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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Over in the Forest
by Marianne Berkes
Illustrator: Jill Dubin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Can the animals the forest teach numbers? Yes, they can! Rhyming verse enhanced with cut-paper illustrations.
by Marianne Berkes
Illustrator: Jill Dubin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Can the animals the forest teach numbers? Yes, they can! Rhyming verse enhanced with cut-paper illustrations.
Pearl and Wagner: Five Days Till Summer
by Kate McMullan
Illustrator: R. W. Alley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
As the school year ends, Pearl begins to worry about the next school one--especially about her new teacher. Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
by Kate McMullan
Illustrator: R. W. Alley
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
As the school year ends, Pearl begins to worry about the next school one--especially about her new teacher. Expressive mixed-media illustrations.
Penny and Her Doll
written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Penny must decide on the perfect name for the new doll that her grandma sends her. Gentle illustrations in a pastel palette.
written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Penny must decide on the perfect name for the new doll that her grandma sends her. Gentle illustrations in a pastel palette.
Penny and Her Song
written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Penny has a new song for her parents, but they worry she will wake the babies. Will she find the right time to sing it? Exuberant pen and watercolor illustrations.
written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Penny has a new song for her parents, but they worry she will wake the babies. Will she find the right time to sing it? Exuberant pen and watercolor illustrations.
Peter Is Just a Baby
written and illustrated by Marisabina Russo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A big sister is impatient for her baby brother to grow and pirouette with her. Gouache illustrations of bear characters in action.
written and illustrated by Marisabina Russo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A big sister is impatient for her baby brother to grow and pirouette with her. Gouache illustrations of bear characters in action.
Planets
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Planets is a detailed introduction to our solar system and beyond. Photographs.
by Penelope Arlon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Planets is a detailed introduction to our solar system and beyond. Photographs.
Poem Runs
written and illustrated by Douglas Florian
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Wit, whimsy and wisdom bring the game of baseball to life. Imaginative gouache watercolors compliment the text.
written and illustrated by Douglas Florian
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Wit, whimsy and wisdom bring the game of baseball to life. Imaginative gouache watercolors compliment the text.
Puffling Patrol
written and illustrated by Ted and Betsy Lewin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
On an island off Iceland, children rescue baby puffins trying to reach the sea. Watercolors and field sketches.
written and illustrated by Ted and Betsy Lewin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
On an island off Iceland, children rescue baby puffins trying to reach the sea. Watercolors and field sketches.
Pumpkin Countdown
by Joan Holub
Illustrator: Jan Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A numerical countdown of a class trip celebrates diversity of pumpkins and people. Brightly colored illustrations liven the experience.
by Joan Holub
Illustrator: Jan Smith
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A numerical countdown of a class trip celebrates diversity of pumpkins and people. Brightly colored illustrations liven the experience.
Puss in Boots
by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Magnificent watercolor illustrations accompany this engaging folk tale of a quite clever and loyal cat.
by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Magnificent watercolor illustrations accompany this engaging folk tale of a quite clever and loyal cat.
Rabbit's Snow Dance
as told by James and Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Jeff Newman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In this Iroquois tale, Rabbit insists on doing his snow dance, even though it is summer and the other animals warn him not to. Watercolor, gouache and ink drawings.
as told by James and Joseph Bruchac
Illustrator: Jeff Newman
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
In this Iroquois tale, Rabbit insists on doing his snow dance, even though it is summer and the other animals warn him not to. Watercolor, gouache and ink drawings.
Rachel Carson and Her Book that Changed the World
by Laurie Lawlor
Illustrator: Laura Beingessner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Her passion for the natural world and skill in observing it led this pioneering environmentalist to challenge the chemical industry. Delicate tempura and ink illustrations. Meticulously researched and sourced.
by Laurie Lawlor
Illustrator: Laura Beingessner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Her passion for the natural world and skill in observing it led this pioneering environmentalist to challenge the chemical industry. Delicate tempura and ink illustrations. Meticulously researched and sourced.
Ralph Masiello's Halloween Drawing Book
by Ralph Marsiello
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Step-by-step illustrations guide the young artist in drawing pumpkins, bats, cats, and other visual Halloween treats.
by Ralph Marsiello
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Step-by-step illustrations guide the young artist in drawing pumpkins, bats, cats, and other visual Halloween treats.
Randy Riley's Really Big Hit
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Riley usually strikes out, but when a meteor threatens his town, he hits a very important home run. Rhyming text and gouache illustrations.
written and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Riley usually strikes out, but when a meteor threatens his town, he hits a very important home run. Rhyming text and gouache illustrations.
Red, White, and Boom!
by Lee Wardlaw
Illustrator: Huy Voun Lee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Parades, picnics, fireworks---it's fun to celebrate the Fourth of July! Colorful, detailed cut-paper collages.
by Lee Wardlaw
Illustrator: Huy Voun Lee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Parades, picnics, fireworks---it's fun to celebrate the Fourth of July! Colorful, detailed cut-paper collages.
Room for the Baby
by Michelle Edwards
Illustrator: Jana Christy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A family prepares space in the once crowded sewing room as the Jewish holidays are celebrated and a baby grows. Bright illustrations.
by Michelle Edwards
Illustrator: Jana Christy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A family prepares space in the once crowded sewing room as the Jewish holidays are celebrated and a baby grows. Bright illustrations.
Royal Princess Academy
by Laura Joy Rennert
Illustrator: Melanie Florian
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
With the support of her best friend, Rapunzel, Emma finds her way as a princess who likes action. Gentle black-and-white illustrations.
by Laura Joy Rennert
Illustrator: Melanie Florian
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
With the support of her best friend, Rapunzel, Emma finds her way as a princess who likes action. Gentle black-and-white illustrations.
Sadie and Ratz
by Sonya Hartnett
Illustrator: Ann James
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Hannah's hands, Sadie and Ratz, help her deal with her frustrations as an older sister. Engaging charcoal illustrations.
by Sonya Hartnett
Illustrator: Ann James
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Hannah's hands, Sadie and Ratz, help her deal with her frustrations as an older sister. Engaging charcoal illustrations.
Sammy Spider's New Friend
by Sylvia A. Rouss
Illustrator: Katherine Janus Kahn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Moti's family moved from Israel. Sammy Spider watches as Josh prepares to greet his new friend. Colorful collages.
by Sylvia A. Rouss
Illustrator: Katherine Janus Kahn
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Moti's family moved from Israel. Sammy Spider watches as Josh prepares to greet his new friend. Colorful collages.
Saving Yasha
by Lia Kvatum
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Two young Russian scientists follow an orphaned Moon Bear. Photographs, map, and notes.
by Lia Kvatum
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Two young Russian scientists follow an orphaned Moon Bear. Photographs, map, and notes.
Seababy
by E;;en Levine
Illustrator: Jon Van Zyle
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A baby otter gets separated from its mother in a storm, but is rescued and adopted by a human and a new sea otter mother. Appealing colorful acrylics.
by E;;en Levine
Illustrator: Jon Van Zyle
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A baby otter gets separated from its mother in a storm, but is rescued and adopted by a human and a new sea otter mother. Appealing colorful acrylics.
Secrets of the Garden
by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Illustrator: Priscilla Lamont
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A family plants a garden and as things grow they learn about relationships--plant, animal, insect, and human. Watercolor illustrations.
by Kathleen Weidner Zoehfeld
Illustrator: Priscilla Lamont
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
A family plants a garden and as things grow they learn about relationships--plant, animal, insect, and human. Watercolor illustrations.
Seed By Seed
by Esmé Raji Codell
Illustrator: Lynne Rae Perkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Johnny Appleseed planted good deeds, one apple tree at a time. Expressive watercolor and gouache illustrations.
by Esmé Raji Codell
Illustrator: Lynne Rae Perkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Johnny Appleseed planted good deeds, one apple tree at a time. Expressive watercolor and gouache illustrations.
Seeing Symmetry
written and illustrated by Loreen Leedy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Though it is all around us in many different forms, it is all explained in a brightly illustrated format.
written and illustrated by Loreen Leedy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Though it is all around us in many different forms, it is all explained in a brightly illustrated format.
Snakes
by Nic Bishop
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Comprehensive information about these legless reptiles is presented in a simple, clear narrative. Spectacular illustrations.
by Nic Bishop
Ages: 6+
Published: 2012
Comprehensive information about these legless reptiles is presented in a simple, clear narrative. Spectacular illustrations.