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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Amber Brown Is Tickled Pink
by Bruce Coville
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Nine-year-old Amber can't wait for her Mother to marry Max, but money problems mean no reception. And will her dad stop acting so snarky? Black-and-white illustrations.
by Bruce Coville
Illustrator: Tony Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Nine-year-old Amber can't wait for her Mother to marry Max, but money problems mean no reception. And will her dad stop acting so snarky? Black-and-white illustrations.
Andrew Drew and Drew
written and illustrated by Barney Saltzberg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Unlike Harold, whose purple crayon drew him into adventure, for Andrew drawing itself is the adventure. Die-cut pages show where Andrew's pencil takes him.
written and illustrated by Barney Saltzberg
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Unlike Harold, whose purple crayon drew him into adventure, for Andrew drawing itself is the adventure. Die-cut pages show where Andrew's pencil takes him.
Animal Babies
by Andrea Pinnington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Beautiful color photographs and simple easy-to-read text explain how animals are alike and different. Glossary and index.
by Andrea Pinnington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Beautiful color photographs and simple easy-to-read text explain how animals are alike and different. Glossary and index.
Annie and Snowball and the Surprise Day
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Suçie Stevenson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Dad takes Annie and her pet bunny on a road trip that is filled with fun and adventure. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations.
by Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Suçie Stevenson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Dad takes Annie and her pet bunny on a road trip that is filled with fun and adventure. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations.
A Path of Stars
written and illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Dara's grandmother, a Cambodian refugee and wonderful storyteller, faces a tragic loss, Dara finds a way to comfort her. Oil, watercolor, and crayon illustrations.
written and illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Dara's grandmother, a Cambodian refugee and wonderful storyteller, faces a tragic loss, Dara finds a way to comfort her. Oil, watercolor, and crayon illustrations.
A Picture Book of Sam Houston
by David A. Adler
Illustrator: Matt Collins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The first president of the Republic of Texas defended his beloved future state in battle and words, inspiring many with his tenacious courage. Realistic digital art.
by David A. Adler
Illustrator: Matt Collins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The first president of the Republic of Texas defended his beloved future state in battle and words, inspiring many with his tenacious courage. Realistic digital art.
Apples A to Z
words by Margaret McNamara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Fascinating facts about apples, with inviting animal characters, are presented with full-page harvest-colored illustrations.
words by Margaret McNamara
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Fascinating facts about apples, with inviting animal characters, are presented with full-page harvest-colored illustrations.
A President from Hawaii
by Dr. Terry Carolan
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Lokahi, kokua, ‘ohana and other Hawaiian values influenced Barack Obama as he grew up in the Aloha state. In rhyming text with direct quotes by the president. Photographs and oil and collage illustrations.
by Dr. Terry Carolan
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Lokahi, kokua, ‘ohana and other Hawaiian values influenced Barack Obama as he grew up in the Aloha state. In rhyming text with direct quotes by the president. Photographs and oil and collage illustrations.
A Song For My Sister
by Lesley Simpson
Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Waaaa! seems to be the only sound Mira's new baby sister can make, until a sister song reaches her ears. Lovely illustrations support the lyrical language.
by Lesley Simpson
Illustrator: Tatjana Mai-Wyss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Waaaa! seems to be the only sound Mira's new baby sister can make, until a sister song reaches her ears. Lovely illustrations support the lyrical language.
Aunt Ant Leaves through the Leaves
written and illustrated by Nancy Coffelt
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Monkey needs help baking a banana cake, but only Ant offers--though the other animals are willing to help eat it. Challenging wordplay. Colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Nancy Coffelt
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Monkey needs help baking a banana cake, but only Ant offers--though the other animals are willing to help eat it. Challenging wordplay. Colorful illustrations.
Auntie Yang's Great Soybean Picnic
by Ginnie Lo
Illustrator: Beth Lo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An extended Chinese-American family in the midwest enjoy their new life in the United States but really miss family and foods left behind. Cheery illustrations painted on ceramic plates.
by Ginnie Lo
Illustrator: Beth Lo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An extended Chinese-American family in the midwest enjoy their new life in the United States but really miss family and foods left behind. Cheery illustrations painted on ceramic plates.
Ava and the Real Lucille
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Madeline Valentine
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Two sisters write a poem to win a dog. But what if the prize pet is a bird? Soft, detailed illustrations.
by Cari Best
Illustrator: Madeline Valentine
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Two sisters write a poem to win a dog. But what if the prize pet is a bird? Soft, detailed illustrations.
A Warmer World
by Caroline Arnold
Illustrator: Jamie Hogan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Learn how warmer weather alters ecosystems and forces animals to adapt--or become extinct. Charcoal, pastel and collage illustrations. Glossary and resources included.
by Caroline Arnold
Illustrator: Jamie Hogan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Learn how warmer weather alters ecosystems and forces animals to adapt--or become extinct. Charcoal, pastel and collage illustrations. Glossary and resources included.
Baby Flo
by Alan Schroeder
Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The spunk and talent of Florence Mills, an early 20th Century black entertainer, is expressed in vibrant text and watercolors. Author's note included.
by Alan Schroeder
Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The spunk and talent of Florence Mills, an early 20th Century black entertainer, is expressed in vibrant text and watercolors. Author's note included.
Bad Kitty for President
written and illustrated by Nick Bruel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
It's time to choose a new president of the neighborhood Cat Club. Bad Kitty runs for the office and learns about the electoral process. Comical black-and-white illustrations.
written and illustrated by Nick Bruel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
It's time to choose a new president of the neighborhood Cat Club. Bad Kitty runs for the office and learns about the electoral process. Comical black-and-white illustrations.
Bailey at the Museum
written and illustrated by Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
On the class trip, Bailey experiences adventure, surprises, and challenges and makes a new friend. Colorful cartoon illustrations.`
written and illustrated by Harry Bliss
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
On the class trip, Bailey experiences adventure, surprises, and challenges and makes a new friend. Colorful cartoon illustrations.`
Ballerina Swan
by Allegra Kent
Illustrator: Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Sophie the swan is serious about ballet class, but will she be cast in Swan Lake? Watercolors accurately portray the world of aspiring dancers.
by Allegra Kent
Illustrator: Emily Arnold McCully
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Sophie the swan is serious about ballet class, but will she be cast in Swan Lake? Watercolors accurately portray the world of aspiring dancers.
Barnum's Bones
by Tracey Fern
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A paleontologist's dream comes true when he makes an extraordinary discovery: the skeleton of one of the largest land carnivores. Zany, expressive illustrations. Bibliography and author's note.
by Tracey Fern
Illustrator: Boris Kulikov
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A paleontologist's dream comes true when he makes an extraordinary discovery: the skeleton of one of the largest land carnivores. Zany, expressive illustrations. Bibliography and author's note.
Bear Despair
written and illustrated by Gaëtan Dorémus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Colorful cross-hatched line illustrations tell the wordless story of Bear, who gobbles up a series of thieves who stole his teddy bear.
written and illustrated by Gaëtan Dorémus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Colorful cross-hatched line illustrations tell the wordless story of Bear, who gobbles up a series of thieves who stole his teddy bear.
Bear Has a Story to Tell
by Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Bear bids farewell to his animal friends as they prepare for winter. Soft, impressionistic illustrations.
by Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Erin E. Stead
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Bear bids farewell to his animal friends as they prepare for winter. Soft, impressionistic illustrations.
Because Amelia Smiled
written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
How does one little girl affect the world? This celebration of our human connection is decorated by pencil, water soluble crayon, and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by David Ezra Stein
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
How does one little girl affect the world? This celebration of our human connection is decorated by pencil, water soluble crayon, and watercolor illustrations.
Because Your Mommy Loves You
by Andrew Clements
Illustrator: R. W. Alley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
One mother realizes that sometimes helping her little one means letting him find his own way. A camping journey depicted in ink, watercolor, and acrylic paint.
by Andrew Clements
Illustrator: R. W. Alley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
One mother realizes that sometimes helping her little one means letting him find his own way. A camping journey depicted in ink, watercolor, and acrylic paint.
Betty Bunny Wants Everything
by Michael B. Kaplan
Illustrator: Stéphane Jorisch
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Betty's parents say she can only choose one thing at the toy store. What will she do? Colorful, humorous mixed media drawings.
by Michael B. Kaplan
Illustrator: Stéphane Jorisch
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Betty's parents say she can only choose one thing at the toy store. What will she do? Colorful, humorous mixed media drawings.
Big Mean Mike
by Michelle Knudsen
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
He's big. He's tough. But a group of fluffy bunnies help us see another side of him. Expressive digital illustrations.
by Michelle Knudsen
Illustrator: Scott Magoon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
He's big. He's tough. But a group of fluffy bunnies help us see another side of him. Expressive digital illustrations.
Bink & Gollie: Two for One
by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Tony Fucile
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
At the state fair, two girls display their friendship during their trying but humorous adventures. Energetic illustrations.
by Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Tony Fucile
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
At the state fair, two girls display their friendship during their trying but humorous adventures. Energetic illustrations.