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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Dream Big
by Deloris Jordan
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The mother of the great basketball star offers a glimpse into his childhood and the values leading to his success. Expressive watercolor and gouache illustrations.
by Deloris Jordan
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The mother of the great basketball star offers a glimpse into his childhood and the values leading to his success. Expressive watercolor and gouache illustrations.
Dreaming Up
written and illustrated by Christy Hale
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Simple buildings constructed by children are compared to imaginative structures of creative professionals. Colorful illustrations.
written and illustrated by Christy Hale
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Simple buildings constructed by children are compared to imaginative structures of creative professionals. Colorful illustrations.
Duck for a Day
by Meg McKinlay
Illustrator: Leila Rudge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Abby carefully prepares her yard so that she can take home the class pet duck, she has unexpected adventures. Black-and-white pencil illustrations.
by Meg McKinlay
Illustrator: Leila Rudge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Abby carefully prepares her yard so that she can take home the class pet duck, she has unexpected adventures. Black-and-white pencil illustrations.
Each Kindness
by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Chloe is given some advice about how small kindnesses can make a difference, she regrets a missed opportunity for friendship. Evocative watercolor illustrations.
by Jacqueline Woodson
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Chloe is given some advice about how small kindnesses can make a difference, she regrets a missed opportunity for friendship. Evocative watercolor illustrations.
East Dragon, West Dragon
by Robyn Eversole
Illustrator: Scott Campbell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Two dragons live on opposite sides of the world until an old map and a king and his knights bring them together. Detailed watercolors.
by Robyn Eversole
Illustrator: Scott Campbell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Two dragons live on opposite sides of the world until an old map and a king and his knights bring them together. Detailed watercolors.
Ellen's Broom
by Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Discovering the history behind a family broom inspires Ellen to celebrate the past and create a new tradition. Linoleum block print illustrations.
by Kelly Starling Lyons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Discovering the history behind a family broom inspires Ellen to celebrate the past and create a new tradition. Linoleum block print illustrations.
EllRay Jakes Is a Rock Star
by Sally Warner
Illustrator: Jamie Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Third-grader EllRay wants to distinguish himself, so he takes several of his father's rare crystals and gives them away. He redeems himself and makes his father proud.
by Sally Warner
Illustrator: Jamie Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Third-grader EllRay wants to distinguish himself, so he takes several of his father's rare crystals and gives them away. He redeems himself and makes his father proud.
Ellray Jakes Walks the Plank
by Sally Warner
Illustrator: Jamie Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Third-grader Ellray becomes known as the kid who messes up until a knowing teacher challenges that reputation. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Sally Warner
Illustrator: Jamie Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Third-grader Ellray becomes known as the kid who messes up until a knowing teacher challenges that reputation. Black-and-white illustrations.
Emily and Carlo
by Marty Rhodes Figley
Illustrator: Catherine Stock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Emily Dickinson's life with her constant canine companion, black Newfoundland Carlo, is depicted with soft watercolors.
by Marty Rhodes Figley
Illustrator: Catherine Stock
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Emily Dickinson's life with her constant canine companion, black Newfoundland Carlo, is depicted with soft watercolors.
Every Cowgirl Loves a Rodeo
by Rebecca Janni
Illustrator: Lynne Avril
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Will Nellie Sue best the Bicycle Rodeo King and win the blue ribbon? Watercolor illustrations.
by Rebecca Janni
Illustrator: Lynne Avril
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Will Nellie Sue best the Bicycle Rodeo King and win the blue ribbon? Watercolor illustrations.
Every Little Thing
based on the song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This version of the popular reggae song demonstrates the value of family and friends. Fun, lively digital, mixed-media illustrations.
based on the song “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This version of the popular reggae song demonstrates the value of family and friends. Fun, lively digital, mixed-media illustrations.
Excuse Me, I'm Trying to Read
by Mary Jo Amani
Illustrator: Lehla Eldridge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A young girl is repeatedly interrupted by the antics of wild animals. Amusing, expressive illustrations add to the fun.
by Mary Jo Amani
Illustrator: Lehla Eldridge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A young girl is repeatedly interrupted by the antics of wild animals. Amusing, expressive illustrations add to the fun.
Extra Yarn
by Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Annabelle transforms her town with her knitted gifts and her generosity. Mixed-media sepia-toned illustrations become multicolored with the addition of Annabelle's yarn.
by Mac Barnett
Illustrator: Jon Klassen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Annabelle transforms her town with her knitted gifts and her generosity. Mixed-media sepia-toned illustrations become multicolored with the addition of Annabelle's yarn.
Farm
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Brief captions and appealing photographs explain how animals and crops are raised and sent to market.
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Brief captions and appealing photographs explain how animals and crops are raised and sent to market.
First Peas to the Table
by Susan Grigsby
Illustrator: Nicole Tadgell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Maya is determined to win the “first peas” contest in her class, following the directions in Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book. Watercolor illustrations.
by Susan Grigsby
Illustrator: Nicole Tadgell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Maya is determined to win the “first peas” contest in her class, following the directions in Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book. Watercolor illustrations.
Flood Warning
by Jacqueline Pearce
Illustrator: Leanne Franson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In Canada in 1948 when the Fraser River floods his community, Tom acts with ingenuity to rescue his family's cows. Expressive pencil and watercolor illustrations.
by Jacqueline Pearce
Illustrator: Leanne Franson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In Canada in 1948 when the Fraser River floods his community, Tom acts with ingenuity to rescue his family's cows. Expressive pencil and watercolor illustrations.
Florentine and Pig
by Eva Katzler
Illustrator: Jess Mikhail
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Uh oh! Florentine planned a picnic, but Pig ate the last apple. Will they be able to have the outing anyway? Pig bravely saves the day. Action-supporting art in mixed media.
by Eva Katzler
Illustrator: Jess Mikhail
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Uh oh! Florentine planned a picnic, but Pig ate the last apple. Will they be able to have the outing anyway? Pig bravely saves the day. Action-supporting art in mixed media.
Fox Tails
written and illustrated by Amy Lowry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A single narrative follows Fox through a busy day of tricking and being tricked. Gouache and pencil drawings. Author's note with the morals.
written and illustrated by Amy Lowry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A single narrative follows Fox through a busy day of tricking and being tricked. Gouache and pencil drawings. Author's note with the morals.
Freddie Ramos Makes a Splash!
by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Miguel Benitez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Freddie Ramos is back! This time his zapatos--a very special pair of sneakers--help him overcome the neighborhood bully and even enjoy summer camp. Black-and-white cartoonlike illustrations.
by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Miguel Benitez
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Freddie Ramos is back! This time his zapatos--a very special pair of sneakers--help him overcome the neighborhood bully and even enjoy summer camp. Black-and-white cartoonlike illustrations.
Frogs!
by Laurence Pringle
Illustrator: Meryl Henderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Realistic watercolor illustrations illuminate the fascinating exploration of the similarities and differences among the many and varied species of these amphibians.
by Laurence Pringle
Illustrator: Meryl Henderson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Realistic watercolor illustrations illuminate the fascinating exploration of the similarities and differences among the many and varied species of these amphibians.
Funny Food
by Bill
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
There's a strawberry face in my oatmeal! Humorously arranged nutritious ingredients invite children to create their own breakfasts. Yum! Colorful photographs.
by Bill
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
There's a strawberry face in my oatmeal! Humorously arranged nutritious ingredients invite children to create their own breakfasts. Yum! Colorful photographs.
Garmann's Secret
written and illustrated by Stian Hole
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Garmann befriends Hannah's twin, Johanna, and together the friends explore the woods, learning about themselves and the world. Inventive mixed-media collages.
written and illustrated by Stian Hole
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Garmann befriends Hannah's twin, Johanna, and together the friends explore the woods, learning about themselves and the world. Inventive mixed-media collages.
Giants Beware!
illustrated by Rafael Rosado
Illustrator: Rafael Rosado
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Young Claudette, her timid brother, and a ladylike friend hunt down a giant. A full-color graphic novel.
illustrated by Rafael Rosado
Illustrator: Rafael Rosado
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Young Claudette, her timid brother, and a ladylike friend hunt down a giant. A full-color graphic novel.
Go, Go Grapes!
written and photographed by April Pulley Sayre
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Persimmons, guavas, currants, and much more--this rhyming celebration of fruit will make your mouth water. Colorful, bright photographs.
written and photographed by April Pulley Sayre
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Persimmons, guavas, currants, and much more--this rhyming celebration of fruit will make your mouth water. Colorful, bright photographs.
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns
by Hena Khan
Illustrator: Mehrdokht Amini
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A young Muslim presents the traditions of Islam. Simple rhyming text and Islamic art illustrations.
by Hena Khan
Illustrator: Mehrdokht Amini
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A young Muslim presents the traditions of Islam. Simple rhyming text and Islamic art illustrations.