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Nine of the best art books for children, from interactive picture books for preschoolers to stories about real artists, chosen to spark creativity and self-expression.
Introducing children to art through books is one of the gentlest ways to open up creativity. The best art books for children do more than show pretty pictures: they give a child permission to experiment, to make mistakes, and to see the world a little differently. Here are nine of our favourites, from interactive picture books for preschoolers to stories about real artists for older children.
A lovely introduction to famous artists like Van Gogh, Monet and Da Vinci, told as stories that blend fact with fiction and illustrated in each artist's own style. Perfect for sparking an early interest in art history.
A fairy tale that flips the script: Princess Elizabeth outsmarts a dragon with wit rather than finery. Expressive, funny illustrations and a quietly powerful lesson about looking beyond appearances.
An interactive book that turns spills, smudges and tears into art, showing children that every mistake is the start of something. The pop-ups and flaps make it irresistible to little hands.
Press, shake and tilt the page and the dots respond. A piece of pure imagination that blurs the line between book and game, and shows how much wonder can come from something simple.
Vashti is sure she cannot draw, until a single dot sets her on a journey of self-discovery. The classic story about finding the courage to make a mark.
Duncan's crayons write to him with their complaints, in a witty, warm tale about empathy and seeing things from someone else's point of view. Oliver Jeffers' illustrations are a joy.
When his brother's criticism knocks his confidence, Ramon learns that a drawing only has to be "ish". A gentle, freeing reminder that art is about expression, not perfection.
A girl and her dog set out to build something magnificent, and meet failure after failure. A heartfelt look at perseverance, frustration and the value of a fresh perspective.
The true story of an artist who turned a run-down Detroit neighbourhood into an outdoor art museum from discarded objects. Proof that art can come from anywhere, and change a place.
This is just a starting point. Explore different styles and let your child gravitate to the books that speak to them. If reading about art sparks the urge to make it, our children's art classes are a lovely next step, and for more on why it all matters, see our guide to the benefits of art for children.
If these books spark the urge to create, our children's art classes are a natural next step, in small age-grouped sessions. Have a look at how we teach.
It depends on age and interest, but the nine above are a strong start, spanning interactive picture books, stories about creativity, and true tales of real artists.
Interactive, tactile titles work beautifully for the youngest: "Press Here", "Beautiful Oops!" and "The Paper Bag Princess" are firm favourites.
Yes. "The Anholt's Artists" series introduces painters like Van Gogh and Monet, and "Magic Trash" tells the true story of artist Tyree Guyton.
Broadly preschool to around ten, with the interactive titles suiting younger children and the artist stories suiting older ones.