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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Magic Trash
by J.H. Shapiro
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Tyree uses his artistic creativity to unite his Detroit community. Mixed media illustrations create the eclectic feeling of Tyree's installations.
by J.H. Shapiro
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Tyree uses his artistic creativity to unite his Detroit community. Mixed media illustrations create the eclectic feeling of Tyree's installations.
Mason Dixon
by Claudia Mills
Illustrator: Guy Francis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Nine-year-old Mason's parents really think he needs a pet, but it doesn't go well until Mason and his friend Brody find a dog.
by Claudia Mills
Illustrator: Guy Francis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Nine-year-old Mason's parents really think he needs a pet, but it doesn't go well until Mason and his friend Brody find a dog.
Meadowlands
written and ill. by Thomas F. Yezerski
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Nearly destroyed by development and pollution, the New Jersey Meadowlands has survived and wildlife is flourishing. Positive and negative human impact is emphasized in detailed watercolors.
written and ill. by Thomas F. Yezerski
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Nearly destroyed by development and pollution, the New Jersey Meadowlands has survived and wildlife is flourishing. Positive and negative human impact is emphasized in detailed watercolors.
Me and My Dragon
written and illustrated by David Biedrzycki
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dogs? Cats? Goldfish? Bor-ing! Dragons make much cooler pets! Colorful computer graphics.
written and illustrated by David Biedrzycki
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dogs? Cats? Goldfish? Bor-ing! Dragons make much cooler pets! Colorful computer graphics.
Megan's Year
by Gloria Whelan
Illustrator: Beth Peck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Megan may spend her winters in school in Dublin, but in summer she joins her family and other Travelers looking for work around Ireland. Rich oil paintings accompany the text.
by Gloria Whelan
Illustrator: Beth Peck
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Megan may spend her winters in school in Dublin, but in summer she joins her family and other Travelers looking for work around Ireland. Rich oil paintings accompany the text.
Me...Jane
written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Jane Goddall always dreamed of working with animals when she grew up. Sometimes dreams come true. Gentle ink and watercolor illustrations and archival material.
written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Jane Goddall always dreamed of working with animals when she grew up. Sometimes dreams come true. Gentle ink and watercolor illustrations and archival material.
Melvin and the Boy
by Lauren Castillo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A little boy who desperately wants a pet finds one in the park but realizes it is happier there than at his house.
by Lauren Castillo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A little boy who desperately wants a pet finds one in the park but realizes it is happier there than at his house.
Miss Dorothy and Her Bookmobile
by Gloria Houston
Illustrator: Susan Condie Lamb
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dorothy Thomas inspired a generation of North Carolina residents by distributing books in her makeshift mobile library. Lyrical illustrations evocative of rural life.
by Gloria Houston
Illustrator: Susan Condie Lamb
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dorothy Thomas inspired a generation of North Carolina residents by distributing books in her makeshift mobile library. Lyrical illustrations evocative of rural life.
Monkey
by Gerald McDermott
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Vibrant mixed-media illustrations enhance a familiar folktale in which the crocodile and monkey try to outsmart one another.
by Gerald McDermott
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Vibrant mixed-media illustrations enhance a familiar folktale in which the crocodile and monkey try to outsmart one another.
Monkey See, Monkey Draw
written and ill. by Alex Beard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Monkeys playing ball with a baobab nut are joined by Elephant and lose the ball inside a fearful cave--which turns out to be full of art. They add creating art to their games.
written and ill. by Alex Beard
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Monkeys playing ball with a baobab nut are joined by Elephant and lose the ball inside a fearful cave--which turns out to be full of art. They add creating art to their games.
Mouse and Lion
retold by Rand Burkert
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Illustrated in beautiful, muted tones, the classic fable of the tiny mouse who saves the lion is retold in lyrical language.
retold by Rand Burkert
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Illustrated in beautiful, muted tones, the classic fable of the tiny mouse who saves the lion is retold in lyrical language.
Music by Morgan
written by Ted Staunton
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When their parents sign them up for classes they hate, Morgan and Alden cook up a plan to trade places.
written by Ted Staunton
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
When their parents sign them up for classes they hate, Morgan and Alden cook up a plan to trade places.
My Cat Isis
by Catherine Austen
Illustrator: Virginie Egger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A boy makes humorous comparisons between his cat and the Egyptian goddess after which it is named. Clever, dramatic collage illustrations.
by Catherine Austen
Illustrator: Virginie Egger
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A boy makes humorous comparisons between his cat and the Egyptian goddess after which it is named. Clever, dramatic collage illustrations.
My Hands Sing the Blues
by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Expressive mixed-media collages follow the twentieth-century artist's journey to celebrity in Harlem.
by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Expressive mixed-media collages follow the twentieth-century artist's journey to celebrity in Harlem.
My Rhinoceros
by Jon Agee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A young boy begins to doubt the wisdom of his choice of pet until its unusual attributes prove valuable and fun. Colorful, amusing filled-in line drawings.
by Jon Agee
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A young boy begins to doubt the wisdom of his choice of pet until its unusual attributes prove valuable and fun. Colorful, amusing filled-in line drawings.
Nic Bishop Butterflies
written and photographed by Nic Bishop
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The cycle and distinctive colorings and habitats of butterflies are clearly explained and photographed stage by stage.
written and photographed by Nic Bishop
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The cycle and distinctive colorings and habitats of butterflies are clearly explained and photographed stage by stage.
North
by Nick Dowson
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Follow the stunning illustrations and join the millions of animals on their spring migration to the Arctic.
by Nick Dowson
Illustrator: Patrick Benson
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Follow the stunning illustrations and join the millions of animals on their spring migration to the Arctic.
Nursery Rhyme Comics
commentary by Leonard S. Marcus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Hear and see treasured favorites in many new ways through the art of fifty cartoonists.
commentary by Leonard S. Marcus
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Hear and see treasured favorites in many new ways through the art of fifty cartoonists.
Oh, Harry!
by Maxine Kumin
Illustrator: Barry Moser
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Harry has a calming influence on his fellow horses--and on unruly little boys. Spectacularly rich illustrations.
by Maxine Kumin
Illustrator: Barry Moser
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Harry has a calming influence on his fellow horses--and on unruly little boys. Spectacularly rich illustrations.
Oil Spills
by Christine A. Caputo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
What is an oil spill and how does it effect people, animals, and our communities? Glossary and resources.
by Christine A. Caputo
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
What is an oil spill and how does it effect people, animals, and our communities? Glossary and resources.
Orani
written and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Detailed watercolors and simple text bring to life the town in Sardinia, Italy where the author's father grew up and which she visited as a child.
written and illustrated by Claire A. Nivola
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Detailed watercolors and simple text bring to life the town in Sardinia, Italy where the author's father grew up and which she visited as a child.
Otis and Sydney and the Best Birthday Ever
by Laura Numeroff
Illustrator: Dan Adreasen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A wrong date on a birthday invitation doesn't stop two friends from having a great day. Soft, cheerful illustrations.
by Laura Numeroff
Illustrator: Dan Adreasen
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A wrong date on a birthday invitation doesn't stop two friends from having a great day. Soft, cheerful illustrations.
Over and Under the Snow
by Kate Messner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
These poetic observations of animals hidden beneath the snow are accompanied by textural and graphic images in a muted palette. Includes information and suggestions for further reading.
by Kate Messner
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
These poetic observations of animals hidden beneath the snow are accompanied by textural and graphic images in a muted palette. Includes information and suggestions for further reading.
Pablo Neruda
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A simple text about the poet's life and poetry is accompanied by vibrant paintings.
by Monica Brown
Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A simple text about the poet's life and poetry is accompanied by vibrant paintings.
Passing the Music Down
by Sarah Sullivan
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
On a trip to Appalachia, a young boy hears music that he, too, will play and then pass on. Watercolor and gouache illustrations.
by Sarah Sullivan
Illustrator: Barry Root
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
On a trip to Appalachia, a young boy hears music that he, too, will play and then pass on. Watercolor and gouache illustrations.