If you're interested in a particular book, check with your school library or local book store to see if it can be ordered.
Don't know what book to get? Check out our list of favorites.
Learn about the life and work of 100 important artists. Discover interesting facts about each artist.
"A Fish That's A Box" by M. M. Esterman. Arlington, VA: Great Ocean Publishers, 1990.
See examples of imaginative folk art objects from the American Art Museum. This book will inspire young artists to create their own original objects.
"American Women of Achievement ~ Grandma Moses" by Tom Biracree. New York, NY: Chelsea House Publishers 1989.
Learn about the life and work of Anna Mary Robertson, better known as Grandma Moses, who at the age of 76, without ever having had an art lesson, began painting realistic scenes of rural life which made her famous.
"An Art Book" by James Michael Hankins. Los Angeles, CA: Goviota Press, 1997. (ISBN 0-9654462-0-4).
This illustrated book encourages young artists not to be afraid to make works of art and to appreciate the joy that comes from creating and finishing their work.
"Animal Sketching - Alexander Calder." New York: Dover Publications, Inc. 1973. (ISBN 0-486-20129-5)
This book includes 141 sketches of animals by the Amercian artist, Alexander Calder. An inspiration for kids of all ages.
"A Painter ~ How We Work" by Douglas Florian. New York: Greenwillow Books, 1993.
An illustrated introduction to how a painter sees and works for young readers.
"Art Dog" by Thacher Hurd. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 1996. (ISBN 0-06-024424-0).
When the Mona Woofa is stolen from the Dogopolis Museum of Art, Art Dog jumps into action, tracks down the thieves, returns the painting to the museum, and leaves a few messterpieces of his own behind. Who is Art Dog? Only readers of this "tail" will know.
"Art for Young People: Vincent Van Gogh" by Peter Harrison, New York: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. 1996. (ISBN 0-8069-6156-2).
This book offers glimpses of Van Gogh's life, including both the good and bad times. Major themes of the artist's work are also illustrated and discussed.
"Art Revolutions - POP ART" by Linda Bolton. New York: Peter Bedrick Books. 2000. (ISBN 0-87226-614-1)
This nicely illustrated book "pops the lid" on Pop Art, a movement which swept the New York Art World in the late 1950s and 1960s. For older kids.
"Artistic Trickery ~ The Tradition of Trompe L'Oeil Art" by Michael Capek. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner Publications Company, 1995.
Discover how a variety of artists use trompe l'oeil in their work to "fool the eye," play jokes and surprise people.
"Artist in Overalls ~ The Life of Grant Wood" by John Duggleby. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 1995
Learn about the life and work of Grant Wood who painted one of the most widely recognized paintings in the world--The American Gothic.
"Artists' Workshop - Portraits" by Penny King and Clare Roundhill. New York: Thumbprint Books, 1996.
Discover all sorts of ways of making portraits by first looking at portraits from selected artists and then using their ideas as inspiration for creating your own portraits.
"Artists' Workshop - Stories" by Penny King and Clare Roundhill. New York: Thumbprint Books, 1996. (ISBN 0-86505-862-8).
Discover ways that artists use different techniques to tell stories through their art work. Try out these techniques yourself. Also check out "Myths and Legends" by the same authors.
"Art Safari - Family Guide" by Joyce Raimondo. New York: The Museum of Modern Art. 1999. (ISBN 0-87070-059-6)
This guide encourages kids to learn about works of art by looking and talking about what they see. Questions are raised to help kids describe and interprent the works of art presented in the guide.
"Art School" by Mick Manning and Brita Granstrom. New York. NY: Kingfisher, Inc.,1996. (ISBN 0-7534-5000-3).
This delightful book provides instructions and tips on doing various art projects involving different skills, techniques and materials.
"Aunt Harriet's Underground Railroad in the Sky" by Faith Ringgold. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1992.
Learn about Harriet Tubman who helped hundreds of men, women and children escape slavery before the Civil War in America.
"Behind the Lions - A Family Guide to the Art Institute of Chicago" by Steve Danzis. Chicago, IL: The Art Institute of Chicago, 1998. (ISBN 0-86559-156-3).
Although written as a museum guidebook for parents and their children, you don't actually have to visit the Art Institute of Chicago to enjoy this book. It offers a look at over sixty works from different time periods and cultures along with instructions for doing related art projects. If you haven't already been there, you will certainly want to visit the Art Institute after reading this book.
"Bottlecaps to Brushes ~ Art Activities for Kids" by Lynn-Steven Engelke. Washington DC: The Smithsonian Institution, 1995.
Cappy, a cartoon giraffe, takes young visitors on a tour of the American Art Museum, introduces some of the artists whose works are on exhibit, and shows how to create various types of art using everyday materials.
"Brueghel: A Gift for Telling Stories" by by Pierre Sterckx, New York: Chelsea House Publishers. 1995. (ISBN 0-7910-2806-2).
Follow along as a young girl, Gabriella, discovers things about the life, work and times of Pieter Brueghel, a Belgium artist who liked to tell stories in his paintings. Other titles in this series, Art for Children, include artists like Chagall, Da Vinci, Degas, Matisse, Picasso, and Van Gogh.
"Careers for Kids - Art" by Katherine Meyers, St Louis, MO: TableTalk. 1997. (ISBN 1-890760-03-X).
Kids of all ages will enjoy reading these cards and thinking about the possibilities of choosing an art career.
"Cezanne: An Introduction to the Artist's Life and Work" by Antony Mason. Hauppauge, New York: Barron's, 1995.
An introduction to the life and work of Paul Cezanne who helped shape the course of twentieth-century art. Other artists covered in this series include Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh.
"Chagall from A to Z" by Marie Sellier. New York: Peter Bedrick Books, 1996.
An introduction to the Russian artist Marc Chagall for young readers. Illustrations are arranged alphabetically according to French words that focus on key elements of the artist's life and work. Other titles in this series cover Cezanne, Corot and Matisse.
"Come Look With Me: Enjoying Art With Children" by Gladys S. Blizzard. Charlottseville, VA: Thomasson-Grant, 1990.
Discover the pleasure of looking at art, of asking questions about it and of discussing it with parents, grandparents, friends and other kids.
"Connections! ART" by Caroline Grimshaw. Chicago, IL: World Book, Inc., 1996.
This fun and imaginative book provides answers to lots of burning questions about Art like "Who made the first art?" "Can anyone be an artist?" and "Why does the world need art?" Great illustrations and loads of information.
"Diego" by Jeanette and Jonah Winter, New York: Dragonfly Books, 1991. (ISBN 0-679-85617-X).
This book tells the story of young Diego Rivera who grew up to become a world famous mural painter. Beginning readers will enjoy this illustrated book which comes in both English and Spanish.
"Discovering ART - Faces" by Christopher McHugh. New York, New York: Thomas Learning, 1993.
An historical introduction to some of the world's most memorable portraits.
"Discovering Great Artists" by MaryAnn Kohl and Kim Solga. Bellingham, WA: Bright Ring Publishing, Inc., 1996. (ISBN 0-935607-09-9).
Learn about a number of famous artists from the past and present. Try your hand at various art projects that will allow you to experiment with the styles and techniques of the artists presented.
"Double Vision: Artists Face to Face" by Veronique Antoine, Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, Inc., (ISBN 0-8120-6584-0).
This book compares pairs of paintings based on the same subject matter, one a masterpiece and the other a contemporary copy. These comparisons examine the different styles, techniques and approaches of each aritst. This book raises the question "Is it okay to copy another artist's work?"
"Drawing, A Young Artist's Guide" by Jude Welton. New York: Dorling Kindersley, 1994.
This illustrated guide is designed to help young artists develop their drawing skills and understanding of different drawing techniques.
"Eyewitness Art ~ Looking at Paintings" by Jude Welton. New York, NY: DK Publishing, Inc., 1994
An introduction to the history of painting from Egyptian art to 20th century art movements. Learn about artist materials, composition, style and much more.
"Famous Children - Toulouse-Lautrec" by Tony Hart and illustrated by Susan Hellard. London: Aladdin Books Ltd. 1993. (ISBN 0-8120-1825-7)
Meet Henri Toulouse-Lautrec who overcame a rare bone disease as a child to become one of France's most famous artists. For young readers. Other artists covered in this series include Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangleo, and Picasso.
"Follow Me: Making Art" by Caroline Grimshaw, Chicago, IL: World Book in association with Two Can Publishing LTD. 1998. (ISBN 0-7166-8805-0).
This delightful book introduces young readers to the history of art, various styles and motives for making art, as well as how art relates to people and nature.
"Great Artists - Picasso" by David Spence. New YorK: Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 1997. (ISBN 0-7641-0293-1).
Discover the world of Picasso and how he "broke the rules of art." For older kids.
"Going Back Home: An Artist Returns to the South" by Michele Wood and Toyomi Igus. San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press, 1996. (ISBN 0-89239-137-5).
Follow an African American artist as she traces her family's roots in the rural American South.
"Good Day, Mister Gauguin" by Michel Pierre. New York: Chelsea House, 1993.
A boy receives a postcard that shows a magnificent painting with the words P. Gauguin 91 at the bottom. So begins an investigation into the life and work of the important French artist, Paul Gauguin.
"Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson, New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1955, 1983. (ISBN 0-06-443022-7).
Travel along with Harold, purple crayon in hand, as he draws himself into some wonderful adventures. Beginning readers may be inspired by this book to draw their own adventures.
"Hey Look. . .I Made a Book!" by Betty Doty and Rebecca Meredith. Berkeley, CA: Ten Speed Press, 1992.
A delightful little book about book-making complete with easy-to-follow instructions for creating your own notebook, sketchbook, dreambook, and anything book.
"History of Women Artists for Children" by Vivian Sheldon Epstein, Denver, CO: VSE Publisher. 1995. (ISBN 0-9601002-5-3).
This book introduces young readers to some of the most important women artists of the western world. The author describes some of the barriers that women artists have had to overcome to be recognized.
"Honoring Our Ancestors" editied by Harriet Rohmer. San Francisco, CA: Children's Book Press. 1999. (ISBN 0-89239-158-8).
Through art, stories and photographs, fourteen artists from different communities honor those ancestors who touched their lives. This book will inspire children and their families to honor their own ancestors.
"How Artists See People" by Colleen Carroll. New York: Abbeville Publishing Co., 1996.
Discover how sixteen artists interpret the subject of "people" in their work. Other current titles in this series cover animals, weather and the elements.
"I Am an Artist" by Pat Lowery Collins. Brookfield, Conn: The Millbrook Press, 1992. Illustrated by Robin Brickman.
Kids of all ages will enjoy this illustrated walk through the natural world showing that sources for artistic inspiration are all around us.
"If. . ." by Sarah Perry. Venice, CA: Children's Library Press, 1995. (ISBN 0-89236-321-5).
With simple prose and beautiful illustrations, the author/artist encourages readers to consider the possibilities that surface when you ask "What if. . .?" This book will trigger the imaginations of young and old alike.
"In the Paint" by Patrick Ewing and Linda L. Louis, New York: Abbeville Kids. 1999. (ISBN 0-7892-0542-4).
Patrick Ewing, NBA star, draws upon his artistic background to offer kids tips and suggestions on materials, techniques and subject matter they can use in their own paintings. Suggestions for parents and teachers are also provided.
"Jack in Search of Art" by Arlene Boehm, Boulder, CO: Roberts Rinehart Publishers. 1998. (ISBN 1-57098-234-1).
Follow Jack the bear as he searches a museum for Art which he mistakes for the name of another bear. During his search, Jack discovers and learns to appreciate many beautiful things. Beginning readers will particularly enjoy this book.
Explore the paintings of Jacob Lawrence and the stories he tells in his work about the struggles of African Americans from the early days of slavery to more recent celebrations of today.
"Katie's Picture Show" by James Mayhew. New York: Bantan Little Rooster Book, 1989.
Go along with Katie as she explores paintings that come alive in an art museum. Discover how much fun a museum visit can be. But, PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH the paintings.
"Keith Haring - I Wish I Didn't Have To Sleep!" by Gerdt Fehrle. Munich, Germany: Prestel-Verlag, Inc., 1997.
An entertaining look at the work of Ketih Harring along with questions and "stories" that encourage readers to think more about the images the artist created.
"Let's Investigate Art: Journeys in Art" by J.D. Lewis, New York: Marshall Cavendish Corp. 1997. (ISBN 0-7614-0009-5).
This well illustrated book explores how works of art in various cultures depict spritual and physical journeys. Includes artist biographies and instructions for doing related art projects. Other titles in this series explore animals, conflict, feelings, imagination, people, places, and stories.
"Lives of the Artists" by Kathleen Krull. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1995. Illustrated by Kathryn Hewitt.
Did you know that Leonardo da Vinci was a vegetarian whose favorite meal was minestrone soup? Or that Georgia O'Keeffe almost always wore black? This book is full of tidbits like these about the personalities, lives and work of 20 famous artists.
"Looking at Paintings ~ Self Portraits" by Peggy Roalf. New York. NY: Hyperion Books for Children, 1993.
Discover the many ways that artists create portraits of themselves. Some of the artists included in this book are Leonardo da Vinci, Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Jacob Lawrence.
"Looking at Pictures" by Joy Richardson. New York, NY: Harry N. Abrams, Inc., 1997. (ISBN 0-8109-4252-6).
The author introduces young people to twelve major themes in studying art works from the collection of the National Gallery in London.
"Making Books" by Deri Robbins and Charlotte Stowell. New York, NY: Kingfisher, Inc., 1994.
An easy-to-follow illustrated guide to making books for aspiring book artists.
"Marie in Fourth Position" by Amy Littlesugar, New York: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers1996. (ISBN 0-698-11769-7).
This well illustrated book tells the story of Marie, a young ballerina in the Paris Opera, who was made famous in a sculpture by Edgar Degas.
"Matisse: Painter of the Essential" by Yolande Baillet. New York: Chelsea House, 1993.
A small girl discovers in the attic of her grandmother's house a diary of her great-great-grandmother. In it she learns about the exciting world of Henri Matisse and his art.
"My Journey Through Art" by Kathryn Cave and Melvin Bramich. Hauppauge, NY: Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 1993.
Each page of this book offers young artists the opportunity to create their own works of art based on paintings shown in the National Gallery of art in Washington, D.C.
"My Many Colored Days" by Dr. Seuss. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1996. Paintings by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher.
Children, young and old alike, will enjoy this imaginative look at how color can express our many feelings and moods.
"My Name is Georgia" by Jeanette Winter. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1998. (ISBN 0-15-201649-X).
An illustrated look at the life and work of Georgia O'Keeffe for young readers.
"National Gallery of Art Activity Book" by Maura A. Clarkin. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1994.
Through the looking games, word puzzles and other art adventures in this book, you'll travel back in time, meet famous people, witness historical events, and come face to face with dragons. Lots of fun!
"Now you see it - Now you don't, René Magritte" by Angela Wenzel. Munich, Germany: Prestel-Verlag, Inc., 1998. (ISBN 3-7913-1873-X).
Explore the mysteries of Magritte's paintings and learn about some of the influences on his life and thinking. A book from the "Adventures in Art" series.
"Optical Illusions in Art" by Alexander Sturgis. New York, NY: Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., 1996. (ISBN 0-0-8069-6135-X).
This well illustrated book shows how artists use clever tricks and techniques to create strange and impossible pictures.
"Outside the Lines ~ Paintings by Alexandra Nechita" Illustrated by Alexandra Necita. Atlanta: Georgia: Longstreet Press, Inc.1996.
Meet Alexandra Nechita who has been called a "ten-year-old Picasso" and "Mozart with a paintbrush." See fifty of her recent works which have dazzled people around the world.
"Paint and Painting. Voyages of Discovery Series." New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1994.
Explore the history and techniques of painting in this highly imaginative, interactive book.
"Painted Dreams" by Karen Lynn Williams with pictures by Catherine Stock. New York: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books. 1998. (ISBN 0-688-13901-9).
Living in a small Haitian village, Marie has to help her Mama in the family's market stall. While Marie dreams of being an artist, she knows her Mama can't afford to buy her art supplies. But, Maria finds a way to make her dream come true!
"Painters of the Caves" by Patricia Lauber, Washington DC: National geographic Society. 1998. (ISBN 0-7922-7095-9).
This illustrated book tells the story of those early humans who left their artistic impressions on cave walls in France.
"Painting the Wind" by Michelle Dionetti. New York, NY: Little, Brown and Company, 1996.
A small girl named Claudine befriends the artist Vincent van Gogh and begins to see the world through his eyes.
"Picasso and the Girl with the Ponytail" by Laurence Anholt. New York. NY: Barrons,1998. (ISBN 0-7641-5031-6).
The true story of Sylvette David who became famous as a model for Picasso and then, with his help, as a respected artist in her own right.
"Picasso for Kids" selected by Margaret E. Hyde. Santa Monica, CA: Budding Artists, Inc. 1996. (ISBN 1-888108-06-1).
This picture book includes full-color reproductions of selected works by Pablo Picasso and is intended to provide a medium for exposing very young children to art. Other artists covered in this series include Matisse, Renoir, Van Gogh, and Cassatt.
"Picture this Century, An Introduction to Twentieth-Century Art" by Felicity Woolf. New York: Doubleday, 1992.
Learn about the art of this century and how today's artists have been influenced by the things going on around them.
"Portraits - A First Discovery Book" by Claude Delafosse and Gallimard Juenesse. New York, New York: Scholastic, Inc, 1993.
A playful, interactive introduction to the portraits of some well-known artists.
"Romare Berden - Celebrating the Victory" by Myron Schwartzman. New York: Grolier Publishing. 1999. (ISBN 0-531-16414-4)
Read about the fascinating life of Romare Berden who developed an unique style of creating collages to express his experiences as a 20th-century African-American. For older kids.
"Stories in Art" by Helen Williams. Brookfield, MA: The Millbrook Press, 1991. (ISBN 1-56294-174-7).
Discover how artists from different time periods and cultures have told stories in their art work. Create your own stories in works of art using ideas and materials similar to the artists presented.
"Ruby, The Painting Pachyderm of the Phoenix Zoo" by Dick George. New York: Delacorte Press, 1995.
Read the true story of Ruby, a lonely elephant who became internationally famous by taking up painting in her leisure time.
"Something Nice to See" by Theodore Roosevelt Gardner and illustrated by Peter Hamlin. Santa Barbara, CA: Allen A. Knoll, Publishers. 1994. (ISBN 0-9627297-6-0)
Barry, a young boy growing up in Watts, California meets Sam Rodia, an Italian immigrant, who is building an unsual monument in his neighborhood. Sam teaches Barry that's it's okay to be different and to follow your dreams. Sam certainly did, he built the Watts Towers. A delightful book for young and old readers alike.
"Tar Beach" by Faith Ringgold. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1991.
Go along with Cassie as dreams about flying over the buildings in her neighborhood and beyond. A wonderful story based on the story quilt of the same name by Faith Ringgold.
"Talking with Tebe' - Clementine Hunter, Memory Artist" by Mary E. Lyons. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. 1998. (ISBN 0-395-72031-1)
Meet Clementine Hunter (known as Tebe' by her family) whose art work tells the story of growing up in Louisiana and having to do back-breaking work in rhe fields. For older kids.
"The Art Lesson" by Tomie dePaola, New York: Putnam and Grosset Group, 1989. (ISBN 0-698-11572-4).
Beginning readers will enjoy this illustrated story about Tommy who wants to be an artist when he grows up.
"The Great Art Adventure" by Bob Knox. New York: Rizzoli, 1993.
Wander through the Museum of World Art where Egyptian paintings, Roman mosaics, Tibetan Scrolls, and American Indian buffalo skin paintings come to life.
"The History of Making Books ~ Voyages of Discovery Series." New York: Scholastic, Inc., 1995.
Explore the history and techniques of book-making in this colorful, imaginative and interactive book.
"The Joke's on George" by Michael O. Tunnell, New York: Tambourine Books, 1993. (ISBN 0-688-11758-9).
This illustrated story is based on a true event that involved George Washington being fooled by Charles Willson Peale's life-like painting "The Staircase Group" which depicts his sons Titian and Raphaelle walking up a staircase.
"The Nine-Ton Cat: Behind the Scenes at an Art Museum" by Peggy Thomson. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin, 1997. (ISBN 0-395-82655-1).
Go behind the scenes at the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC and discover the important roles various people and workers play in making exhibitions available to the public.
"The Painter" by Peter Catalanotto, New York, NY: Orchard Paperbacks, 1999. (ISBN 0-531-07116-2).
Beginning readers will enjoy this story of a young girl and her father, an artist, who works at home in his studio.
"The Painter's Eye, Learning to Look at Contemporary American Art" by Jan Greenburg & Sandra Jordan. New York: Delacorte Press, 1991.
Explore art work made by some of the more popular artists in the last forty years. Read short interviews and quotes from the artists themselves as they explain their work and tell about their childhood.
"The Starry Night" by Neil Waldman, Honesdale, Penn.: Boyds Mills Press, 1999. (ISBN 1-56397-736-2).
A young boy named Bernard meets an artist named Vincent while playing in New York's Central Park. The two travel together around city while Bernard watches Vincent paint pictures. After Vincent disappears in an art museum, Bernard begins to draw pictures in the artist's style.
"The World of Art: Cities Through the Eyes of Artists" by Wendy and Jack Richardson. Chicago, IL: Childrens Press, 1991. (ISBN 0-516-09282-0).
Learn how different artists over the centuries have interpreted life in the city through paintings, drawings and prints. Other books in this series cover animals, entertainers, families, the natural world, and water.
"Under Every Roof" by Patricia Brown Glenn. New York: Preservation Press 1993. (ISBN 0-471-14428-2).
This well illustrated book explores the influences on house design and provides a guide to help kids identify different styles of houses. A must read for budding architects!
"Visions - Stories About Women Artists" by Leslie Sills. Morron Grove, IL: Albert Whitman & Co, 1993.
This book introduces young readers to the lives and work of four great women artists: Mary Cassatt, Leonora Carrington, Betye Saar, and Mary Frank.
"Where we live - Adventures in Architecture" by Achim Bode, Michael Frey, and Andreas Linke. New York: Prestel. 1999. (ISBN 3-7913-2104-8)
Explore what "house" means to people around the world. Easy to read with lots of illustrations.
"WHAT MAKES A VAN GOGH A VAN GOGH?" by Richard Muhlberger. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1993.
Discover the clues that make Vincent van Gogh's paintings unique. Other titles in this series explore the work of artists like Degas, Monet and Rembrandt.
"When Pigasso met Mootisse" by Nina Laden. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books, 1998. (ISBN 0-8118-1121-2).
When Pigasso, a talented pig, meets Mootisse, an artistic bull, conflicts arise from their different personalities. The result is a modern art mess!
"You Can't Take a Balloon Into The Metropolitan Museum" by Jacueline Preiss Weitzman and Robin Preiss Glasser. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers, 1998. (ISBN 0-8037-2301-6).
While a young girl visits The Metropolitan Museum in New York City with her grandmother, the balloon she had to leave outside floats around the city through scenes similar to those seen in the museum's art collection.