The Children's Book Committee of Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year List - Family/School/Community & Outstanding Merit (2024)

An unforgettable tale of persistence and problem-solving, based on the amazing true story of a Thai soccer team who made their own place to play.

In Thailand's Phang Nga Bay, atop a network of stilts, floats the village of Koh Panyee--where a group of boys loved soccer but had nowhere to practice. Where could they find space to dribble, juggle, shoot, and score? The boys looked out at the water and started gathering tools. Even while their neighbors laughed, they sawed wood, hammered nails, and tied barrels together. The team worked for weeks to build Koh Panyee's first floating field--a place to practice, and a place to transform their community...

With engaging soccer scenes and atmospheric images of southern Thailand, this inspiring book follows a group of boys who became a team long before they had jerseys or even a field. Plank by plank, they built their dream.

The Children's Book Council Children's FAVORITES List 3rd-5th Grade (2024)

The Children's Book Council Teacher FAVORITES List 3rd-5th Grade (2024)

National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council Best STEM Books Award List (2024)

Colorado Humanities Colorado Book Award in Children's Literature Finalist (2024)

Missouri Association of School Librarians Dogwood Readers Award in Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Finalist (2023-2024)

Heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and species!

Growing up in Cambodia, Malen knew that dangers from a long-ago war lay hidden underground. Buried explosives forced her and many others to live, farm, and play in fear. As she got older, Malen learned how to use a metal detector to find and safely dispose of these landmines.

Five thousand miles away, in Tanzania, Magawa was also learning how to find landmines. But he didn't need a metal detector--he had his nose. Magawa was a rat, and his smelling superpower and light weight helped him safely sniff out dangerous explosives.

After completing his training, Magawa joined Malen in Cambodia, and together they cleared more than a hundred landmines from fields all across the country. A fascinating true story with a hopeful ending and rich back matter from Scott Riley, author of The Floating Field, with Sambat Meas, a Cambodian deminer, and Cambodian American illustrator Huy Voun Lee.

A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Growing up in Inner Mongolia, Jin Wang was rambunctious and boisterous and did not always listen to her Ma. Jin and her family were poor, but like kids everywhere, she still found a way to have fun and get into lots of mischief climbing trees, digging for mushrooms, and even looking for wolves.

Paired with delightful, kid-friendly illustrations, this early middle grade memoir invites readers to join Jin and her family in the outskirts of Inner Mongolia to remind us that though we all have different customs and traditions, we are more alike than not, and that mischief lives within all of us.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

If you've learned about the history of Chinese people in America, it was probably about their work on the railroads in the 1800s. But more likely, you may not have learned about it at all. This may make it feel like Chinese immigration is a newer part of this country, but some scholars believe the first immigrant arrived from China 499 CE--one thousand years before Columbus did!

When immigration picked up in the mid-1800s, efforts to ban immigrants from China began swiftly. But hope, strength, and community allowed the Chinese population in America to flourish. From the gold rush and railroads to entrepreneurs, animators, and movie stars, this is the true story of the Chinese American experience.

Celebrate Diwali with this fun introduction for kids ages 6 to 9

Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a five-day celebration of good over evil. It's one of the most popular holidays in India and is celebrated by many different people all over the world. This engaging non-fiction book for kids explains the history, folklore, traditions, and customs of Diwali, and includes interactive activities that encourage kids to celebrate at home or in their communities.

• Diverse traditions--From music and dancing to food and games, kids will learn different ways to celebrate Diwali.
• Celebratory activities--Kids can explore hands-on festivities like making a popular Indian dessert called ladoos, creating a clay diya candle holder, and crafting a paper leaf garland.
• Fun facts and pictures--Colorful illustrations and fascinating facts throughout the book bring Diwali to life.

Get little ones excited to learn with this standout among Diwali books for kids.

The Japanese people say everybody has an Ikigai, or a reason to live. Some people have found their Ikigai and are aware of it. Other people have it inside, but have not found it yet. This concept, Ikigai, is one of the secrets for a long, active, and happy life.

Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles visited Ogimi, a town on the north of Okinawa in Japan that has the highest longevity in the world. They spent weeks living with the residents of Ogimi and interviewing dozens of the villagers. These people all had lived to be more than a hundred years old, and they were all in great physical (and spiritual) shape. After their trip, Hector and Francesc wrote a book examining the centennials' keys to an optimistic and vital existence. What do the oldest people in the world eat, what do they work on, how do they connect with others, and-the best-kept secret-how do they find their Ikigai? Ikigai is what gives them satisfaction and happiness, and brings real meaning to their lives.

The result was Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life, an international bestseller which has been translated into over 49 languages.

With the book, Garcia and Miralles made it their mission to help its readers find their own Ikigai and discover many keys of Japanese philosophy to a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

They have now adapted their bestselling book for young readers. Young adults can find their Ikigai too!

A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.

Two friends, a boy from the country and a girl from the city, take us on a tour of their beloved land through their eyes. They introduce us to their homes, families, favorite places, school life, holidays and more

• Celebrate the cherry blossom festival
• Learn traditional Japanese songs and poems
• Make easy recipes like mochi (New Year's sweet rice cakes) and okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza or pancakes)
• Create origami frogs, samurai helmets and more

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

If you've learned about the history of Chinese people in America, it was probably about their work on the railroads in the 1800s. But more likely, you may not have learned about it at all. This may make it feel like Chinese immigration is a newer part of this country, but some scholars believe the first immigrant arrived from China 499 CE--one thousand years before Columbus did!

When immigration picked up in the mid-1800s, efforts to ban immigrants from China began swiftly. But hope, strength, and community allowed the Chinese population in America to flourish. From the gold rush and railroads to entrepreneurs, animators, and movie stars, this is the true story of the Chinese American experience.

Discover the Ultimate Korean Book: A Beautiful Tale of its Creation, Perfect for You and Your Children!

-Embark on a delightful educational journey with Hangeul in the Land of Morning Calm, a captivating children's book designed for young learners and Korean enthusiasts alike. Discover the rich history and fascinating story behind the creation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, through a beautifully illustrated narrative that transports readers to ancient Korea. Find hidden pictures of Korean Word behind the scene, Highly motivate children or readers who want to learn Korean, Easy to learn Korean Alphabet, Craftsmanship in illustration.

-Beautiful Story behind its Creation: Dive into the mythical origins and historical significance of Hangeul, meticulously crafted into a compelling narrative that combines folklore with factual insights. Follow along as characters unfold the secrets behind King Sejong's vision to create a writing system that would empower all Koreans.

-Find Hidden Pictures of Korean Words: Each enchanting illustration conceals hidden images that cleverly depict Korean words related to the story. This interactive feature encourages readers to explore and decode, reinforcing language learning in an engaging and playful manner.

-Highly Motivating for Children or Readers Who Want to Learn Korean: From the captivating story line to the interactive elements, Hangeul in the Land of Morning Calm ignites curiosity and enthusiasm for Korean culture and language. Young readers and learners of all ages will feel inspired to embark on their own journey of discovery.

-Easy to Learn Korean Alphabet: The book provides a user-friendly introduction to Hangeul, with clear explanations of each letter's formation, pronunciation, and usage. Visual aids and mnemonic devices simplify the learning process, making it accessible and enjoyable for beginners.

-Craftsmanship in Illustration: Illustrated by Ana Choi, a seasoned artist with over 15 years in the fashion design industry, the illustrations in this book are a testament to her exceptional craftsmanship. Each page is a masterpiece, blending intricate details with a vibrant palette that brings Korean history and culture to life.

As the sun sets, the streets come alive with delicious smells, music, and entertainment. The night market has something for everyone!

Night Market is a bilingual English and Chinese book that takes you on a journey through the different stalls and vendors you can expect to see at a night market. Readers will find comfort in finding some of their favorite foods and activities, and they may also be pleased to discover new things they'd like to try next time too.

Night Market also squeezes in lots of extra learning opportunities and skills, such as teaching children to read grid coordinates in the map search.

Parents will adore this eye-catching bilingual Chinese-English read due to its effortless integration of Chinese culture through the introduction of everyone's food frenzy hotspot. Children will love the playful artwork and exploring the various components of the night market, which help to make learning so much fun for everyone!

Young readers are introduced to many different aspects of Vietnamese culture, including:

• A brief look at the nation's history, from its mythological beginnings to its famous kings and heroes
• Tours of picturesque Halong Bay, the teeming streets of Hanoi and Saigon, the sand dunes of Mui Ne, the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang, the imperial palace in Hue, and many more colorful places!
• Try your hand at making authentic Vietnamese dishes including a Banh Mi sandwich, Fresh Spring Rolls and Moon Cakes to accompany the Mid-Autumn Festival celebration
• Re-live popular folktales and legends like The Legend of the Areca Nut and the Betel Leaves and The Legend of Trong Com
• Learn the beloved folk song The Rice Drum and the lively dance that accompanies it
• Experience the sights and sounds of the Tet New Year's celebration as well as other colorful festivals like the Feast of the Wandering Souls, the Mooncake Festival, the Kitchen God Festival, and the Hoi An Lantern Festival
• Learn to speak a few words of Vietnamese, including greetings and the proper way to say goodbye
• Make a beaded dragonfly; learn about Vietnamese manners and superstitions; celebrate birthdays, weddings, and important events; and taste the local fruits and delicious street food dishes!

As the sun sets, the streets come alive with delicious smells, music, and entertainment. The night market has something for everyone!

Night Market is a bilingual English and Cantonese book that takes you on a journey through the different stalls and vendors you can expect to see at a night market. Readers will find comfort in finding some of their favorite foods and activities, and they may also be pleased to discover new things they'd like to try next time too.

Night Market also squeezes in lots of extra learning opportunities and skills, such as teaching children to read grid coordinates in the map search.

Parents will adore this eye-catching bilingual Cantonese-English read due to its effortless integration of Chinese culture through the introduction of everyone's food frenzy hotspot. Children will love the playful artwork and exploring the various components of the night market, which help to make learning so much fun for everyone!

This family-friendly Philippines children's book is packed with fun facts about Filipino culture, history, and daily life

All About the Philippines takes you on an incredible journey across the colorful island nation of the Philippines with Mary, Jaime, and Ari--three Filipino cousins who look entirely different and yet are the best of friends. You'll visit their homes, their schools, their families, their favorite places, and much more. They'll show you how kids in different parts of the Philippines come from many different ethnic groups and have very various cultures--each with separate traditions, languages, and beliefs--and yet, they are all 100% Filipino

This children's book, aimed at kids ages 8 to 12, brings them on an exciting trip through some of the most fascinating islands on earth.

• Join Mary, Jaime and Ari to see the how earthquakes, typhoons and other natural events can be scary and yet also make the islands beautiful and full of life.
• Check out Filipino games, and make a sipa--the Philippines's version of a hacky-sack.
• Experience the festivals and foods of different cultures found in the Philippines, and try a few easy recipes.
• Make a parol--a Filipino holiday decoration that you can enjoy all year long.
• Learn about the conquistadors and traders who came to these islands many centuries ago.
• Learn how peoples who speak very different languages can communicate when they meet.
• And a lot more

Join Lan on an exhilarating journey to Vietnam in My First Trip to Vietnam! This beautifully written children's book, designed for ages 4-7, follows Lan as she learns the value of embracing the unknown and trying new experiences.

With endearing characters and captivating storytelling, My First Trip to Vietnam introduces basic Vietnamese vocabulary and phrases, making language learning an enjoyable adventure. The vibrant illustrations immerse young readers in Lan's brave escapades, sparking their curiosity about the unfamiliar world.

You're going to Love:

• Bilingual Fun: Interactive side-by-side text brings language learning to life, engaging and exciting your little one!
• Super Cute Illustrations: Adorable visuals animate Lan's journey, capturing your child's imagination and sparking their curiosity.
• Conversation Starter: Lan's tale encourages bravery, exploration, and a passion for language learning-ideal for starting conversations with your child!
• Interactive Language Learning: Seamlessly integrated, My First Trip to Vietnam introduces basic Vietnamese vocabulary and phrases, making it easy for your child to explore a new language.
• Perfect Gift for Inquisitive Boys and Girls (Ages 4-7): Ignite their curiosity and love for languages with this thoughtful and inspiring gift.

Are you ready to embark on a thrilling adventure with Lan? Secure your copy of My First Trip to Vietnam today and open a world of exploration and language learning for your child ❤️

As the sun sets, the streets come alive with delicious smells, music, and entertainment. The night market has something for everyone!

Night Market is a bilingual English and Chinese book that takes you on a journey through the different stalls and vendors you can expect to see at a night market. Readers will find comfort in finding some of their favorite foods and activities, and they may also be pleased to discover new things they'd like to try next time too.

Night Market also squeezes in lots of extra learning opportunities and skills, such as teaching children to read grid coordinates in the map search.

Parents will adore this eye-catching bilingual Chinese-English read due to its effortless integration of Chinese culture through the introduction of everyone's food frenzy hotspot. Children will love the playful artwork and exploring the various components of the night market, which help to make learning so much fun for everyone!