Books About Drawing · 121 titles considered

The Best Drawing Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Art Books, featuring 15 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about drawing? 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.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Drawing

New Kid
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·4.1/5 Goodreads · 62,768 ratings
$23.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Between Shades of Gray
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 Goodreads · 287,810 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
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.
Almost American Girl
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 Goodreads · 15,148 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Paperback
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?
Hey, Kiddo
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2018

Hey, Kiddo

By Jarrett J. Krosoczka · Book #1 in the Hey, Kiddo series

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

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2019)National Book Award for Young People's Literature Finalist (2018)Cybils Award (2018)Golden Kite Honor (2019)Odyssey Award (2020)
320 pages· 15,721 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.2 Goodreads · 35,768 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Paperback
Summary: Jarrett's childhood is anything but ordinary. With a mother battling addiction and a father he's never met, he finds solace in art while living with his outspoken grandparents. As he grows, Jarrett seeks the truth about his family, confronting his mother's struggles and searching for his elusive father. Can he piece together his fractured past and find his own path forward?
Harold and the Purple Crayon
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1955

Harold and the Purple Crayon

By Crockett Johnson · Harold and the Purple Crayon series

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

34 pages· 657 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 149,185 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Board book
Summary: Harold embarks on a moonlit adventure with just a purple crayon. As he draws his way through enchanting landscapes, he encounters unexpected twists and whimsical challenges. Will his imagination guide him safely back home? Discover the limitless possibilities of creativity in this timeless tale of exploration and wonder.
Ish
Sale price
$1498
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2004

Ish

By Peter H. Reynolds · Book #2 in the Creatrilogy series

A young boy learns to find his own unique style and confidence in his art.

32 pages· 356 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 12,304 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Ramon's world of joyful sketches crumbles with one harsh comment from his brother, Leon. Struggling to find his artistic spark, Ramon feels lost until his sister, Marisol, offers a fresh perspective. She teaches him that creativity isn't about perfection but about seeing the world through a different lens. As Ramon learns to embrace his unique style, he discovers the true value of thinking 'ish-ly.' Will he reclaim his passion for drawing and find happiness in imperfection? This heartwarming tale explores the power of perspective and the importance of nurturing creativity.
The Genius Under the Table
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 9–15 · 2021

The Genius Under the Table

By Eugene Yelchin

A boy's doodles may change his fate amidst Cold War secrets.

Golden Kite Honor (2022)Sydney Taylor Book Honor (2022)
208 pages· 22,374 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,571 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: In Cold War Russia, young Yevgeny navigates family chaos and hidden secrets, including a KGB spy in his kitchen. With dreams of becoming a national hero, he faces the challenge of living up to his parents' expectations without the talents of his brother. Armed only with a pencil and a table's underside, Yevgeny discovers that his doodles might hold the key to his future. Can he find his place in a world filled with drama and intrigue? This memoir blends humor and poignancy, capturing a boy's quest for identity in a tumultuous era.
Dog Loves Drawing
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

Dog Loves Drawing

By Louise Yates · Dog Loves series

A blank book leads Dog into a world of doodles and surprises.

32 pages· 528 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 749 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dog receives a mysterious blank book, discovering it's meant for drawing, not reading. As he sketches, Dog finds himself in a vibrant world filled with unexpected friends and adventures. What surprises await in this new realm of imagination?
The Book of Mistakes
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

The Book of Mistakes

By Corinna Luyken

Mistakes become masterpieces in a whimsical artistic journey.

56 pages· 182 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,773 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: An artist turns blunders into brilliance, transforming accidental splotches into imaginative art. As quirky shapes evolve into unexpected beauty, discover how mistakes fuel creativity. Can errors lead to inspiration?
Randy, the Beautiful Horse
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Randy, the Beautiful Horse

By T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator), T. L. McBeth (Author/Illustrator)

A horse believes he's beautiful, but reality might surprise him.

40 pages
5.3/7 Bookroo·3.8/5 Goodreads · 265 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Meet Randy, a horse who thinks he's the epitome of beauty, despite being a child's quirky drawing. Journey through a whimsical world of construction-paper mountains and popsicle-stick forests as Randy's self-perception faces unexpected challenges. Will his confidence endure when he finally sees himself? This delightful tale explores imagination and self-discovery, leaving readers charmed by Randy's endearing spirit.
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Drawing Picture Books

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

Bird
Sale price
$1995

Bird

Ages 7–10 · 2008

A boy finds solace in drawing as he faces family loss and addiction.

I Can Draw It Myself
Series
Sale price
$1699

I Can Draw It Myself

Ages 3–7 · 1970

Complete whimsical drawings and unleash creativity with this interactive Seuss adventure.

Chalk
Sale price
$1599

Chalk

Ages 3–7 · 2010

Three kids find magic chalk that changes everything.

Ben Draws Trouble
Sale price
$1799

Ben Draws Trouble

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A lost sketchbook reveals hidden talent and unexpected reactions.

Return
#3 in Series
Sale price
$1699

Return

Ages 4–8 · 2016

A girl seeks adventure in a magical realm, facing a choice that could change everything.

Cherries and Cherry Pits
Sale price
$1799

Cherries and Cherry Pits

Ages 4–8 · 1986

Discover a world through Bidemmi's captivating drawings and stories.

Simon's Book
Sale price
$1600

Simon's Book

Ages 5–8 · 1983

A dream turns perilous as drawing pens battle a monster.

View all drawing picture books
Browse by age

Drawing Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about drawing for developing and independent readers.

A Work in Progress
Sale price
$1899

A Work in Progress

Ages 8–12 · 2023

A boy battles self-image and self-acceptance in a world of thin peers.

J vs. K
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1699

J vs. K

Ages 8–12 · 2025

Two rivals clash in a creative storytelling contest showdown.

Share Your Smile
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1299

Share Your Smile

Ages 8–12 · 2019

Unleash your creativity and craft your own story with this interactive journal.

The Drawing Lesson
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1899

The Drawing Lesson

Ages 10–13 · 2016

A young boy learns to draw with a mentor's comic-style guidance. Start your artistic journey now.

Hicotea
#2 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1099

Hicotea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A magical realm needs Sandy's help to complete a mysterious painting.

Lost & Found
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1699

Lost & Found

Ages 7–10 · 2024

New country, new school, new language. Can she find her voice?

Our Story Begins
Sale price
$999

Our Story Begins

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Discover the childhood sparks that ignited today's beloved storytellers.

Amil and the After
Sale price
$999

Amil and the After

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A boy seeks hope and identity in post-partition India.

View all drawing chapter books
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