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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It's All About Me-Ow
written and illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Amusing watercolors and ink illustrations help explain how cats manage to charm their humans.
written and illustrated by Hudson Talbott
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Amusing watercolors and ink illustrations help explain how cats manage to charm their humans.
It's Milking Time
by Phyllis Alsdurf
Illustrator: Steve Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A girl works closely with her dad in the milking process from field to table. Full-page illustrations.
by Phyllis Alsdurf
Illustrator: Steve Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A girl works closely with her dad in the milking process from field to table. Full-page illustrations.
Jack and the Baked Beanstalk
written and illustrated by Colin Stimpson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This twist on the classic tale includes a kind giant and a look at progress. Stimson's experience as an animator adds to the digital illustrations.
written and illustrated by Colin Stimpson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This twist on the classic tale includes a kind giant and a look at progress. Stimson's experience as an animator adds to the digital illustrations.
Jasper John Dooley: Star of the Week
by Caroline Adderson
Illustrator: Ben Clanton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When his classmates are more interested in a new friend's baby sibling than his lint collection, Jasper is afraid his week as class star will not be all he hoped.
by Caroline Adderson
Illustrator: Ben Clanton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When his classmates are more interested in a new friend's baby sibling than his lint collection, Jasper is afraid his week as class star will not be all he hoped.
Jeremy's Dreidel
by Ellie Gellman
Illustrator: Maria Mola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
As children create their own Hanukkah dreidels, one boy carves the letters in braille for his blind father. Pastel-colored illustrations.
by Ellie Gellman
Illustrator: Maria Mola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
As children create their own Hanukkah dreidels, one boy carves the letters in braille for his blind father. Pastel-colored illustrations.
Joan of Arc
written and illustrated by Demi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Inspired by the medieval art of the fifteenth century, Demi relates the tale of the young girl who would lead the French forces and ultimately become a saint.
written and illustrated by Demi
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Inspired by the medieval art of the fifteenth century, Demi relates the tale of the young girl who would lead the French forces and ultimately become a saint.
John Jensen Feels Different
by Henrik Hovland
Illustrator: Torill Kove
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Why does John feel different? And if so, does it really matter? Colorful, humorous illustrations.
by Henrik Hovland
Illustrator: Torill Kove
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Why does John feel different? And if so, does it really matter? Colorful, humorous illustrations.
Just A Second
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An award winning illustrator explores the relationship of time increments as he compares speed, amounts, and consumption. Exquisitely illustrated with graphic collages.
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An award winning illustrator explores the relationship of time increments as he compares speed, amounts, and consumption. Exquisitely illustrated with graphic collages.
Just As Good
by Chris Crowe
Illustrator: Mike Benny
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In 1948 a black family eagerly follows the World Series as the first African American in the American League helps his team win. Lush, acrylic illustrations.
by Chris Crowe
Illustrator: Mike Benny
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In 1948 a black family eagerly follows the World Series as the first African American in the American League helps his team win. Lush, acrylic illustrations.
Just Grace and the Flower Girl Power
written and illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Although Grace is not asked to be her dear neighbor Augustine Dupre's flower girl, Grace still enlists her friends to pull off a sweet wedding surprise. Cartoonlike black-and-white illustrations.
written and illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Although Grace is not asked to be her dear neighbor Augustine Dupre's flower girl, Grace still enlists her friends to pull off a sweet wedding surprise. Cartoonlike black-and-white illustrations.
Just Right for Christmas
by Birdie Black
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Is there more than one present hidden in the soft, red cloth that becomes a princess's cloak? Warm mixed-media illustrations.
by Birdie Black
Illustrator: Rosalind Beardshaw
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Is there more than one present hidden in the soft, red cloth that becomes a princess's cloak? Warm mixed-media illustrations.
Kindred Souls
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This elegaic story of Grandpa's eighty-eighth summer reveals the devotion of a boy and a dog as the family rebuilds the sod house of Grandpa's youth.
by Patricia MacLachlan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This elegaic story of Grandpa's eighty-eighth summer reveals the devotion of a boy and a dog as the family rebuilds the sod house of Grandpa's youth.
King Arthur's Very Great Grandson
by Kenneth Kraegel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Young Henry seeks a battle, a “test of might and courage” versus four terrible monsters. Could friendship ensue? Humorous watercolor and ink illustrations.
by Kenneth Kraegel
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Young Henry seeks a battle, a “test of might and courage” versus four terrible monsters. Could friendship ensue? Humorous watercolor and ink illustrations.
Ladybugs
written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
These beetles live on six of the seven continents. The physical characteristics, stages of development, and habitats come to life in bright, labeled illustrations.
written and illustrated by Gail Gibbons
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
These beetles live on six of the seven continents. The physical characteristics, stages of development, and habitats come to life in bright, labeled illustrations.
Larf
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A seven-foot hairy vegetarian Sasquatch sets out to discover if others of his kind exist, with surprising results. Humorous ecofriendly mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A seven-foot hairy vegetarian Sasquatch sets out to discover if others of his kind exist, with surprising results. Humorous ecofriendly mixed-media illustrations.
Laundry Day
written and illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An immigrant shoeshine boy seeks the owner of a brilliant red cloth. Digital pencil, watercolor, and pastel illustrations.
written and illustrated by Maurie J. Manning
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
An immigrant shoeshine boy seeks the owner of a brilliant red cloth. Digital pencil, watercolor, and pastel illustrations.
Lawn Mower Magic
by Lynne Jonell
Illustrator: Brandon Dorman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Money is tight and Dad can't fix the the power motor. Then magic touches the Willow family and the unexpected happens. Black-and-white illustrations.
by Lynne Jonell
Illustrator: Brandon Dorman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Money is tight and Dad can't fix the the power motor. Then magic touches the Willow family and the unexpected happens. Black-and-white illustrations.
Lester's Dreadful Sweaters
written and illustrated by K.G. Campbell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Lester's strange Cousin Clara appears out of nowhere and knits 24/7, producing horrifying sweaters that he must wear. Amusing colored crayon drawings.
written and illustrated by K.G. Campbell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Lester's strange Cousin Clara appears out of nowhere and knits 24/7, producing horrifying sweaters that he must wear. Amusing colored crayon drawings.
living with mom and living with dad
written and illustrated by Melanie Walsh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Simple acrylics with slip boxes show life in two homes in this gentle exploration of a child's life when parents divorce.
written and illustrated by Melanie Walsh
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Simple acrylics with slip boxes show life in two homes in this gentle exploration of a child's life when parents divorce.
Looking at Lincoln
by Maira Kalman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln kept his notes in his hat? Or that he had a dog named Fido? Whimsical gouache illustrations.
by Maira Kalman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Did you know that Abraham Lincoln kept his notes in his hat? Or that he had a dog named Fido? Whimsical gouache illustrations.
Look...Look Again
written and illustrated by John O'Brien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Expect the unexpected in this witty cartoon collection, which turns familiar predictable situations involving farmers, knights, clowns, and others into brain-teasing surprises. Detailed illustrations.
written and illustrated by John O'Brien
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Expect the unexpected in this witty cartoon collection, which turns familiar predictable situations involving farmers, knights, clowns, and others into brain-teasing surprises. Detailed illustrations.
Look! Look! Look! at Sculpture
written and illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallacewith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Three friends explore the ways of viewing and thinking about sculpture, and of creating their own. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations.
written and illustrated by Nancy Elizabeth Wallacewith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Three friends explore the ways of viewing and thinking about sculpture, and of creating their own. Vibrant mixed-media illustrations.
Lost and Found
by Bill Harley
Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Justin loses the hat his grandmother knitted for him, he needs to visit the lost and found---a scary idea. Expressive illustrations.
by Bill Harley
Illustrator: Adam Gustavson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
When Justin loses the hat his grandmother knitted for him, he needs to visit the lost and found---a scary idea. Expressive illustrations.
Love, Amalia
by Alma Flor Ada
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A sixth grade girl deals with the loss of her beloved grandmother through the discovery of her rich Hispanic cultural heritage.
by Alma Flor Ada
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A sixth grade girl deals with the loss of her beloved grandmother through the discovery of her rich Hispanic cultural heritage.
Lulu and the Duck in the Park
by Hilary McKay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Lulu, who is “famous for animals,” rescues a duck egg and sneaks it into Class Three. Warm black-and-white illustrations.
by Hilary McKay
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Lulu, who is “famous for animals,” rescues a duck egg and sneaks it into Class Three. Warm black-and-white illustrations.