The Best Children's Books About Art
Art knows no age, rather, it adapts to the needs and interests of each individual. On occasion, the concept of art can be rather complex for children to understand. With that in mind, books can be a very helpful tool. That way, it’s little ones themselves who begin to discover and establish their own artistic tastes and preferences. Today, we’ll tell you all about the best children’s books about art.
“Children are naturally creative. It is our job to give them the freedom, materials, and space to let their creativity blossom to its full potential.”
– The Artful Parent –
The best children’s books about art
1. The Art Book for Children
This book is ideal for children ages 9 and up and shows different aspects of art in a clear and simple manner. As children read and observe its pages, they’ll be able to discover different paintings, engravings, photographs, and even prominent sculptures.
Therefore, children will learn about the distinctive features of 30 great artists, including Van Gogh, Matisse, Rembrandt, Turner, and Velazquez. And, youth will be able to read about the reasons that drove these artists to create their works of art.
2. My First 10 Paintings, by Marie Sellier
Marie Sellier, journalist and profound art lover, has published another one of the best children’s books about art. In My First 10 Paintings, she introduces young readers to 10 different works of art in an attractive and entertaining way.
This didactic and educational book uses games and fun information to reveal all of the details in each of the selected paintings. Children as young as three years old can enjoy this read.
The objective of Sellier’s book is for children to learn to appreciate art and the details that each piece contains. It’s about highlighting how each work of art is unique.
5. Frida Kahlo. Little People, Big Dreams, by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
The Little People, Big Dreams collection is an amazing set of books written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. The books in this collection tell the stories of amazing women who have stood out in different areas over the course of history.
One of the titles in this collection introduces children to the outstanding Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo. Its pages contain age-appropriate language and a format that adapts perfectly to curious young readers. So, boys and girls can discover the contributions of one of the most important painters in history.
6. Salvador Dali. Paint me a dream, by Montse Gisbert
Despite the fact that this book dates back to 2003, it continues to be one of the best children’s books about art. When it was first published, Spain’s Ministry of Culture awarded it the title of the best book for children and youth from Spain’s Ministry of Culture.
The cover art of this book clearly reveals what the author wanted to highlight: A journey through the surrealist dreams of painter Salvador Dali. To create her book, Gisbert worked side by side with the Gala-Dali Foundation of Figueras, Spain.
“Artists are just children who refuse to put down their crayons.”
– Al Hirschfield –
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- VVAA (2013). El ABC del arte para niños. Phaidon.
- VVAA (2013). Arte para niños con 6 grandes artistas. Susaeta.
- Sellier, M. (2013). Mis 10 primeros cuadros. Travesía.
- Sánchez, M. (2015). Frida Kahlo. Alba.
- Verde, S. (2013). The Museum. Harry N. Abrams.
- Gisbert, M. (2002). Salvador Dalí, píntame un sueño. Serres.