Books About Art · 1,335 titles considered

The Best Art Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about art? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Graphic Nov.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Art

Sale price

$1994

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2012

The One and Only Ivan

By Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the The One and Only series

A captive gorilla's world shifts when a baby elephant arrives, challenging his view of home and art.

Newbery Medal (2013)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2013)

304 pages· 25,905 words· Est. 3.5 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 216,414 ratings

$20.99Save 5%

Summary: Ivan, a gorilla living in a mall, finds comfort in art and his friends. But when Ruby, a young elephant, arrives, Ivan's perspective on captivity and creativity is transformed. As he grapples with new emotions, Ivan must decide if he can change their world for the better. Can unexpected friendships inspire hope and freedom? Discover a tale of courage and transformation through Ivan's eyes.

Sale price

$2184

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1970

The Trumpet of the Swan

By E.B. White, Fred Marcellino (Illustrator)

A mute swan seeks love through a stolen trumpet's melody.

251 pages· 42,200 words· Est. 6 hour read

6.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 84,054 ratings

$22.99Save 5%

Summary: Louis, a mute trumpeter swan, longs for Serena's affection but struggles to express his love. Despite learning to read and write, nothing captures her attention. When his father gifts him a stolen brass trumpet, Louis wonders if music can bridge the silence. Can a melody win Serena's heart, or will Louis remain unheard? Dive into a tale of perseverance and the power of music.

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1967

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

By E.L. Konigsburg

A young girl runs away from home with her brother to live in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Newbery Medal (1968)

172 pages· 30,922 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 221,704 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: Claudia plans the perfect escape to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dragging her thrifty brother Jamie along. But their adventure takes a twist when they stumble upon a mysterious statue. Determined to uncover its secrets, Claudia faces a challenge that could alter her perspective forever. Can they solve the mystery and find their way back home?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$2279

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

New Kid

By Jerry Craft · Book #1 in the New Kid series

A young artist navigates two worlds, struggling to fit in at a new school.

Newbery Medal (2020)Coretta Scott King Award (2020)Cybils Award (2019)

249 pages· 14,169 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,507 ratings

$23.99Save 5%

Summary: Seventh grader Jordan Banks dreams of art school, but his parents send him to a prestigious academy where he's one of the few kids of color. Torn between his diverse neighborhood and the elite school, Jordan must find a way to fit in without losing himself. Can he balance these worlds and stay true to his passion for drawing? Discover the challenges and triumphs of a young artist caught between two cultures in this compelling graphic novel.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2011

Between Shades of Gray

By Ruta Sepetys

A girl uses art to survive a Siberian work camp and reunite her family.

Golden Kite Award (2012)

344 pages· 64,129 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 285,601 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Lina's life shatters when Soviet officers tear her family apart, sending them to a Siberian work camp. Amidst the harsh conditions, Lina clings to her art, embedding secret messages in her drawings, hoping to reach her imprisoned father. As she battles for survival, Lina's courage and creativity become her lifeline. Will her art be enough to reunite her family and keep hope alive? Discover a gripping tale of resilience and the power of love in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1797

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2020

Almost American Girl

By Robin Ha · Book #1 in the Almost American Girl series

A teen's world shifts with immigration, family changes, and a life-saving art class.

230 pages· 18,247 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,078 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Robin's life turns upside down when a trip to Alabama becomes permanent. Struggling with language barriers and a new stepfamily, she feels isolated from her Seoul roots. Angry with her mother, Robin finds unexpected hope in a comic drawing class, hinting at a future she never imagined. Can art bridge the gap between her past and present?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

Squint

By Chad Morris, Shelly Brown

A boy races against blindness to finish his comic, while a new friend risks popularity to discover her own talents.

256 pages· 51,448 words· Est. 9.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,155 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Flint, nicknamed Squint, is racing against time to complete his comic before losing his sight. At school, he meets McKell, the new girl who defies her popular friends to befriend him. As Flint battles his eye disease, McKell faces her own fears of sharing her hidden talents. Together, they navigate the challenges of friendship, self-discovery, and the courage to be true to themselves. Will they find the strength to reveal their true selves and see what truly matters? Discover the inspiring journey of two unlikely friends who learn to trust and believe in each other.

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 7–11 · 2015

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

By Laurence Yep, Joanne Ryder, Mary GrandPré (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the A Dragon's Guide series

A young girl discovers a magical sketchbook that brings her drawings to life, but also attracts a monster that feeds on magic.

192 pages· 29,050 words· Est. 4 hour read

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 2,260 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In a city teeming with hidden magical creatures, dragon Miss Drake and her 'pet' human, Winnie, face an unexpected challenge. Winnie's sketchbook, filled with drawings of fantastical beings, has unleashed its creations onto the streets. As chaos ensues, the unlikely duo must work together to recapture the mischievous sketchlings. Can they restore order before it's too late, or will the city be forever changed by Winnie's imagination?

Sale price

$574

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2018

Yasmin the Builder

By Saadia Faruqi, Hatem Aly (Illustrator) · Yasmin series

A class of students work together to build a city using various materials.

24 pages· 508 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

4.2/5 Goodreads · 299 ratings

$5.95Save 4%

Summary: Yasmin's second-grade class is buzzing with creativity as they build a city in their makerspace project. While her classmates construct houses and castles, Yasmin feels stuck without an idea. But during recess, inspiration hits, leading her to create something that unites everyone. What will Yasmin build that brings her class together?

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2019

Pet

By Akwaeke Emezi · Book #1 in the Pet series

A creature emerges to hunt a hidden monster. Can Jam uncover the truth before it's too late?

National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2019)Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature Honor (2020)

208 pages· 45,631 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 35,263 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: In the city of Lucille, monsters are a thing of the past—or so everyone believes. Jam's world is turned upside down when Pet, a creature from her mother's painting, comes to life. With horns, colors, and claws, Pet insists a monster lurks in her best friend Redemption's house. Jam must confront the unsettling truth and protect her friend. As she delves deeper, she faces a chilling question: how do you fight monsters when society denies their existence? This gripping tale challenges perceptions and explores the courage needed to face hidden evils.

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Browse by age

Art Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about art for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$799

This Little Trailblazer

Ages 3–5 · 2017

Discover ten women who changed history with their courage and vision.

Sale price

$899

This Little Artist

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Discover artists who changed history in this vibrant board book for young creators.

Sale price

$1499

Pinwheel

Ages 3–6 · 2013

Spin the wheel and watch vibrant scenes transform before your eyes.

Sale price

$1140

The Nutcracker

Ages 1–3 · 2018

A Nutcracker doll springs to life, leading a girl on a magical Christmas adventure.

Sale price

$999

An Alphabet

Ages 0–3 · 2014

Discover whimsical tales for each letter, sparking imagination and laughter.

Sale price

$2499

All Is Merry and Bright

Ages 1–4 · 2018

Experience the joy and hope that illuminate the holiday season in this shimmering tale.

Sale price

$1999

Mini Masters Boxed Set

Ages 1–4 · 2006

Introduce toddlers to art with rhythmic tales and masterful paintings.

Sale price

$1695

My First Book of Patterns

Ages 1–3 · 2017

Discover the world of patterns and unlock a new visual language.

Sale price

$799

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!

Ages 0–3 · 2005

A child paints everything, including himself, before Mama discovers the colorful chaos.

Sale price

$899

Think Big, Little One

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover trailblazing women who changed the world and inspire young dreamers to follow their biggest ideas.

Sale price

$699

My First 100 Art Words

Ages 1–3 · 2020

Introduce your little one to art with 100 essential words.

Sale price

$1499

Homes

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Explore essential concepts through touch and sight in a unique, interactive book experience.

View all art board books

Browse by age

Art Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about art for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price

$599

Fancy Nancy at the Museum

Ages 4–6 · 2008

A young girl's class goes on a field trip to a museum.

Sale price

$1899

Dr. Seuss's Horse Museum

Ages 7–12 · 2019

This book explores how different artists see and depict horses in their work.

Sale price

$1999

Pocket Full of Colors

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A visionary artist defies norms, painting a vibrant world in a monochrome industry.

Sale price

$1999

The Crayon Man

Ages 6–9 · 2019

A man invents a new kind of colored crayon that brings joy to children all around the world.

Sale price

$1500

The Dot

Ages 5–10 · 2003

A young girl discovers her artistic talent with the help of her teacher.

Sale price

$999

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Ages 4–8 · 1955

A boy goes on a journey to find his way home.

The Nutcracker

Ages 4–7 · 2003

Uncover magical pop-up scenes in a Nutcracker adventure.

Sale price

$1295

Bijou, Bonbon and Beau

Ages 3–7 · 1998

Kittens disrupt a Parisian ballet, causing chaos and wonder.

Sale price

$1699

Let's Go, Hugo!

Ages 3–6 · 2013

A grounded bird must find courage to soar to new heights.

Sale price

$1999

The Night Gardener

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A mysterious gardener transforms a gray town with magical topiaries.

Sale price

$1599

Square

Ages 5–9 · 2018

Square, a block-pusher, is mistakenly called a genius by Circle, and he tries to create a sculpture of her.

Sale price

$1899

The Art of Miss Chew

Ages 5–8 · 2012

A young artist battles a teacher's doubt to pursue her passion for art.

View all art picture books

Browse by age

Art Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about art for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1299

Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A young inventor helps her friend participate in an art contest despite her physical limitations

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1499

Hey, Kiddo

Ages 12–18 · 2018

A boy navigates life with an absent father and addicted mother.

Sale price

$1099

The Astonishing Color of After

Ages 14–18 · 2018

A girl seeks her mother's spirit in Taiwan, uncovering family secrets and confronting her grief.

Sale price

$1699

The Seventh Most Important Thing

Ages 9–13 · 2015

A boy's punishment leads to unexpected discoveries in a world of discarded treasures.

Sale price

$1999

Speak

Ages 12–18 · 1999

A silenced teen confronts her trauma and fights to reclaim her voice.

Sale price

$2000

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

Ages 14–18 · 2011

A young artist's mysterious past ignites a war between worlds.

Sale price

$1699

Ellen Tebbits

Ages 7–12 · 1951

Ellen's secret bonds her to Austine, but a mistake threatens their friendship. Can she make amends?

Sale price

$699

The Un-Friendship Bracelet

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A new student tests the bonds of friendship and creativity among young creators.

Sale price

$999

13 Little Blue Envelopes

Ages 13–18 · 2005

A teen's life changes as she follows mysterious envelopes across Europe.

Sale price

$499

Nina, Nina Ballerina

Ages 4–7 · 1993

Nina's mom must find her among many butterflies at the dance show. Can she do it?

Sale price

$699

Shai & Emmie Star in Break an Egg!

Ages 6–10

Sale price

$1999

The Crown Heist

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A heist in London ties two friends to a mystery of a long-dead monarch.

View all art chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about drawing Books about animal welfare Books about being yourself Books about building things Books about bullying Books about contests Books about creativity Books about crushes

Our 10 Favorite Books About Art

Great books, picked for their age.

Art Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Art Picture Books

Art Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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