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/.
How to Perform a Search and Save a List
Search
Advanced Search
The Boy Who Loved Math
by Deborah Heiligman
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
This picture book biography of Paul Erdös traces his early love of math, and the ideas and people he connected in service to its study. Lively illustrations incorporate mathematical ideas.
by Deborah Heiligman
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
This picture book biography of Paul Erdös traces his early love of math, and the ideas and people he connected in service to its study. Lively illustrations incorporate mathematical ideas.
The Deer Watch
by Pat Lowery Collins
Illustrator: David Slonim
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A father and son look for deer in the dunes, marsh, and woods on a summer vacation. Can they be quiet enough? Impressionistic oils.
by Pat Lowery Collins
Illustrator: David Slonim
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A father and son look for deer in the dunes, marsh, and woods on a summer vacation. Can they be quiet enough? Impressionistic oils.
The Eagles Are Back
by Jean Craighead George
Illustrator: Wendell Minor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In the 1950s, when the bald eagle was in danger of extinction, a ranger places an egg from Alaska in a local nest in hopes it will be adopted. Soft paintings in gouache and watercolor.
by Jean Craighead George
Illustrator: Wendell Minor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In the 1950s, when the bald eagle was in danger of extinction, a ranger places an egg from Alaska in a local nest in hopes it will be adopted. Soft paintings in gouache and watercolor.
The First Drawing
written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Could the first cave artist have been a child? How might it have happened? Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Could the first cave artist have been a child? How might it have happened? Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
The Frazzle Family Finds a Way
by Ann Bonwill
Illustrator: Stephen Gammell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Annie's family can't remember a single thing until she has a sudden revelation. Frazzled looking watercolors.
by Ann Bonwill
Illustrator: Stephen Gammell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Annie's family can't remember a single thing until she has a sudden revelation. Frazzled looking watercolors.
The Greatest Dinosaur Ever
by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrator: Gennady Spirin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Simple, clear text describes the special feature that might make each of the twelve dinosaurs presented “the greatest.” Exquisite oil paint illustrations.
by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrator: Gennady Spirin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Simple, clear text describes the special feature that might make each of the twelve dinosaurs presented “the greatest.” Exquisite oil paint illustrations.
The King of Little Things
by Bill Lepp
Illustrator: David T. Wenzel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
When King Normous decides to become king of the whole world, the King of Little Things - and his subjects - find a way to outsmart Normous and keep the Kingdom safe. Rich, painterly illustrations.
by Bill Lepp
Illustrator: David T. Wenzel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
When King Normous decides to become king of the whole world, the King of Little Things - and his subjects - find a way to outsmart Normous and keep the Kingdom safe. Rich, painterly illustrations.
The Longest Night
by Laurel Snyder
Illustrator: Catia Chien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A Hebrew slave girl recounts the harrowing experiences during the Exodus from Egypt. Lyrical rhymed text and expressive, muted illustrations.
by Laurel Snyder
Illustrator: Catia Chien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A Hebrew slave girl recounts the harrowing experiences during the Exodus from Egypt. Lyrical rhymed text and expressive, muted illustrations.
The Long, Long Journey
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Mia Posada
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
From her first June day out of the egg, this godwit eats and grows, getting ready for her non-stop migration. Soft natural collages.
by Sandra Markle
Illustrator: Mia Posada
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
From her first June day out of the egg, this godwit eats and grows, getting ready for her non-stop migration. Soft natural collages.
The Market Bowl
written and illustrated by Jim Averbeck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In a Cameroonian village, a girl must find a way to restore the blessing over the market bowl after she offends the powerful Brother Coin. Digitally assembled acrylic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jim Averbeck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In a Cameroonian village, a girl must find a way to restore the blessing over the market bowl after she offends the powerful Brother Coin. Digitally assembled acrylic illustrations.
The Matchbox Diary
by Paul Fleischman
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A kindergartner visits her great-grandfather who collected stories about his journey from Italy and his early life in America. History-capturing acrylic gouache illustrations.
by Paul Fleischman
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A kindergartner visits her great-grandfather who collected stories about his journey from Italy and his early life in America. History-capturing acrylic gouache illustrations.
The Monstore
by Tara Lazar
Illustrator: James Burks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Could a monster or two stop Zack's pesky little sister? Humorous, colorful full-page illustrations.
by Tara Lazar
Illustrator: James Burks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Could a monster or two stop Zack's pesky little sister? Humorous, colorful full-page illustrations.
The Museum
by Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A girl's encounter with famous paintings elicits a variety of emotions and ultimately stimulates her own creativity. Rhymed text and experiential, action-filled watercolors.
by Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A girl's encounter with famous paintings elicits a variety of emotions and ultimately stimulates her own creativity. Rhymed text and experiential, action-filled watercolors.
Theo's Mood
written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
How does Theo identify his own mood? He has a new baby sister and is feeling confused. Will his classmates help? Whimsical, humorous full-color illustrations.
written and illustrated by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
How does Theo identify his own mood? He has a new baby sister and is feeling confused. Will his classmates help? Whimsical, humorous full-color illustrations.
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac
by Gabrielle Wang
Illustrator: Sally Rippin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Colorful,. powerful pen and ink paintings accompany the retelling of this how and why story.
by Gabrielle Wang
Illustrator: Sally Rippin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Colorful,. powerful pen and ink paintings accompany the retelling of this how and why story.
The Silver Button
written and illustrated by Bob Graham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Simple, elegant text accompanies lavishly detailed watercolor illustrations depicting small magical moments as a baby takes his first step.
written and illustrated by Bob Graham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Simple, elegant text accompanies lavishly detailed watercolor illustrations depicting small magical moments as a baby takes his first step.
The Super Secret Mystery (Cinderella Smith series)
by Stephanie Barden
Illustrator: Diane Goode
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
All the third graders are involved in research projects about endangered animals but some of them face obstacles. Who is responsible? Charming, supportive sketches.
by Stephanie Barden
Illustrator: Diane Goode
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
All the third graders are involved in research projects about endangered animals but some of them face obstacles. Who is responsible? Charming, supportive sketches.
The Tortoise & the Hare
written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The classic tale of perseverance versus speed is set in the American Southwest. Few words with extraordinary storytelling watercolors.
written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The classic tale of perseverance versus speed is set in the American Southwest. Few words with extraordinary storytelling watercolors.
The Tree Lady
by H. Joseph Hopkins
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In the 1960s, Kate Sessions didn't let being a girl stop her from exploring and learning. As an adult, she grew trees where no one believed it possible.
by H. Joseph Hopkins
Illustrator: Jill McElmurry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In the 1960s, Kate Sessions didn't let being a girl stop her from exploring and learning. As an adult, she grew trees where no one believed it possible.
The Very Inappropriate Word
by Jim Tobin
Illustrator: Dave Coverly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Michael loves and collects words. He even shares a word that he knows is....bad. Delightful. humorous ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Jim Tobin
Illustrator: Dave Coverly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Michael loves and collects words. He even shares a word that he knows is....bad. Delightful. humorous ink and watercolor illustrations.
The Way Home
by Becky Citra
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A pony that is no longer of use to his family and foster child, Tory, bond while she is at a temporary placement. Will they be separated?
by Becky Citra
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A pony that is no longer of use to his family and foster child, Tory, bond while she is at a temporary placement. Will they be separated?
The Web
by Nette Hilton
Illustrator: Kerry Millard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Jenny is close to her great grandmother, Violet-Anne, and stays in her wonderful old house full of secrets until her parents decide Violet-Anne must go to a nursing home “to be safe.” Pen-and-ink illustrations.
by Nette Hilton
Illustrator: Kerry Millard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Jenny is close to her great grandmother, Violet-Anne, and stays in her wonderful old house full of secrets until her parents decide Violet-Anne must go to a nursing home “to be safe.” Pen-and-ink illustrations.
The Year of Billy Miller
by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
As Billy enters second grade, he fears he might have trouble keeping up, but the school year holds surprises, fun, and valuable life lessons for him. Sprinkled with black-and-white spot illustrations.
by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
As Billy enters second grade, he fears he might have trouble keeping up, but the school year holds surprises, fun, and valuable life lessons for him. Sprinkled with black-and-white spot illustrations.
The Year of the Baby
by Andrea Chang
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Fifth-grader Anna and her classmates work to get her newly adopted baby sister from China to eat more. Warm pen-and-ink illustrations.
by Andrea Chang
Illustrator: Patrice Barton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Fifth-grader Anna and her classmates work to get her newly adopted baby sister from China to eat more. Warm pen-and-ink illustrations.
This is the Rope
by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A found piece of rope binds a family together through three generations as they journey from South Carolina to Brooklyn. Realistic oil paintings.
by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: James Ransome
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A found piece of rope binds a family together through three generations as they journey from South Carolina to Brooklyn. Realistic oil paintings.