
Art is a powerful tool for fostering children’s creativity, self-expression, and exploration. Whether through drawing, painting, sculpting, or other mediums, art provides children with an outlet for their imaginations and a way to communicate their thoughts and feelings. One way to introduce children to the world of art is through books. Art books for kids can inspire creativity, teach new techniques, and introduce young readers to famous artists and their work.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best art books for kids and explore why art is essential for children’s development. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or educator, you’ll find valuable insights and resources to encourage the little artists in your life.
In this blog post:
- The power of art: why it matters for your child’s development
- Great inspiring art books for kids
- Creating with Kids: The Importance of Art Supplies at Home
- Raising Little Artists: How Art Books Can Encourage Creativity in Children
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The Power of Art: Why It Matters for Your Child’s Development

Art is essential to a child’s development, and introducing children to art early can have numerous benefits. Here are just a few reasons why art is vital for children:
- Creativity: Art allows children to express themselves creatively and use their imaginations. It helps them develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think outside the box.
- Self-Expression: Art is a form of self-expression that allows children to communicate their feelings and emotions safely and healthily. Through art, children can express themselves without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Motor Skills: Art activities such as drawing, painting, and sculpting help children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These skills are important for tasks such as writing, typing, and playing musical instruments.
- Cognitive Development: Creating art involves cognitive processes such as planning, decision-making, and problem-solving. These processes help children develop cognitive abilities and prepare them for academic success.
- Cultural Understanding: Art can help children understand different cultures and perspectives. Children can better appreciate and understand the world around them by studying art from different cultures and time periods.
- Confidence: Art can help boost children’s confidence and self-esteem. By creating something of their own, children feel a sense of pride and accomplishment that can help them develop a positive self-image.
And these are just the tip of the iceberg 😉
Great inspiring Art books for kids

1- Mix it up – by Hervé Tullet
In “Mix it up” (originally named “Coleurs”), kids are invited to interact with the book by shaking, tapping, and mixing colors on the pages. This interactive book is a great way to introduce kids to color theory and encourage them to experiment with different color combinations. Very original and great to share at an early age.

2- Ish – by Peter H. Reynolds
“Ish” is a heartwarming story about a young boy named Ramon who loves to draw. However, when his older brother laughs at his artwork, Ramon becomes discouraged and decides to give up drawing. That is until his sister shows him that his drawings don’t have to be perfect; they have to be “ish.” This book is a great way to teach kids that art is about expressing themselves and having fun rather than worrying about perfection.

3- The Dot – by Peter H. Reynolds
Another fantastic book by Peter H. Reynolds, “The Dot” tells the story of a little girl named Vashti who doesn’t think she can draw. Her teacher encourages her to make a mark on a blank piece of paper, and from that tiny dot, Vashti creates a masterpiece. This book is an excellent way to inspire kids to start creating and to show them that even a tiny mark can lead to great things.

4- ABCs of Art – by Sabrina Hahn
“ABCs of Art” is an interactive children’s book that introduces young readers to different art styles and techniques through the alphabet. Each letter of the alphabet corresponds to a different art-related term, and the book includes colorful illustrations and simple explanations of each term. The book is a great way to teach kids about art while also helping them learn the alphabet.

5- The Artist – by Ed Vere
“The Artist” by Ed Vere is a charming picture book about a young artist who learns that being an artist is about expressing oneself through creativity and having the courage to color outside the lines. It celebrates the power of art to connect us to ourselves and others, and encourages children to embrace their own unique artistic abilities.

6- The Artful Parent – by Jean Van’t Hul
“The Artful Parent” is a fantastic resource for parents and educators who want to encourage kids to explore their creativity. The book includes over 60 art projects that can be done with kids of all ages using materials that are easy to find at home or in the classroom. The projects are designed to be open-ended, so kids can use their imaginations and create something unique. We love it at home! Check out her blog for more incredible ideas.

7- Art Play – by Marion Deuchars
“Art Play” is a fun and interactive book that encourages kids to explore different art techniques and styles. The book includes creative prompts and activities that are designed to be open-ended, so kids can use their imaginations and create something unique.

8- A History of Art in 21 Cats – by Nia Gould
“A History of Art in 21 Cats” by Nia Gould is a delightful art book that uses cats to depict famous artworks throughout history. The book provides a playful and amusing introduction to art history, organized chronologically and accompanied by informative descriptions. The illustrations are whimsical and detailed, making this book an enjoyable read for cat lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

9- Math Art + Drawing Games for Kids – by Karyn Tripp
“Math Art + Drawing Games for Kids” is a fun and educational book that combines art and math. The book includes drawing games that teach kids about shapes, patterns, and symmetry and math activities that involve drawing and coloring. It is a very original book, linking both areas and showing that maths can be beautiful and colorful.

10- Draw with Rob – books by Rob Biddulph
“Draw with Rob” is a series of interactive drawing books by the children’s book author and illustrator Rob Biddulph. Each book includes step-by-step drawing instructions for various characters and creatures, from monsters to unicorns. The books also include fun facts about each character and creative prompts to encourage kids to use their imaginations and create their own stories.
These are the ones that we have and we have enjoyed:
And If you’d like to follow along as Rob draws, you must check out his Youtube channel with over a 100 tutorials of drawings. The videos last between 20-30 minutes and they are great for children. We’ve done many side-by-side and it’s a wonderful time to share and learn something together.

11- Artists and Their Pets – by Susie Hodge
This book introduces kids to famous artists and their beloved pets, including Pablo Picasso’s dachshund and Frida Kahlo’s monkeys. The book also includes fun facts about each artist and their work. “Artists and Their Pets” is a great way to inspire kids to learn more about art history from a different perspective.

12- Anywhere Artist – by Nikki Slade Robinson
“Anywhere Artist” is a charming picture book that tells the story of a little girl who loves to create art no matter where she is. Whether she’s on a train, in the park, or at home, the little girl finds inspiration in her surroundings and uses her imagination to create beautiful art. The book celebrates the joy of creativity and encourages kids to find inspiration in the world around them.

13- How to Spot an Artist: This Might Get Messy – by Danielle Krysa
“How to Spot an Artist” is a humorous and informative book that teaches kids about different art styles and techniques. The book includes colorful illustrations and descriptions of various artists and their work, as well as fun and creative prompts for kids to try at home. The book is a great way to introduce kids to the world of art and encourage them to explore their own creativity.
Creating with Kids: The Importance of Art Supplies at Home

Art supplies readily available at home are essential for fostering a child’s creativity and self-expression. Children with access to art supplies are more likely to experiment with different materials, techniques, and styles. This experimentation allows them to discover what they enjoy and are good at, which can help build their confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, creating art is a healthy way for children to express their emotions and process their feelings, which is particularly important during times of stress or uncertainty.

Having a designated art area at home with easy-to-access supplies creates a space where your child can freely explore their artistic abilities and develop a lifelong love of creativity. A designated area doesn’t have to be an entire room or a corner; it can be a drawer, some shelves, or a cart that you can quickly move around the house. I admit it can get messy, but every once in a while (every three months if I’m lucky), I review what is in there and if we need to rotate supplies, refill, or discard things.
Why is creativity important for tomorrow’s world?
Creativity has become an increasingly important skill for success in today’s rapidly changing world. With advancements in technology and globalization, the jobs of tomorrow will require workers to be adaptable, innovative, and able to think outside the box. Being creative allows individuals to approach problems in new ways, identify opportunities for growth and improvement, and develop unique solutions to complex challenges.

Creativity has become essential in many areas of life beyond work, such as social relationships and personal development. Creativity helps individuals express themselves in unique ways, understand and appreciate different perspectives, and engage with the world around them in meaningful ways.
Moreover, creativity is a skill that can be developed and practiced, which makes it an essential part of education (which many schools have not traditionally focussed on). By fostering creativity in children (even if only from home), we are preparing them for tomorrow’s jobs and equipping them with the tools they need to be successful and fulfilled in all areas of life.

Creativity is an essential skill for success in tomorrow’s world. We are helping children develop the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world by cultivating creativity and encouraging them to explore their imaginations. Whether through art, music, writing, mathematics, or other forms of expression, creativity is a valuable asset that will benefit individuals in all areas of their lives.
Raising Little Artists: How Art Books for Kids Can Encourage Creativity and Self-Expression
Art books are a fantastic way to inspire kids to be creative and explore their artistic side. Whether you’re looking for stories about little artists, creative prompts to try at home, or resources to teach kids about art history, there is a book out there for every child.
It will inspire them to be more creative, to be able to express themselves, and to explore the world around them. Let them have resources and materials that you feel comfortable with, and just let them be. You’ll be surprised of what they are capable and what they can create. And some of these books are fabulous for you as a parent, with prompts of activities in case you are not feeling very creative yourself. I’ve used them many times!
So, go ahead and introduce your child to the world of art books and watch their creativity soar!
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