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Check out these picture books to inspire young artists of all ages! let the children read and be inspired by the beauty of art & what makes it so universal.
You are reading: Children’s books that inspire art
“every child is an artist. the problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up” ~ pablo picasso
I think this picasso quote is the perfect way to describe what is happening in the world today. children are natural artists; but we adults end up stifling their creativity and imagination with all kinds of rules. when what we really should be doing is encouraging them to develop their imagination and explore all forms of art.
Introducing children to arts and crafts is just one step: we must go further and imbue ourselves with a love of art. Encouraging children to understand and explore art is about more than just learning to mix colors: they learn about history, about human beings around the world, and how the world is evolving.
If you’re wondering how you’re going to teach all of this to your kids, don’t worry—the books are here to help! We have put together a list of the 20 best picture books on art for children, which are full of beautiful illustrations but also tell a meaningful story at the same time. There are books for all ages here, so go ahead and take your pick!
1. harold and the purple crayon
This is an adorable little story that toddlers and preschoolers can relate to: a boy who goes for a walk when he’s supposed to go to bed! Harold has a large purple crayon with him, which is enough to create a world full of emotion and detail. the book shows children that an active imagination is the only tool they need.
2. the point
paul klee said, “a line is a point that went for a walk”, indicating that every great work of art begins in a small place: a point! this book by peter h. Reynolds tells kids that no matter what they say, we all have that creative spot inside of us, the one that will take us places if we just try! a good choice for international knitting day.
3. what does a rainbow do?
This is a delightful little book for young children who will love seeing a rainbow ribbon peeking out of every page! It’s a great way to learn about the different colors, as well as how they all come together to create something even more beautiful.
4. the great orange spot
This is one of those books that subtly conveys the message of diversity and how being different actually makes us better. it is also a great lesson to turn adversity in our favor, like mr. Plumb line painted around the orange stain on it!
5. I’m not going to paint anymore
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every parent on this planet is familiar with the scene of their little one standing in front of the wall, covered in doodles and drawings! This fun book is perfect for preschoolers and celebrates this stage where art has no limits and can appear anywhere: on the wall, the ceiling, or your feet!
6. I’m not just a doodle
here is another book about inclusion and how art can achieve it. the poor doodle is shunned by other cartoons, but he is confident enough to stand up for himself and show the other cartoons that they are all in this together. a lovely little book for younger children.
7. mouse painting
You’ve heard of the song about the three blind mice, but these are three white mice that can definitely see everything, especially colors! Young children will marvel at how colors mix to form other colors, and the collage-like paper illustrations can give you some ideas for a new craft!
8. let’s play
just like the dot, this book is also about a yellow dot who is very excited and goes on a fun journey. kids can follow the dot as it scrolls, through illustrations that are very basic and simple, yet clever at the same time. the book helps young children appreciate the simple beauty of something as small as a dot.
9. a is for artist
You can’t go wrong choosing a book that contains paintings from the Getty Museum! This unique alphabet book curates details from over 20 famous paintings by artists including Degas, Van Gogh, and Cezanne. I can’t think of a better way to teach preschoolers letters!
10. I see colors in art
If children can learn letters through art, why not learn about colors too? This excellent book presents the works of artists from around the world, in magnificent detail. children can spend a lot of time poring over the pictures and pointing out the details and colors.
11. rain fish
The Rain Fish is one of those books you’ll want to treasure forever. lois elhert weaves a beautiful story about fish that come to life when it rains, with all the bits floating in rivers and streams during rain. the artwork is spectacular and teaches children a lesson in how the most unlikely things can be turned into magnificent art.
12. faces
This is the perfect book to kick start some craft projects at home! The book features faces made from all kinds of materials, giving kids ideas on how to use things around your house to create art.
13. my museum
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A visit to the museum may sound a bit overwhelming for elementary school kids or even high school students! however, this book helps to look at it in a different way and shows us that art is all around us, and not necessarily just in a museum.
14. sample
When your name is swatch, it’s just a matter of common sense that your passion is color. the only problem is that swatch wants the colors to do what she wants, which doesn’t go well with the colors! a fun book for those attending primary and secondary school.
15. beautiful oops!
oops is a word we always associate negatively: spilled milk or a torn book. But Barney Saltzberg’s book shows us that it doesn’t have to be that way; an oops can be the beginning of something new, something even more beautiful! a great book to teach kids how to overcome adversity and make the most of mistakes.
16. maybe something beautiful
art can transform lives, and so can little artists! Based on a true story, Isabel Campoy’s book celebrates the power of art in any form and how people can come together for a good cause to bring about real change. a lovely book that is relevant in today’s times.
17. pictures of willy
Children learn best when humor is used, and this book is an excellent example of that. Willy paints famous paintings like the Mona Lisa, but he paints himself and his friends in them! The book features full-color fold-out images of original artwork by artists including Da Vinci, Raphael, Manet, and others.
18. the children’s art book
This is a book that children can grow with, especially once they begin to identify famous paintings. The book features 30 artists, including earlier painters like Matisse and Rembrandt and more contemporary ones like Warhol and Sherman.
19. trip to the museum
take a regular museum visit one step further with a question: what if it suddenly became part of the art you see? Older children will have fun imagining exciting scenarios along with this Barbara Lehman book.
20. looking at photos
As children grow, they can look beyond the colors and style of art. this book teaches them how to appreciate art, looking at the finer details and allowing them to build a certain “eye” for good art.
Most of these books are quite popular and readily available everywhere. some have even won awards! you can get them online by shopping here. While you’re at it, you’d also like to explore famous artists and their work. when you read them with your child, take it easy; if your child wants to pause the story to look at the pictures, let him, that’s the point of the whole exercise! Let our children learn that art can bring people together, resolve differences, and help us bring about change forever!
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