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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The Pied Piper of Hamelin
retold by Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A lively narrative and expressive illustrations refresh this beloved tale of rats, a piper, and the children who follow him.
retold by Michael Morpurgo
Illustrator: Emma Chichester Clark
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A lively narrative and expressive illustrations refresh this beloved tale of rats, a piper, and the children who follow him.
The Princess and the Pig
written by Jonathan Emmet
Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Delightful spoof of a well-known fairy tale, as pig and princess change places and live happily ever after. Colorful, amusing illustrations.
written by Jonathan Emmet
Illustrator: Poly Bernatene
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Delightful spoof of a well-known fairy tale, as pig and princess change places and live happily ever after. Colorful, amusing illustrations.
The Scar
by Charlotte Moundlic
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A young boy and his father learn to deal with their grief after Mom's death. Spare acrylic and pencil illustrations.
by Charlotte Moundlic
Illustrator: Olivier Tallec
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A young boy and his father learn to deal with their grief after Mom's death. Spare acrylic and pencil illustrations.
The Secret River
by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In this slightly shorter version of a Newbury Honor book, the story of Calpurnia's magical fishing adventure is accompanied by glowing and often mysterious acrylic paintings.
by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings
Illustrator: Leo and Diane Dillon
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In this slightly shorter version of a Newbury Honor book, the story of Calpurnia's magical fishing adventure is accompanied by glowing and often mysterious acrylic paintings.
These Hands
written by Margaret H. Mason
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The strike to end racial discrimination at Wonder Bread factories is simply told with soft oil wash illustrations.
written by Margaret H. Mason
Illustrator: Floyd Cooper
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The strike to end racial discrimination at Wonder Bread factories is simply told with soft oil wash illustrations.
The Seven Seas
by Ellen Jackson
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Colorful, attention-grabbing illustrations and rhyming verse follow a young rabbit's playful journey from the classroom throughout the seven seas. Fun facts and resources.
by Ellen Jackson
Illustrator: Bill Slavin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Colorful, attention-grabbing illustrations and rhyming verse follow a young rabbit's playful journey from the classroom throughout the seven seas. Fun facts and resources.
The Third Gift
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In a desert-like terrain, a boy and his father collect tree tears (resin) which will yield myrrh -- soon to be a special newborn's gift.
by Linda Sue Park
Illustrator: Bagram Ibatoulline
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
In a desert-like terrain, a boy and his father collect tree tears (resin) which will yield myrrh -- soon to be a special newborn's gift.
The Three Bully Goats
written by Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrator: Will Terry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A friendly, kindly little ogre outwits three nasty bully goats in this turn-around spoof of a well-known tale. Ferocious, colorful illustrations.
written by Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrator: Will Terry
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A friendly, kindly little ogre outwits three nasty bully goats in this turn-around spoof of a well-known tale. Ferocious, colorful illustrations.
The Unforgettable Season
written by Phil Bildner
Illustrator: S.D. Schindler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Evocative ink and gouache illustrations complement this gripping account of DiMaggio's hitting streak and Williams' quest to bat .400 for a season.
written by Phil Bildner
Illustrator: S.D. Schindler
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Evocative ink and gouache illustrations complement this gripping account of DiMaggio's hitting streak and Williams' quest to bat .400 for a season.
The Velveteen Rabbit or How Toys Became Real
by Margery Williams
Illustrator: Gennady Spirin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Glorious ink and watercolor illustrations illuminate the classic story of a boy and the stuffed rabbit his love makes “real.”
by Margery Williams
Illustrator: Gennady Spirin
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Glorious ink and watercolor illustrations illuminate the classic story of a boy and the stuffed rabbit his love makes “real.”
The Watcher
written and ill. by Jeanette Winter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
How careful observation and persistance lead to great research is shown in this life of Jane Goodall's work with chimps in Gombe, Africa.
written and ill. by Jeanette Winter
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
How careful observation and persistance lead to great research is shown in this life of Jane Goodall's work with chimps in Gombe, Africa.
Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door
written by Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Chess-playing, crossword-solving, mischievous squirrels fail to amuse a grumpy old man, but they find a way to warm his heart. Stylized, amusing watercolors with gouache.
written by Adam Rubin
Illustrator: Daniel Salmieri
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Chess-playing, crossword-solving, mischievous squirrels fail to amuse a grumpy old man, but they find a way to warm his heart. Stylized, amusing watercolors with gouache.
Three Hens and a Peacock
written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The old hound negotiates a budding dispute between the three hens and a peacock so they all feel valued. Humorous illustrations.
written by Lester L. Laminack
Illustrator: Henry Cole
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
The old hound negotiates a budding dispute between the three hens and a peacock so they all feel valued. Humorous illustrations.
Tia Isa Wants a Car
written by Meg Medina
Illustrator: Claudio Munoz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A girl and her tía manage to save and buy a car while sending money to support their family in their home country. Vivid watercolor and pencil illustrations.
written by Meg Medina
Illustrator: Claudio Munoz
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A girl and her tía manage to save and buy a car while sending money to support their family in their home country. Vivid watercolor and pencil illustrations.
Tillie the Terrible Swede
by Sue Stauffacher
Illustrator: Sarah McMenemy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
After intense training and creating a scandalous cycling suit, Swedish-American Tillie Anderson begins winning bicycle races in 1896. Gouache, collage, and ink illustrations evoke the era.
by Sue Stauffacher
Illustrator: Sarah McMenemy
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
After intense training and creating a scandalous cycling suit, Swedish-American Tillie Anderson begins winning bicycle races in 1896. Gouache, collage, and ink illustrations evoke the era.
Tim and the Iceberg
written by Paul Coates
Illustrator: Ian P. Benfold Haywood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
One hot beach day, Tim decides an iceberg is needed, so he sails off to get one and does--or does he? Whimsical illustrations.
written by Paul Coates
Illustrator: Ian P. Benfold Haywood
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
One hot beach day, Tim decides an iceberg is needed, so he sails off to get one and does--or does he? Whimsical illustrations.
Time for a Bath
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A clear and simple text describes the different ways a variety of animals get their rest and bathe. Detailed back matter elaborates. Torn paper collages.
written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A clear and simple text describes the different ways a variety of animals get their rest and bathe. Detailed back matter elaborates. Torn paper collages.
Toys Come Home
by Emily Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
With breadth of feeling and expression, the toys, StingRay, Lumphy, and Bouncy experience the world and the real meaning of friendship. Engaging black-and-white illustrations.
by Emily Jenkins
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
With breadth of feeling and expression, the toys, StingRay, Lumphy, and Bouncy experience the world and the real meaning of friendship. Engaging black-and-white illustrations.
Tucker's Beetle Band
by Thea Feldman
Illustrator: Olga and Aleksey Ivanov
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
See: Harry to the Rescue!
by Thea Feldman
Illustrator: Olga and Aleksey Ivanov
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
See: Harry to the Rescue!
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
An inquisitive, creative chipmunk imagines many scenarios and adventures in the starry night. Detailed, elaborate watercolors and pencil drawings.
written and illustrated by Jerry Pinkney
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
An inquisitive, creative chipmunk imagines many scenarios and adventures in the starry night. Detailed, elaborate watercolors and pencil drawings.
Tyrannosaurus Dad
written by Liz Rosenberg
Illustrator: Matthew Myers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A very busy dad, who just happens to be a dinosaur, finally makes some time to attend Field Day. Strong paintings filled with humorous detail.
written by Liz Rosenberg
Illustrator: Matthew Myers
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
A very busy dad, who just happens to be a dinosaur, finally makes some time to attend Field Day. Strong paintings filled with humorous detail.
Underground
written and illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dramatic images, dark as the nights when people traveled to freedom, are accompanied by just a few words telling the story of the Underground Railroad. Author's note.
written and illustrated by Shane W. Evans
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Dramatic images, dark as the nights when people traveled to freedom, are accompanied by just a few words telling the story of the Underground Railroad. Author's note.
Wagons Ho!
by George Hallowell
Illustrator: Lynne Avril
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Two families make the trip West--one in 1846 and the other in the present. Humorous cartoons illustrate the journeys. Maps included.
by George Hallowell
Illustrator: Lynne Avril
Ages: 6+
Published: 2011
Two families make the trip West--one in 1846 and the other in the present. Humorous cartoons illustrate the journeys. Maps included.