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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Sail Away
illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Bold vivid paper-cut collages are paired with 15 child-friendly collected poems, each expressing the renowned poet's personal connection with water. Surprising end papers.
illustrated by Ashley Bryan
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Bold vivid paper-cut collages are paired with 15 child-friendly collected poems, each expressing the renowned poet's personal connection with water. Surprising end papers.
Salamander Season
by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Illustrator: Shennen Bersani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Father and daughter scientists discover the habitat of salamanders throughout their life cycle. Drawings and photographs.
by Jennifer Keats Curtis
Illustrator: Shennen Bersani
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Father and daughter scientists discover the habitat of salamanders throughout their life cycle. Drawings and photographs.
Salsa
by Jorge Argueta
Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A young girl and her family make red salsa musically to celebrate their culture and ancestry. Flat, stylistic illustrations. Spanish and English text.
by Jorge Argueta
Illustrator: Duncan Tonatiuh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A young girl and her family make red salsa musically to celebrate their culture and ancestry. Flat, stylistic illustrations. Spanish and English text.
Secrets of Winter
by Carron Brown
Illustrator: Georgina Tee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Shining a light behind the page uncovers hidden animals in their habitats during winter. Written in a Q and A format with appealing illustrations.
by Carron Brown
Illustrator: Georgina Tee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Shining a light behind the page uncovers hidden animals in their habitats during winter. Written in a Q and A format with appealing illustrations.
Seeds of Freedom
by Hester Bass
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
As civil rights violence rocks the nation, Huntsville, Alabama, chooses to peacefully integrate its restaurants, movie theaters, and, finally, its schools. Warm, rich watercolors. Author's note and bibliography.
by Hester Bass
Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
As civil rights violence rocks the nation, Huntsville, Alabama, chooses to peacefully integrate its restaurants, movie theaters, and, finally, its schools. Warm, rich watercolors. Author's note and bibliography.
See You Next Year
by Andrew Larsen
Illustrator: Todd Stewart
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
As she makes a friend, the shifting hues and style of the illustrations follow the changes in the timeless routine of a girl's beach holiday.
by Andrew Larsen
Illustrator: Todd Stewart
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
As she makes a friend, the shifting hues and style of the illustrations follow the changes in the timeless routine of a girl's beach holiday.
Shark Detective!
written and illustrated by Jessica Olien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A lonely shark fulfills his dream of becoming a detective like Sherlock Holmes when he spots a “Missing Kitty” poster. Bold, colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jessica Olien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A lonely shark fulfills his dream of becoming a detective like Sherlock Holmes when he spots a “Missing Kitty” poster. Bold, colorful illustrations.
Simple Machines
by D. J. Ward
Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Six basic simple machines - lever, wheel and axel, pulley, ramp, wedge, and screw - are described and humorously explained. Pen, ink, and digital illustrations.
by D. J. Ward
Illustrator: Mike Lowery
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Six basic simple machines - lever, wheel and axel, pulley, ramp, wedge, and screw - are described and humorously explained. Pen, ink, and digital illustrations.
Simple Machines
by David A. Adler
Illustrator: Anna Raff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Did you know your teeth are simple machines? Find out how many simple machines are in our everyday life. Useful, clear illustrations.
by David A. Adler
Illustrator: Anna Raff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Did you know your teeth are simple machines? Find out how many simple machines are in our everyday life. Useful, clear illustrations.
Sofia Martinez: My Family Adventure
by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Kim Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sofia, an outgoing seven-year-old, makes every day memorable. Three stories recount her adventures with simple Spanish words interwoven into the text. Colorful, cheerful illustrations.
by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Kim Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sofia, an outgoing seven-year-old, makes every day memorable. Three stories recount her adventures with simple Spanish words interwoven into the text. Colorful, cheerful illustrations.
Sona and the Wedding Game
by Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Yoshiko Jaeggi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sona is excited about her role in her sister's traditional Indian wedding. She is to steal the groom's shoes! Will her cousin from India help? Muted watercolors.
by Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Yoshiko Jaeggi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sona is excited about her role in her sister's traditional Indian wedding. She is to steal the groom's shoes! Will her cousin from India help? Muted watercolors.
Sonya's Chickens
written and illustrated by Phoebe Wahl
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When a farm girl loses one of her chickens to a fox, her father consoles her explaining the interdependence of life in nature. Vibrant painterly illustrations.
written and illustrated by Phoebe Wahl
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When a farm girl loses one of her chickens to a fox, her father consoles her explaining the interdependence of life in nature. Vibrant painterly illustrations.
Sounds of the Savanna
by Terry Catasús Jennings
Illustrator: Phyllis Saroff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
From elephants trumpeting and rumbling to baboons shrieking and grunting, the animals of the savanna communicate through many different sounds. Detailed digital and oil illustrations.
by Terry Catasús Jennings
Illustrator: Phyllis Saroff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
From elephants trumpeting and rumbling to baboons shrieking and grunting, the animals of the savanna communicate through many different sounds. Detailed digital and oil illustrations.
So You Want to Grow a Pizza?
by Bridget Heos
Illustrator: Daniele Fabbri
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A humorous how-to on how to grow the ingredients for pizza sauce. Warm, colorful illustrations of the process. Recipe and resource list.
by Bridget Heos
Illustrator: Daniele Fabbri
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
A humorous how-to on how to grow the ingredients for pizza sauce. Warm, colorful illustrations of the process. Recipe and resource list.
Stay!
written and illustrated by Alex Latimer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When his family goes on vacation, Ben lists all the things Grampa needs to know to take care of his dog, Buster. Mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Alex Latimer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
When his family goes on vacation, Ben lists all the things Grampa needs to know to take care of his dog, Buster. Mixed-media illustrations.
Stella Brings the Family
by Miriam B. Schiffer
Illustrator: Holly Clifton-Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Stella decides to bring her two fathers as well as other family members to a Mother's Day celebration at school. Whimsical watercolors.
by Miriam B. Schiffer
Illustrator: Holly Clifton-Brown
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Stella decides to bring her two fathers as well as other family members to a Mother's Day celebration at school. Whimsical watercolors.
Stowaway! (Puppy Pirates series)
by Erin Soderberg
Illustrator: Russ Cox
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Wally sniffs out a band of puppy pirates and wants to join in the adventure and fun. Detailed sketches.
by Erin Soderberg
Illustrator: Russ Cox
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Wally sniffs out a band of puppy pirates and wants to join in the adventure and fun. Detailed sketches.
Strictly No Elephants
by Lisa Mantchev
Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Excluded from the pet club, a boy and his tiny elephant start their own all-inclusive club for unusual friends. Linoleum block prints, pencil, and Photoshop.
by Lisa Mantchev
Illustrator: Taeeun Yoo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Excluded from the pet club, a boy and his tiny elephant start their own all-inclusive club for unusual friends. Linoleum block prints, pencil, and Photoshop.
Sunday Shopping
by Sally Derby
Illustrator: Shadra Strickland
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Every Sunday night Evie and Grandma go on an imaginary shopping spree with the Sunday newspaper. Whimsical mixed-media illustrations.
by Sally Derby
Illustrator: Shadra Strickland
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Every Sunday night Evie and Grandma go on an imaginary shopping spree with the Sunday newspaper. Whimsical mixed-media illustrations.
Swan
by Laurel Snyder
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
In Russia before World War I, a young girl sees her first ballet and ‘knows' what her future will be. She becomes a world famous ballerina. Mixed-media illustrations.
by Laurel Snyder
Illustrator: Julie Morstad
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
In Russia before World War I, a young girl sees her first ballet and ‘knows' what her future will be. She becomes a world famous ballerina. Mixed-media illustrations.
Talkin' Guitar
written and illustrated by Robbin Gourley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
The songs and soundscape of rural Appalachia inspired young, blind Arthel Watson to become a great folk singer and blue-grass musician Gentle watercolors.
written and illustrated by Robbin Gourley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
The songs and soundscape of rural Appalachia inspired young, blind Arthel Watson to become a great folk singer and blue-grass musician Gentle watercolors.
The Amazing Age of John Roy Lynch
by Chris Barton
Illustrator: Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Born a slave, Lynch became a Congressman during Reconstruction in the South, experiencing its twists and hardships. Vivid language, watercolor illustrations, timeline and bibliography.
by Chris Barton
Illustrator: Don Tate
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Born a slave, Lynch became a Congressman during Reconstruction in the South, experiencing its twists and hardships. Vivid language, watercolor illustrations, timeline and bibliography.
The Best Friend Battle
by Lindsay Eyre
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sylvie Scruggs hatches one crazy plan after another to keep her best friend Miranda from slipping away. Amusing sketches.
by Lindsay Eyre
Illustrator: Charles Santoso
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Sylvie Scruggs hatches one crazy plan after another to keep her best friend Miranda from slipping away. Amusing sketches.
The Case for Loving
by Selina Alko
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
In the 1960s, the Lovings successfully challenged the Virginia law that made their interracial marriage a crime. Subdued mixed-media illustrations.
by Selina Alko
Illustrator: Sean Qualls
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
In the 1960s, the Lovings successfully challenged the Virginia law that made their interracial marriage a crime. Subdued mixed-media illustrations.
The Founding Fathers!
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Barry Blitt
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Witty, evocative ink and watercolors describe this lively, whimsical history of America's early leaders. Endpapers, notes, and sources.
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Barry Blitt
Ages: 6+
Published: 2015
Witty, evocative ink and watercolors describe this lively, whimsical history of America's early leaders. Endpapers, notes, and sources.