Books About Drawing · 119 titles considered

The Best Drawing Books for Kids

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.

Graphic Nov.

Graphic Nov.

Graphic Nov.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Drawing

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

$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

4.2/5 Goodreads · 35,667 ratings

$14.99Save 7%

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?

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 experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 148,849 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

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.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 2004

Ish

By Peter H. Reynolds · 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 experts·4.4/5 Goodreads · 12,258 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

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.

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

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,549 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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.

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 748 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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?

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 4,764 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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?

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 experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 264 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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.

The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club

Browse by age

Drawing Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1795

This Book Is a Mistake!

2024

A frog's identity is challenged by whimsical doodles. Will he stay true to himself?

Sale price

$1899

Aaron Slater, Illustrator

Ages 5–7 · 2021

A young boy struggles to read and write, but finds his voice through art and storytelling.

Sale price

$1899

Milo Imagines the World

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A subway ride reveals that appearances can be deceiving.

Sale price

$1995

Bird

Ages 7–10 · 2008

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

Sale price

$1995

Purple, Green and Yellow

Ages 4–7 · 1992

A girl loves markers, but her artistic choices lead to colorful chaos.

Sale price

$1699

I Can Draw It Myself

Ages 3–7 · 1970

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

Sale price

$1599

Chalk

Ages 3–7 · 2010

Three kids find magic chalk that changes everything.

Sale price

$1799

Ben Draws Trouble

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A lost sketchbook reveals hidden talent and unexpected reactions.

Sale price

$1699

Return

Ages 4–8 · 2016

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

Sale price

$1899

Mr. McCloskey's Marvelous Mallards

Ages 7–10 · 2022

An artist's apartment overflows with ducklings. Can he capture their charm before chaos reigns?

Sale price

$1799

Cherries and Cherry Pits

Ages 4–8 · 1986

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

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.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1699

J vs. K

Ages 8–12 · 2025

Two rivals clash in a creative storytelling contest showdown.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Share Your Smile

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

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.

Sale price

$499

Annabelle the Drawing Fairy

Ages 7–10 · 2014

A missing pencil sharpener threatens Arts and Crafts Week. Can two friends restore the magic?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1099

Hicotea

Ages 8–12 · 2019

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

Sale price

$499

A Picture for Harold's Room

Ages 4–8 · 1960

Harold shrinks while drawing with his purple crayon. Can he find his way home?

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$799

Have Pen, Will Travel

Ages 8–12 · 2007

A girl endures a chaotic family camping trip, armed only with her sketchbook.

Sale price

$999

Our Story Begins

Ages 8–12 · 2017

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

Sale price

$999

Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

Ages 8–11 · 1991

A boy's life changes when he hatches a dragon from a mysterious egg.

Sale price

$999

Amil and the After

Ages 8–12 · 2024

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

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1999

Draw a Comic!

Ages 9–13 · 2019

Save a library by mastering comic creation in a week.

Sale price

$1899

Places We've Never Been

Ages 13–17 · 2022

A road trip rekindles old friendships and sparks unexpected romance.

View all drawing chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about depression and mental illness Books about drugs, alcohol, and substance abuse Books about family problems Books about horses Books about Korean culture Books about mother-daughter relationships Books about prejudice and racism Books about prisoners of war

Our 10 Favorite Books About Drawing

Great books, picked for their age.

Drawing Picture Books

Drawing Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo