What would our world be without art? We rely on it to record our history, to express our thoughts and emotions, to communicate, to protest, and to pass the time. Flexing our creativity feels good and admiring the artwork of others has the potential to evoke a range of experiences. Below are some book recommendations for budding artists for at all reading levels, as well as links to each title.

Board Books

My Favorite Colo r by Aaron Becker

Becker is a Caldecott winner, so you already know this book is going to be gorgeous. Kids change their favorite color all the time, and this book celebrates the glorious spectrum of hues with fun semi-transparent segments.

ABCs of Art by Sabrina Hahn

Imagine a classic children’s ABCs book combined with beautiful classic works of art, and that is what Hahn has created. From Cezanne to Stubbs, with all the Hokusai and Monet we could wish for our infants and toddlers wedged in between, you will love this book as much as your little one.

Picture Books

Ablaze With Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey, illustrated by Loveis Wise

Art and creativity had always been a part of Thomas’ life, but it was not until her sixties that she chose to pursue it as a career. This book covers the racial injustices faced by Thomas and her family, as well as the strange and beautiful journeys our lives take.

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

José Guadalupe Posada, the Mexican artist known to many as Lupe, enjoyed using a variety of artistic mediums for a variety of purposes. From lithography to engraving, political cartoons to the Calaveras drawings he became famous for, art was always a part of his life.

Winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal and a Pura Belpre Honor Book.

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michael Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe

Winner of the Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Award, Steptoe’s biography of Basquiat highlights the idea that art does not need to conform to be beautiful.

Middle Grade

Many Points of Me by Caroline Gertler

Georgia stumbles upon a drawing made by her father (a famous artist) before he died. She struggles to find meaning in the drawing, which appears to her out. Her quest to discover answers leads her, like the characters in our other middle grade recommendation, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Claudia talks her brother into running away with her, and they end up secretly living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The two then get caught up in solving the mystery of a statue, and eventually realize they are better off facing their problems at home.

Nonfiction

Drawing From Memory by Allen Say

Allen Say is a Caldecott winner, and this book is a fascinating autobiography complete with illustrations and photographs. Artists and their passions are not always supported, and we are all sometimes met with challenges that seem insurmountable. Say shares his journey, and how he managed to stay true to his dreams.

Fun and Easy Crafting with Recycled Materials: 60 Cool Projects That Reimagine Paper Rolls, Egg Cartons, Jars and More! by Kimberly McLeod

The title says it all. Some of the projects include toilet paper tube owls, 3-D hot air balloons, scrap paper trees, pirate hats, and a castle.

A World of Animals: Learn to Draw More Than 175 Animals From the Seven Continents! by Rimma Zainagova

This book is perfect for animal lovers, geography lovers, and art lovers! Containing interesting factual information about the continents and zoology, there are lots of simple step-by-step drawing instructions that kids will love.

Graphic Novels

Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators as Kids by Elizabeth Haidle

A gorgeous anthology of shortened artist biographies, this book explores how artists lived during their early years. How is creativity nurtured, and what is it like when an artist is just beginning to discover their passions? Artists include Hayao Miyazaki, Trove Jansson, Maurice Sendak, Yuyi Morales, Wanda Gag, and Jerry Pinkney.

Doodleville by Chad Sell

Drew loves to draw, and somehow her creations come to life. This is great, until she draws a monster. She relies on her artistic friends to help her solve this tricky problem.

Young Adult

Making Comics by Lynda Barry

Barry is an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she instructs students about art and discovery. This book is essentially her curriculum; it encourages students to see drawing as a means of expression and communication, and to stop worrying so much about artistic talent.

Drawing Dragons by Sandra Staple

If your teen loves drawing and fantasy worlds, this is the perfect pick for them. Along with specific instructions for learning to draw a variety of dragons, this book gives some helpful information about drawing techniques in general.

Little Felted Animals: Create 16 Irresistible Creatures with Simple Needle-Felting Techniques by Marie-Noelle Horvath

Your heart might just melt flipping through these pages. Learn to create a felted polar bear, sheep, dalmatian, and much more with detailed instructions and information about the materials needed to get started.

Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair Your Favorite Denim and More by Katrina Rodabaugh

Clothing repair and design meets slow fashion meets artistry. Rodabaugh’s book inspires readers to grab their old torn jeans, some contrasting thread, and make something beautiful.

Books for Art Lovers