Books About Artists · 272 titles considered

The Best Artists Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about artists? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Artists

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.

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

$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.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2018

The Astonishing Color of After

By Emily X R Pan

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

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2019)

480 pages

4.0/5 Goodreads · 34,382 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Leigh Chen Sanders believes her mother transformed into a bird after her death. Traveling to Taiwan, Leigh meets her grandparents and embarks on a quest to find her mother. As she navigates a world of ghosts and family secrets, Leigh must reconcile her grief with the day she kissed her best friend, Axel. In a journey blending reality and magic, Leigh discovers the power of love, art, and family history. Will she find the answers she seeks, or will the past hold more than she can handle?

Sale price

$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–13 · 2015

The Seventh Most Important Thing

By Shelley Pearsall

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

288 pages· 54,074 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 9,191 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: After a reckless act lands Arthur in trouble, he's sentenced to work for the mysterious Junk Man. Tasked with collecting seemingly worthless items, Arthur uncovers a hidden world where trash transforms into treasure. As he delves deeper, he learns that redemption and beauty can emerge from the most unlikely places. What secrets does the Junk Man hold, and how will they change Arthur's life forever?

Sale price

$1900

Chapter Book · Ages 14–18 · 2011

Daughter of Smoke & Bone

By Laini Taylor · Book #1 in the Daughter of Smoke & Bone series

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

418 pages· 99,472 words· Est. 9 hour read

4.0/5 Goodreads · 387,869 ratings

$20.00Save 5%

Summary: Karou, a blue-haired art student in Prague, sketches monsters that might be real and vanishes on secretive errands. When winged strangers leave black handprints on doorways, her life spirals into an otherworldly conflict. In Marrakesh, she meets Akiva, whose fiery gaze unravels secrets of blood, starlight, and a love entwined with violence. As Karou uncovers her true identity, she must confront a brutal past and decide if the truth is worth the cost. Will she survive the revelations that threaten to consume her?

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 13–18 · 2005

13 Little Blue Envelopes

By Maureen Johnson · Book #1 in the Little Blue Envelope series

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

322 pages· 63,156 words· Est. 6 hour read

3.6/5 Goodreads · 84,053 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Ginny embarks on a life-changing European adventure, guided by 13 mysterious envelopes from her aunt. Each envelope reveals a new challenge, leading her to unexpected places and people, including a charming playwright named Keith. As Ginny navigates this scavenger hunt, she faces thrilling risks and romantic entanglements. Will she uncover the true purpose behind her aunt's cryptic messages? This summer journey promises to transform everything Ginny knows about herself and the world.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 7–12 · 2019

Dr. Seuss's Horse Museum

By Dr. Seuss, Andrew Joyner (Illustrator) · Classic Seuss series

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

80 pages· 1,179 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 810 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Step into a whimsical museum where a horse guides you through art's wonders. Discover how artists like Picasso and Pollock saw horses, and find new perspectives yourself. With Dr. Seuss's playful sketches and classic characters, this unique book invites young readers to explore creativity and critical thinking. Will you see art differently?

Sale price

$1899

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Pocket Full of Colors

By Amy Guglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville, Brigette Barrager (Illustrator)

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

48 pages· 779 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,371 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Summary: Meet Mary Blair, a visionary who defied the monochrome norms of her time. As an artist at Walt Disney Studios, she painted a world bursting with color—emerald skies, tangerine-spotted giraffes, and magenta horses. In an era dominated by men, Mary's bold imagination and refusal to conform challenged the status quo. How did her vibrant vision transform the world of animation? Discover the story of a trailblazer who lived life in full color, daring to dream beyond the black and white.

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Browse by age

Artists Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

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

$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

$799

A Picnic with Monet

Ages 1–12 · 2003

Embark on a whimsical picnic through Monet's vibrant countryside.

Sale price

$799

In the Garden with Van Gogh

Ages 1–12 · 2002

Discover art through playful rhymes and timeless paintings.

Sale price

$799

Dancing with Degas

Ages 0–12 · 2003

Explore a world of ballerinas and art in a playful, rhyming journey.

Sale price

$699

Foodie Babies Wear Bibs

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Foodie babies explore markets and savor finger foods.

Sale price

$899

I Can Dance

Ages 3–6 · 2015

Wiggle fingers to make dancers move in this interactive book.

Sale price

$1199

Little Women (BabyLit Classic)

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Discover timeless playtime activities beyond screens.

Sale price

$999

Counting with - Contando con Frida

Ages 1–4 · 2016

Discover Frida Kahlo's world while learning to count in two languages.

Sale price

$699

A Magical Day with Matisse

Ages 0–12 · 2002

Discover a vibrant world of art, music, and playful rhymes.

Sale price

$799

Art Barn

Ages 2–5 · 2016

Join critters on a colorful adventure at the Art Barn.

Sale price

$1199

Georgia O'Keeffe Loved the Desert

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Discover the beauty of the New Mexico desert through Georgia O'Keeffe's eyes.

View all artists board books

Browse by age

Artists Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1500

The Dot

Ages 5–10 · 2003

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

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.

Sale price

$1795

The Magical Life of Mr. Renny

Ages 4–8 · 2012

A painter's creations spring to life, but at what cost?

Sale price

$1699

Little Frida

Ages 4–6 · 2019

A young Frida Kahlo's imaginary friend transforms her pain into art.

Sale price

$1599

Sky Color

Ages 5–8 · 2012

Can Marisol paint a sky without blue? Discover her creative journey.

Sale price

$1899

Hi, I'm Norman

Ages 4–8 · 2019

Discover the life of an artist who captured the American spirit.

Sale price

$799

The Art Lesson

Ages 2–5 · 1989

A young artist faces strict art class rules. Can creativity survive?

Sale price

$1795

If Picasso Painted a Snowman

Ages 6–11 · 2017

Imagine snowmen through the eyes of famous artists.

Sale price

$1895

Cloth Lullaby

Ages 5–7 · 2016

Discover how a childhood of weaving inspired a world-renowned artist's iconic sculptures.

View all artists picture books

Browse by age

Artists Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about artists for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1899

Bill Peet

Ages 10–12 · 1989

Discover the life and art of a Disney legend through his own eyes.

Sale price

$1999

Benjamin West and His Cat Grimalkin

Ages 8–12 · 1947

A boy defies his family's beliefs to pursue his passion for painting.

Sale price

$699

The Story of Frida Kahlo

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A young artist overcomes adversity to inspire the world.

Sale price

$2499

Silent Days, Silent Dreams

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A silent artist defies all odds to leave a lasting legacy.

Sale price

$1699

Many Points of Me

Ages 9–12 · 2021

A secret sketch may unravel Georgia's family ties and redefine her friendships.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Dreams Come to Life

Ages 12–18 · 2019

A young artist uncovers dark secrets in a mysterious animation studio.

Sale price

$599

Who Was Chuck Jones?

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Discover the genius behind iconic cartoons and the legendary animator's journey.

Sale price

$1699

Women in Art

Ages 10–12 · 2019

Discover the untold stories of 50 pioneering female artists across centuries.

Sale price

$699

Who Was Norman Rockwell?

Ages 8–11 · 2019

Discover the idealistic world of Norman Rockwell through his iconic American paintings.

Sale price

$799

Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

Ages 10–13 · 2018

A tornado scatters Ivy's secrets, leading her to confront her true feelings and identity.

Sale price

$1399

Kid Artists

Ages 9–12 · 2016

Discover how famous artists overcame childhood challenges to become legends.

Sale price

$899

Writing Radar

Ages 9–12 · 2017

Unlock your writing potential with a guide to finding stories in everyday life.

View all artists chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about being yourself Books about bullying Books about contests Books about coping with death Books about crushes Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about diseases Books about family history

Our 10 Favorite Books About Artists

Great books, picked for their age.

Artists Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Artists Picture Books

Artists Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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