom and friends, but not using her sensory cane. She decides to run in a race to prove her mettle. Bright, cheerful illustrations.
Neighbors: The Water Critters
by George Held
Illustrator: Joung Un Kim
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Thirteen varied short poems combine facts and linguistic whimsy in exploring aquatic creatures near or in the water. Simple collage illustrations capture their natural environments. Questions stimulate discussion.
by George Held
Illustrator: Joung Un Kim
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Thirteen varied short poems combine facts and linguistic whimsy in exploring aquatic creatures near or in the water. Simple collage illustrations capture their natural environments. Questions stimulate discussion.
New Shoes
by Susan Lynn Meyer
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Not allowed to try on shoes because she is African American, Ella Mae and her friend come up with a plan. Realistic oil paintings.
by Susan Lynn Meyer
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Not allowed to try on shoes because she is African American, Ella Mae and her friend come up with a plan. Realistic oil paintings.
Nic Bishop Frogs
written and photographed by Nic Bishop
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Simple text and extraordinary photographs provide clear, accessible information about more than 5000 different kinds of amphibians.
written and photographed by Nic Bishop
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Simple text and extraordinary photographs provide clear, accessible information about more than 5000 different kinds of amphibians.
One Plastic Bag
by Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When plastic bags threaten the health of her Gambian neighborhood, one woman with a crochet hook takes action. Colorful collage illustrations. Map and author's notes.
by Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When plastic bags threaten the health of her Gambian neighborhood, one woman with a crochet hook takes action. Colorful collage illustrations. Map and author's notes.
One Today
by Richard Blanco
Illustrator: Dav Pilkey
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A lush and lyrical patriotic commemoration of America is enhanced by vivid acrylic and india ink illustrations.
by Richard Blanco
Illustrator: Dav Pilkey
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A lush and lyrical patriotic commemoration of America is enhanced by vivid acrylic and india ink illustrations.
One Word from Sophia
by Jim Averbeck
Illustrator: Yasmeen Ismail
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Clever Ginny learns the importance of choosing the best word in order to make a compelling argument for what she wants. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
by Jim Averbeck
Illustrator: Yasmeen Ismail
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Clever Ginny learns the importance of choosing the best word in order to make a compelling argument for what she wants. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations.
On the Construction Site
by Carron Brown
Illustrator: Bee Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
This informative book on the construction of city buildings is presented in a Q & A format. Shine a light to reveal the hidden illustrations.
by Carron Brown
Illustrator: Bee Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
This informative book on the construction of city buildings is presented in a Q & A format. Shine a light to reveal the hidden illustrations.
Orangutanka
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Renée Kurilla
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Through Tanka poetry (a Japanese form) follow an orangutan family and a lively big sister as she dances in a wildlife preserve. Colorful, energetic illustrations. Back matter.
by Margarita Engle
Illustrator: Renée Kurilla
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Through Tanka poetry (a Japanese form) follow an orangutan family and a lively big sister as she dances in a wildlife preserve. Colorful, energetic illustrations. Back matter.
Oskar and the Eight Blessings
by Richard and Tanya Simon
Illustrator: Mark Siegel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sent to America after Kristalnacht, a boy walks up Broadway on Hanukkah to his aunt's apartment and encounters caring strangers. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations.
by Richard and Tanya Simon
Illustrator: Mark Siegel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sent to America after Kristalnacht, a boy walks up Broadway on Hanukkah to his aunt's apartment and encounters caring strangers. Soft watercolor and pencil illustrations.
Over the River & Through the Wood
by Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Kim Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Four diverse families, depicted in colorful digital art, make their way to grandma's house by various means of transportation but all wind up in the old-fashioned way. A contemporary take on the classic song.
by Linda Ashman
Illustrator: Kim Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Four diverse families, depicted in colorful digital art, make their way to grandma's house by various means of transportation but all wind up in the old-fashioned way. A contemporary take on the classic song.
Poet
written and illustrated by Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A long and difficult journey from slavery and illiteracy to publication and freedom reveals a poet's resiliance. Yellow-toned illustrations. Sources and notes.
written and illustrated by Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A long and difficult journey from slavery and illiteracy to publication and freedom reveals a poet's resiliance. Yellow-toned illustrations. Sources and notes.
Pool
written and illustrated by JiHyeon Lee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Two shy swimmers meet underwater in a crowded pool, become friends and let their imaginations fly. Pool-toned color pencil and oil pastel illustrations.
written and illustrated by JiHyeon Lee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Two shy swimmers meet underwater in a crowded pool, become friends and let their imaginations fly. Pool-toned color pencil and oil pastel illustrations.
Primate School
by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Informative text and color photographs show primates in captivity and the kinds of adaptive behavior learned from using technology and from interacting with people.
by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Informative text and color photographs show primates in captivity and the kinds of adaptive behavior learned from using technology and from interacting with people.
Queen of the Diamond
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
In the early 20th century, Lizzie Murphy proved that baseball wasn't just for men. This fictionalized account celebrates her rise to a major league career. Colorful, animated illustrations.
written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
In the early 20th century, Lizzie Murphy proved that baseball wasn't just for men. This fictionalized account celebrates her rise to a major league career. Colorful, animated illustrations.
Ragweed's Farm Dog Handbook
written and illustrated by Anne Vitur Kennedy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Ragweed gives advice on how to behave - and get biscuits. Colorful acrylics.
written and illustrated by Anne Vitur Kennedy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Ragweed gives advice on how to behave - and get biscuits. Colorful acrylics.
Raindrops Roll
written and illustrated by April Pulley Sayre
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Outstanding photographs with guiding texts reveal the science of raindrops as they land. Backnotes add details about the water cycle.
written and illustrated by April Pulley Sayre
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Outstanding photographs with guiding texts reveal the science of raindrops as they land. Backnotes add details about the water cycle.