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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Tiger in My Soup
by Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Jeffrey Ebbeler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Will our young narrator's sister ever read to him? Full-page action illustrations celebrate imagination as the menacing tiger leaps across pages.
by Kashmira Sheth
Illustrator: Jeffrey Ebbeler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Will our young narrator's sister ever read to him? Full-page action illustrations celebrate imagination as the menacing tiger leaps across pages.
Tito Puente
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Tito Puente's life as a Grammy award-winning musician and bandleader is described in English and Spanish. Bold, acrylic illustrations.
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: Rafael López
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Tito Puente's life as a Grammy award-winning musician and bandleader is described in English and Spanish. Bold, acrylic illustrations.
To Dare Mighty Things
by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: C. F. Payne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
“Teddy” from his sickly childhood through his personal and political setbacks and successes to his fearless presidency is presented in vivid text with direct quotes. Well referenced. Multimedia, haunting illustrations.
by Doreen Rappaport
Illustrator: C. F. Payne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
“Teddy” from his sickly childhood through his personal and political setbacks and successes to his fearless presidency is presented in vivid text with direct quotes. Well referenced. Multimedia, haunting illustrations.
Toys in Space
written and illustrated by Mini Grey
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In a story within a story, seven toys are abducted by aliens. Can they escape and return home? Expressive detailed illustrations.
written and illustrated by Mini Grey
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In a story within a story, seven toys are abducted by aliens. Can they escape and return home? Expressive detailed illustrations.
Train
written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Follow commuter trains, freight trains, high-speed trains, and more on their journeys. Gentle, detailed watercolor and pencil illustrations.
written and illustrated by Elisha Cooper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Follow commuter trains, freight trains, high-speed trains, and more on their journeys. Gentle, detailed watercolor and pencil illustrations.
Trouper
by Meg Kearney
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A three-legged dog finds his boy and his home. (Based on a real rescue story.) Watercolor illustrations.
by Meg Kearney
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A three-legged dog finds his boy and his home. (Based on a real rescue story.) Watercolor illustrations.
Urgency Emergency! Big Bad Wolf
written and illustrated by Dosh Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
It's a busy day at City Hospital--Little Red can't find Grandma and the Big Bad Wolf is choking on something...or someone. Humorous illustrations.
written and illustrated by Dosh Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
It's a busy day at City Hospital--Little Red can't find Grandma and the Big Bad Wolf is choking on something...or someone. Humorous illustrations.
Urgency Emergency! Itsy Bitsy Spider
written and illustrated by Dosh Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
What happened when the spider got “washed out” of a waterspout? A humorous continuation of the classic tale. Simple, colorful, supportive illustrations.
written and illustrated by Dosh Archer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
What happened when the spider got “washed out” of a waterspout? A humorous continuation of the classic tale. Simple, colorful, supportive illustrations.
Volcano Rising
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Susan Swan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Vivid multimedia illustrations highlight how eight volcanoes grow and shape their landscapes. Glossary, bibliography.
by Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Susan Swan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Vivid multimedia illustrations highlight how eight volcanoes grow and shape their landscapes. Glossary, bibliography.
Warning: Do Not Open This Book!
by Adam Lehrhaupt
Illustrator: Matthew Forsythe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
At the risk of setting free the monkeys, children won't be able to resist opening this humorous book that warns readers away with each page. Digital illustrations.
by Adam Lehrhaupt
Illustrator: Matthew Forsythe
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
At the risk of setting free the monkeys, children won't be able to resist opening this humorous book that warns readers away with each page. Digital illustrations.
Welcome to America, Champ!
by Catherine Stier
Illustrator: Doris Ettlinger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
After his English mother marries an American G.I., Thomas is ambivalent about moving to America when the war ends in 1945. Atmospheric color illustrations.
by Catherine Stier
Illustrator: Doris Ettlinger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
After his English mother marries an American G.I., Thomas is ambivalent about moving to America when the war ends in 1945. Atmospheric color illustrations.
We Shall Overcome
by Debbie Levy
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The important historical context of how a song can play a role in change is presented for young readers. Mixed-media illustrations sing along.
by Debbie Levy
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The important historical context of how a song can play a role in change is presented for young readers. Mixed-media illustrations sing along.
When a Dad Says “I Love You”
by Douglas Wood
Illustrator: Jennifer A. Bell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In many words and actions, fathers demonstrate their love. Warm digitally rendered pencil illustrations.
by Douglas Wood
Illustrator: Jennifer A. Bell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
In many words and actions, fathers demonstrate their love. Warm digitally rendered pencil illustrations.
When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky
written and illustrated by Lauren Stringer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The collaboration that resulted in their revolutionary ballet premier of the Rite of Spring in 1913 is depicted with dynamic illustrations.
written and illustrated by Lauren Stringer
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The collaboration that resulted in their revolutionary ballet premier of the Rite of Spring in 1913 is depicted with dynamic illustrations.
White Fur Flying
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Silent nine-year-old Phillip moves next door with his aunt and uncle. It takes the warmth of Zoe's family and a dog who loves him to get him talking.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
Silent nine-year-old Phillip moves next door with his aunt and uncle. It takes the warmth of Zoe's family and a dog who loves him to get him talking.
World Rat Day
by J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrator: Anna Raff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The current Children's Poet Laureate plays with language and humor as he writes about holidays that just might exist. Ink wash and drawings complement the text.
by J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrator: Anna Raff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The current Children's Poet Laureate plays with language and humor as he writes about holidays that just might exist. Ink wash and drawings complement the text.
World War II Spies
by Sean Stewart Price
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The thrilling story of how the spies on both sides affected the war. Archival photographs.
by Sean Stewart Price
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The thrilling story of how the spies on both sides affected the war. Archival photographs.
Year of the Jungle
by Suzanne Collins
Illustrator: James Proimos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A year is a long time for Sue when her dad is sent to war in Vietnam. Will he ever come home? Colorful ink and Corel painter illustrations.
by Suzanne Collins
Illustrator: James Proimos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A year is a long time for Sue when her dad is sent to war in Vietnam. Will he ever come home? Colorful ink and Corel painter illustrations.
Yes, Let's
by Galen Goodwin Longstreth
Illustrator: Maris Wicks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A family trip to the woods with a hike, a picnic, and swimming packs a lot of fun into one day. Colorful, humorous illustrations.
by Galen Goodwin Longstreth
Illustrator: Maris Wicks
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
A family trip to the woods with a hike, a picnic, and swimming packs a lot of fun into one day. Colorful, humorous illustrations.
You Never Heard Of Willie Mays?!
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Terry Widener
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The road to the major leagues was difficult for African Americans, but Willie Mays became one of the greatest players ever. Vernacular language with acrylic illustrations on chipboard.
by Jonah Winter
Illustrator: Terry Widener
Ages: 6+
Published: 2013
The road to the major leagues was difficult for African Americans, but Willie Mays became one of the greatest players ever. Vernacular language with acrylic illustrations on chipboard.
A Boy Called Dickens
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The hardships and dreams of a young British boy foreshadow his great literary achievements. Haunting pen and ink and acrylic illustrations.
by Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The hardships and dreams of a young British boy foreshadow his great literary achievements. Haunting pen and ink and acrylic illustrations.
A Bus Called Heaven
written and illustrated by Bob Graham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An abandoned bus brings new life to Stella's street as her neighbors make it a community hub. Warm watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Bob Graham
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An abandoned bus brings new life to Stella's street as her neighbors make it a community hub. Warm watercolor illustrations.
A Day Without Sugar/Un día sin azúcar
by Diane de Anda
Illustrator: Janet Montecalvo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
To help Tito, who is at risk for diabetes, Aunt Sofia shows him and his cousin how food can be delicious without sugar. Gouache illustrations painted on textured paper.
by Diane de Anda
Illustrator: Janet Montecalvo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
To help Tito, who is at risk for diabetes, Aunt Sofia shows him and his cousin how food can be delicious without sugar. Gouache illustrations painted on textured paper.
A Hen for Izzy Pippik
by Aubrey Davis
Illustrator: Marie Lafrance
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Shaina stands up to her townsfolk and protects Izzy Pippik's beautiful lost hen, until Izzy can return for her--but will he? Gentle, humorous illustrations.
by Aubrey Davis
Illustrator: Marie Lafrance
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Shaina stands up to her townsfolk and protects Izzy Pippik's beautiful lost hen, until Izzy can return for her--but will he? Gentle, humorous illustrations.
A Leaf Can Be . . .
by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Violeta Dabija
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A poetic text describes all the things leaves can do throughout the seasons. Notes, glossary, list for further reading. Warm illustrations.
by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Violeta Dabija
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A poetic text describes all the things leaves can do throughout the seasons. Notes, glossary, list for further reading. Warm illustrations.