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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Lulu Walks the Dogs
by Judith Viorst
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Bad-tempered Lulu resists helpful Fleischman's assistance with her job walking three dogs, until she realizes her business venture will not succeed without him. Stylized black-and-white pencil illustrations.
by Judith Viorst
Illustrator: Lane Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Bad-tempered Lulu resists helpful Fleischman's assistance with her job walking three dogs, until she realizes her business venture will not succeed without him. Stylized black-and-white pencil illustrations.
Magritte's Marvelous Hat
by D. B. Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In this homage to the surrealist painter, the creativity of a dog who paints flourishes after he acquires a special hat. Mixed-media illustrations.
by D. B. Johnson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In this homage to the surrealist painter, the creativity of a dog who paints flourishes after he acquires a special hat. Mixed-media illustrations.
MartÃn de Porres
by Gary D. Schmidt
Illustrator: David Diaz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Follow this saint, who was born in poverty and canonized in the 1500s, on his gentle journey of service. Mixed-media illustrations.
by Gary D. Schmidt
Illustrator: David Diaz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Follow this saint, who was born in poverty and canonized in the 1500s, on his gentle journey of service. Mixed-media illustrations.
Me and Momma and Big John
by Mara Rockliff
Illustrator: William Low
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
John is proud of his mother, who works as a stonecutter at New York's Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Luminous digital painting.
by Mara Rockliff
Illustrator: William Low
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
John is proud of his mother, who works as a stonecutter at New York's Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Luminous digital painting.
Molly, by Golly!
by Dianne Ochiltree
Illustrator: Kathleen Kemly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In the early 1800s, Molly Williams joins a crew of firefighters in this remarkable adventure. Watercolor illustrations. Rich back matter.
by Dianne Ochiltree
Illustrator: Kathleen Kemly
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In the early 1800s, Molly Williams joins a crew of firefighters in this remarkable adventure. Watercolor illustrations. Rich back matter.
Molly's Organic Farm
by Carol L. Malnor
Illustrator: Trina L. Hunner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A homeless cat finds a new place to live on a special farm. Information about growing vegetables and other resources. Realistic watercolor illustrations.
by Carol L. Malnor
Illustrator: Trina L. Hunner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A homeless cat finds a new place to live on a special farm. Information about growing vegetables and other resources. Realistic watercolor illustrations.
Molly the Pony
written and photographed by Pam Kaster
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A small pony survives Hurricane Katrina and the loss of a leg to become a therapy animal.
written and photographed by Pam Kaster
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A small pony survives Hurricane Katrina and the loss of a leg to become a therapy animal.
Monkey Colors
by Darrin Lunde
Illustrator: Patricia J. Wynne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Meet mandrills, macaques, and more. Realistic watercolor and ink illustrations.
by Darrin Lunde
Illustrator: Patricia J. Wynne
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Meet mandrills, macaques, and more. Realistic watercolor and ink illustrations.
Morgan and the Dune Racer
by Ted Staunton
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This lively first novel deals with friendship, a quasi-bully, a favorite toy, and a birthday party. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
by Ted Staunton
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
This lively first novel deals with friendship, a quasi-bully, a favorite toy, and a birthday party. Humorous black-and-white illustrations.
Mossy
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A turtle with a garden growing on her shell, is caught and put in a nature museum. Realizing that she is sad, Tory arranges for her to go back to her Lilypad Pond. Watercolor and gouache illustrations.
written and illustrated by Jan Brett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A turtle with a garden growing on her shell, is caught and put in a nature museum. Realizing that she is sad, Tory arranges for her to go back to her Lilypad Pond. Watercolor and gouache illustrations.
Mrs. Harkness and the Panda
by Alicia Potter
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A courageous widow endures a harrowing journey to complete her husband's expedition to find a panda in the snowy mountains of China. Descriptive watercolors and collage.
by Alicia Potter
Illustrator: Melissa Sweet
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A courageous widow endures a harrowing journey to complete her husband's expedition to find a panda in the snowy mountains of China. Descriptive watercolors and collage.
My Body
by Andrea Pinnington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
What happens to food in your stomach? Where is your femur? Photographs and diagrams help answer these questions and many others.
by Andrea Pinnington
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
What happens to food in your stomach? Where is your femur? Photographs and diagrams help answer these questions and many others.
My Father's Arms Are a Boat
by Stein Erik Lunde
Illustrator: Oyvind Torseter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A taut text and stark cut-paper illustrations convey a father and son's devastating loss. Tender and reassuring.
by Stein Erik Lunde
Illustrator: Oyvind Torseter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A taut text and stark cut-paper illustrations convey a father and son's devastating loss. Tender and reassuring.
Nasty Bugs
selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrator: Will Terry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Sixteen accomplished poets zoom in humorously on beetles, mosquitos, ants, and more. Brightly colored humorous and grotesque illustrations. Additional facts included.
selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins
Illustrator: Will Terry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Sixteen accomplished poets zoom in humorously on beetles, mosquitos, ants, and more. Brightly colored humorous and grotesque illustrations. Additional facts included.
National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry
edited by J. Patrick Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A plethora of outstanding poems--old and new--are arranged thematically. Resources, writing tips, and breathtaking photographs.
edited by J. Patrick Lewis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A plethora of outstanding poems--old and new--are arranged thematically. Resources, writing tips, and breathtaking photographs.
National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space
by Catherine D. Hughes
Illustrator: David A. Aguilar
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Explore the universe in this captivating introduction to astronomy. Colorful illustrations and photographs.
by Catherine D. Hughes
Illustrator: David A. Aguilar
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Explore the universe in this captivating introduction to astronomy. Colorful illustrations and photographs.
Noah Webster & His Words
by Jeri Chase Ferris
Illustrator: Vincent X. Kirsch
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The author of the first American Dictionary of the English Language, Webster also wrote spelling, grammar, and reading books. Expressive, humorous illustrations.
by Jeri Chase Ferris
Illustrator: Vincent X. Kirsch
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
The author of the first American Dictionary of the English Language, Webster also wrote spelling, grammar, and reading books. Expressive, humorous illustrations.
No Bears
by Meg McKinlay
Illustrator: Leila Rudge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A princess is in danger because of a cameo appearance by a bear. Playful, digital illustrations.
by Meg McKinlay
Illustrator: Leila Rudge
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A princess is in danger because of a cameo appearance by a bear. Playful, digital illustrations.
Obi, Gerbil on a Mission
by M.C. Delaney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Jealous when Kenobi, a puppy, joins the household, Obi tricks him into leaving the house alone. But when Kenobi gets lost, a guilt-stricken Obi sets out to find him. Black-and-white cartoonlike illustrations.
by M.C. Delaney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Jealous when Kenobi, a puppy, joins the household, Obi tricks him into leaving the house alone. But when Kenobi gets lost, a guilt-stricken Obi sets out to find him. Black-and-white cartoonlike illustrations.
Oceans
by Cathryn Sill
Illustrator: John Sill
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Describes the oceans of the world and the plants and animals that populate them. Watercolors compliment the text.
by Cathryn Sill
Illustrator: John Sill
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Describes the oceans of the world and the plants and animals that populate them. Watercolors compliment the text.
Ocean Sunlight
by Molly Bang
Illustrator: Molly Bang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Enticing illustrations and simple text explain how the sun supports life, even in the depths of the ocean. Extensive notes.
by Molly Bang
Illustrator: Molly Bang
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Enticing illustrations and simple text explain how the sun supports life, even in the depths of the ocean. Extensive notes.
Oh, No!
by Candace Fleming
Illustrator: Eric Rohmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
After some animals fall down a hole, a tiger thinks he will have a tasty feast--but will he? Lovely whimsical relief prints.
by Candace Fleming
Illustrator: Eric Rohmann
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
After some animals fall down a hole, a tiger thinks he will have a tasty feast--but will he? Lovely whimsical relief prints.
Out of This World
by Amy E. Sklansky
Illustrator: Stacey Schuett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Clever, simple poems about planets, stars, rockets, and more, accompanied by vivid illustrations provide an inspiring introduction to our universe. Additional information provided for those who want to explore the subject further.
by Amy E. Sklansky
Illustrator: Stacey Schuett
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Clever, simple poems about planets, stars, rockets, and more, accompanied by vivid illustrations provide an inspiring introduction to our universe. Additional information provided for those who want to explore the subject further.
Out on the Prairie
by Donna M. Bateman
Illustrator: Susan Swan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Unusual cut-paper illustrations enhance this rhyming tale of life on the prairie. Notes on the flora and fauna augment the poems and the art.
by Donna M. Bateman
Illustrator: Susan Swan
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Unusual cut-paper illustrations enhance this rhyming tale of life on the prairie. Notes on the flora and fauna augment the poems and the art.
Outside Your Window
by Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Mark Hearld
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Some children look but don't really SEE! With its colorful mixed-media illustrations and the author's vivid observations (in poetry and prose), this book will inspire children's curiosity.
by Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Mark Hearld
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Some children look but don't really SEE! With its colorful mixed-media illustrations and the author's vivid observations (in poetry and prose), this book will inspire children's curiosity.