Reading as a family is a rewarding activity that promotes the development of valuable literacy skills. The books in this article are all art themed stories that are appropriate for children grade school age and younger (this includes preschool and older toddlers). A parent or other adult should read through the book prior to sharing it with a child. This will help to ensure a good match for age and interest level.
Young Children and Art
Art offers the young child the opportunity to express him or herself emotionally and creatively. Before beginning family art projects or visiting an art museum, try reading an art themed book. Choose a selection that matches family needs. For example, if the family will be visiting an art museum, read a book about museums or a famous artist.
Famous Artist Children’s Books
Explore the art world through the eyes of children’s authors and illustrators (and sometimes the famous artist). These children’s books all feature either characters based on real life artists or the artists themselves.
- When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden [Chronicle Books, 1998]: Join two famous animal artists, Pigasso and Mootisse, as the conflict that ensues when different creative temperaments conflict. The narrative tells a story of disagreement, compromise, and forgiveness, while the illustrations present colorful images akin to Picasso and Matisse.
- A Blue Butterfly: A Story about Claude Monet by Bijou LeTord [Double Day Books for Young Readers, 1995]: Learn about the famous impressionist painter in this well illustrated picture book.
- Linnea in Monet’s Garden by Cristina Bjork and Lena Anderson, translated by Joan Sadin [R&S Books, 1987]: An introduction to Claude Monet through the eyes of a little girl. A great read for grade school aged children.
- Vincent’s Colors by Vincent Van Gogh and the Metropolitan Museum of Art [Chronicle Books, 2005]: Discover Van Gogh through his famous works of art and his own words.
Children’s Books Featuring Art and Museums
Before visiting an art museum it may be helpful to read a book about museums and the art that can be found there. This may be especially helpful for young children or children who do not have a concept of what a museum is.
- I Spy Shapes in Art by Lucy Micklethwait [Greenwillow Books, 2004]: Search for shapes in well known works of art.
- I Spy Colors in Art by Lucy Micklethwait [Greenwillow Books, 2007]: Find vibrant colors in real works of art.
- Art Dog by Thatcher Hurd [HarperCollins, 1997]: Read about an animal who is a museum guard dog by day and super hero artist by night.
- You Can’t Take a Balloon into the Museum of Fine Arts by Jacqueline Press Weitzman and Robin Glasser [Dial, 2002]: This wordless book tells a story of a girl, her balloon, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston through pictures.
Art Making, Elements of Art, and Deign Concepts for Children
These books are not how-to’s or instructional guides. Instead of step by step arts and crafts, these books tell brilliant narratives that will help the young child to understand simple art and design concepts. Included are books on color, shapes, line, and art making.
- I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! By Karen Beaumont and David Catrow [Scholastic, 2005]: One very creative little boy takes it upon himself to paint his body after his mother takes away his art supplies.
- When A Line Bends A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene and James Kaczman [Houghton Mifflin Company, 1997]: Find shapes in everyday life through bending lines.
- Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson [HarperCollins, 1998]: The beloved story of little Harold and his magical art adventure into a line drawn world.
- Little Yellow and Little Blue by Leo Lionni [HarperCollins, 1995]: A classic color mixing narrative. Watch as yellow and blue make green!
- My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss [Knopf Books for Young Readers, 1996]: Dr. Seuss writes the words for this colorful creation that is filled with animals and emotions.
Although this list is not exhaustive, it is a place to begin a family art book reading activity. Book choice can be made based on age, interest, or a ready planned activity such as visiting a museum. Whether it is a book about a famous artist, a museum, or the elements of art, young children with an interest in the creative process will enjoy these selections!
 |
 |
