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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Bird Talk
by Lita Judge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Birds from around the world communicate with sounds, motions and mimicry. Glossary, references, and web site invite further study. Lush watercolors.
by Lita Judge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Birds from around the world communicate with sounds, motions and mimicry. Glossary, references, and web site invite further study. Lush watercolors.
B is for Brooklyn
written and illustrated by Selina Alko
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Take a visual tour of the treasures of Brooklyn, past and present. Vibrant gouache and collage illustrations.
written and illustrated by Selina Alko
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Take a visual tour of the treasures of Brooklyn, past and present. Vibrant gouache and collage illustrations.
Book Speak!
by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Josée Bisaillon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Poems about different aspects of books are illustrated in a variety of techniques.
by Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Josée Bisaillon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Poems about different aspects of books are illustrated in a variety of techniques.
Bramble and Maggie
by Jessie Haas
Illustrator: Alison Friend
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An early chapter book explores the relationship of a horse with attitude and a girl who figures out how to handle him. Vivid watercolor illustrations.
by Jessie Haas
Illustrator: Alison Friend
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An early chapter book explores the relationship of a horse with attitude and a girl who figures out how to handle him. Vivid watercolor illustrations.
Brothers at Bat
by Audrey Vernick
Illustrator: Steven Salerno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Many brothers play baseball together, but few form their own semipro team. In 1938 the twelve Acerras stepped up to the plate and kept swinging for fourteen years. Mixed-media illustrations evoke an earlier era.
by Audrey Vernick
Illustrator: Steven Salerno
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Many brothers play baseball together, but few form their own semipro team. In 1938 the twelve Acerras stepped up to the plate and kept swinging for fourteen years. Mixed-media illustrations evoke an earlier era.
Bug Off!
by Jane Yolen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Clever verse and scientific information combine in appreciation of these tiny insects.
by Jane Yolen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Clever verse and scientific information combine in appreciation of these tiny insects.
Bugs
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Bugs help us by spinning silk, making honey, and eating cow dung--but they also spread disease and sting. Meet every kind of bug, all presented with detailed color photographs.
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Bugs help us by spinning silk, making honey, and eating cow dung--but they also spread disease and sting. Meet every kind of bug, all presented with detailed color photographs.
Butterfly Garden
by Margaret McNamara
Illustrator: Mike Gordon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Mrs. Connor's first graders watch as caterpillars slowly emerge as butterflies. Lively illustrations and clear text explain the transformation.
by Margaret McNamara
Illustrator: Mike Gordon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Mrs. Connor's first graders watch as caterpillars slowly emerge as butterflies. Lively illustrations and clear text explain the transformation.
Calvin Coconut
by Graham Salisbury
Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An encounter with a huge marlin on a deep-sea fishing trip gives Calvin new respect for nature. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Graham Salisbury
Illustrator: Jacqueline Rogers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An encounter with a huge marlin on a deep-sea fishing trip gives Calvin new respect for nature. Black-and-white illustrations.
Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder?
by Lois G. Grambling
Illustrator: Judy Love
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Would a woolly mammoth make a good library helper--or be a disaster? You'd be surprised! Colorful, humorously detailed illustrations.
by Lois G. Grambling
Illustrator: Judy Love
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Would a woolly mammoth make a good library helper--or be a disaster? You'd be surprised! Colorful, humorously detailed illustrations.
Captain Awesome and the New Kid
by Stan Kirby
Illustrator: George OConnor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
See: Captain Awesome to the Rescue
by Stan Kirby
Illustrator: George OConnor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
See: Captain Awesome to the Rescue
Captain Awesome to the Rescue
by Stan Kirby
Illustrator: George OConnor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Eugene isn't a second grader at a new school--he's Captain Awesome! Early chapter books with cartoon-like illustrations.
by Stan Kirby
Illustrator: George OConnor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Eugene isn't a second grader at a new school--he's Captain Awesome! Early chapter books with cartoon-like illustrations.
Captain Awesome vs. Nacho Cheese Man
by Stan Kirby
Illustrator: George OConnor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
See: Captain Awesome to the Rescue
by Stan Kirby
Illustrator: George OConnor
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
See: Captain Awesome to the Rescue
Carl and the Sick Puppy
written and illustrated by Alexandra Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Daddy Dog's puppy needs someone to watch him. Carl does a good job. Bright, colorful drawings.
written and illustrated by Alexandra Day
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Daddy Dog's puppy needs someone to watch him. Carl does a good job. Bright, colorful drawings.
Charlie and the Christmas Kitty
by Ree Drummond
Illustrator: Diane deGroat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Charlie is an established ranch dog; a soft, furry new Christmas gift takes him some getting used to. Playful watercolor and digital art.
by Ree Drummond
Illustrator: Diane deGroat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Charlie is an established ranch dog; a soft, furry new Christmas gift takes him some getting used to. Playful watercolor and digital art.
Chick & Chickie Play All Day!
written and illustrated by Claude Ponti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In this hilarious graphic novel, two chicks have fun making masks and playing with the letter A.
written and illustrated by Claude Ponti
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In this hilarious graphic novel, two chicks have fun making masks and playing with the letter A.
City Chickens
by Christine Heppermann, photos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
What happens to abandoned chickens? The lucky ones end up in places like Chicken Run Rescue and often in loving homes where they make good pets. Engaging photographs.
by Christine Heppermann, photos
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
What happens to abandoned chickens? The lucky ones end up in places like Chicken Run Rescue and often in loving homes where they make good pets. Engaging photographs.
Colorful Dreamer
by Marjorie Blain Parker
Illustrator: Holly Berry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A lyrical account of the life of the world famous French Impressionist Henri Matisse includes vibrant illustrations in his style.
by Marjorie Blain Parker
Illustrator: Holly Berry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A lyrical account of the life of the world famous French Impressionist Henri Matisse includes vibrant illustrations in his style.
Crafty Chloe
by Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Chloe has an idea for the perfect birthday gift for a friend, but another classmate buys it first. Now what? Expressive, digitally colored pencil drawings.
by Kelly DiPucchio
Illustrator: Heather Ross
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Chloe has an idea for the perfect birthday gift for a friend, but another classmate buys it first. Now what? Expressive, digitally colored pencil drawings.
Create with Maisy
written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Clear instructions encourage children to make attractive crafts projects. Enticing full-color illlustrations.
written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Clear instructions encourage children to make attractive crafts projects. Enticing full-color illlustrations.
C. R. Mudgeon
by Leslie Muir
Illustrator: Julian Hector
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Will the grumpy hedgehog ever adapt to the sights, smells, and noise of his new adventurous squirrel neighbor? Colorful watercolor and charcoal illustrations.
by Leslie Muir
Illustrator: Julian Hector
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Will the grumpy hedgehog ever adapt to the sights, smells, and noise of his new adventurous squirrel neighbor? Colorful watercolor and charcoal illustrations.
Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama
written and illustrated by Selina Alko
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Blended family traditions of these two winter holidays are celebrated in this vibrant mix of words and images. Gouache, collage, and colored-pencil artwork.
written and illustrated by Selina Alko
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Blended family traditions of these two winter holidays are celebrated in this vibrant mix of words and images. Gouache, collage, and colored-pencil artwork.
Dinosaur Pet
children's lyrics by Marc Sedaka
Illustrator: Tim Bowers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Amusing, lively illustrations support the witty lyrics about a boy and his unusual pet. CD includes two additional songs.
children's lyrics by Marc Sedaka
Illustrator: Tim Bowers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Amusing, lively illustrations support the witty lyrics about a boy and his unusual pet. CD includes two additional songs.
Dog In Charge
by K. L. Going
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Can this “good, smart , very best dog” control five mischievous cats? Beautifully illustrated.
by K. L. Going
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Can this “good, smart , very best dog” control five mischievous cats? Beautifully illustrated.
Double Dog Dare
by Lisa Graff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Fourth graders Francine and Kansas go head to head in a dare war until circumstances at school and at home bring them together.
by Lisa Graff
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Fourth graders Francine and Kansas go head to head in a dare war until circumstances at school and at home bring them together.