the best art books for creative inspiration and enrichment
There is nothing like looking through a book about art to spark the imagination. We have selected eight books about art, artists and the process of gallery exhibition for creative and curious children of all ages. If you or your child need creativity inspiration, these books are sure to inspire the artist within.
Zara Hadid (Little People Big Dreams Book Series)
Author: Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
Illustrator: Asun Amar
For a little inspiration for those young architect minds out there. Zara gives Iggy Peck Architect a run for her money. Meet the Iraqi born visionary architect Zara Hadid.
Here’s an excerpt from LittlePeopleBigDreams.com “With her spectacular vision and belief in the power of architecture, she founded her own firm and designed some of the most outstanding buildings in the world—including the London 2012 Olympic Aquatic Centre.”
Watch this read along by “The Reading Project” below:
A History of Pictures: From Cave Paintings to Computer Drawings
Author: David Hockney and Martin Gayford
Illustrator: Rose Blake
Dive deep into art history with this conversational book and parents get ready to get engaged while you time travel with your child and maybe even sneak a snuggle.
Here’s an excerpt from LACMA’s website “A History of Pictures takes young readers on an adventure through art history. From cave paintings to video games, this book shows how and why pictures have been made, linking art to the human experience.”
Watch a delightful book trailer below:
Hurry Up and Wait
Author: Maira Kalman and Daniel Handler
With Illustrations by Maira Kalman Age: 10 and up (5th Grade and Up)
Book Description: Hurry Up and Wait is the second volume in a new series of collaborations between renowned artist and bestselling author Maira Kalman, New York Times bestselling writer Daniel Handler (a.k.a. Lemony Snicket), and The Museum of Modern Art, New York. This time a whimsical collection of images captures people in motion—or not. In snapshots by some of the world’s most celebrated photographers, some people stride forth, dash across streets, race on bicycles, and jump over puddles, while others form snaking lines, daydream on park benches, and linger on sidewalks with friends. So what’s the rush? With 11 vibrant new illustrations by Kalman inspired by the photographs, and thought-provoking prose by Handler that ponders the merits of action, Hurry Up and Wait will charm readers of all ages.
From School Journal Review: “An accessible introduction to looking at works of art and seeing the possibilities beyond the literal image, ideal for sparking ideas for writing or art assignments.” — Jessica Cline, New York Public Library ― School Library Journal
Making a Great Exhibition
Author: Doro Globus and Rose Blake
Illustrator: Rose Blake
Aimed at children ages 3 to 7, this lovely book shows us the process of how exhibits come about in galleries and museums.
From the website: How does an artist make a sculpture or a painting? What tools do they use? What happens to the artwork next? This fun, inside look at the life of an artwork shows the journey of two artists’ work from studio to exhibition. Stopping along the way we meet colorful characters—curators, photographers, shippers, museum visitors, and more!”
Learn more about the book, check out sample pages and get an inside look here.
In our “discover 5 artists your kids will love to explore!” post, we wrote about five amazing artists of multiple disciplines, their work and where you can see their art. Here are some books about the artists that are sure to engage and inspire your child to explore their creativity and expand their imaginations.
Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity
Author: Sarah Suzuki / Illustrator: Ellen Weinstein / Works of art: Yayoi Kusama
Yayoi Kusama is a japanese artist with many talents including painting, sculpting, writing but her art installations have been known to evoke responses that intrigue people of all ages. She is quite interesting for adults and children alike as she is still one of this century’s most popular artists.
In the book Yayoi Kusama, From Here to Infinity, get to know this profound, playful artist as she discovers what her true calling is.
Alebrijes Mexican Folk Art Coloring Book
Illustrator: Jorge Lulic
Alebrijes are sculptures born out of the imagination of Mexican artist Pedro Linares Lopez and made of elements from a multitude of creatures from dragons to dogs combined to form one magical alebrije.
We recommend not a book about Pedro Linares Lopez but a book that you can immerse yourself in whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart. It’s a coloring book! Alebrijes Mexican Folk Art Colouring Book – Fantastic and Strange Creatures: The Magical World of Alebrijes Book by Jorge Lulic.
Chicken Little Series
Author/Illustrator: Sam Wedelich
In these wonderful books, illustrator and author Sam Wedelich captures the courageous personality of the title character Chicken Little. Chicken Little and the Big Bad Wolf is a charming retelling of the Little Red Riding hood story that is sure to charm kids of all ages.
Scholastic writes about Chicken Little The Real And Totally True Tale as a “timeless favorite becomes a clever cautionary tale in this FUNNY, fresh, and timely picture book debut by cartoonist, Sam Wedelich!”
How to Draw Peanuts
Author: Charles Schulz
For any budding artist or to take a step back from the hustle and bustle, learn how to draw with Charles Schulz. From the Schulz Museum website: How to Draw Peanuts By Charles M. Schulz “Millions of fans love Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comics. Now you can draw Peanuts comics, too! If you enjoy Peanuts half as much as Snoopy likes root beer, you’re going to have a blast with this step-by-step guide to illustrating your favorite characters.” Purchase the book here: https://charles-m-schulz-museum.myshopify.com/products/how-to-draw-peanuts
