Books About Painting · 138 titles considered

The Best Painting Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about painting? 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 Painting

Sale price

$1895

Picture Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

My Big Book of the World's Greatest Art

By Louise Lockhart

Explore 10,000 years of art history, from ancient pigments to modern masterpieces.

48 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 18 ratings

$19.95Save 5%

Summary: Journey through 10,000 years of art with a vibrant guide that introduces young readers to the evolution of creativity. Discover how ancient artists mixed pigments, how religion shaped medieval art, and how scientific breakthroughs inspired the Renaissance. Witness artists' roles in revolutions and explore a modern museum to see today's creations. This interactive book offers a fresh perspective on art's impact throughout history, sparking curiosity and appreciation in every budding art enthusiast.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2012

The Magical Life of Mr. Renny

By Leo Timmers, Bill Nagelkerke (Translator)

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

40 pages· 518 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.6/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 144 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Summary: Struggling artist Mr. Renny faces hunger and despair until a mysterious man offers him a chance to bring his paintings to life. As his art transforms into reality, Mr. Renny must navigate the consequences of his newfound power. Will his dreams come true, or will they become his nightmare? Discover the magic and peril of a world where art and reality collide.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2019

Little Frida

By Anthony Browne

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

32 pages· 585 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·3.6/5 Goodreads · 200 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Summary: After polio leaves young Frida Kahlo with a limp, her vivid imagination conjures a friend who dances without pain. This ethereal companion becomes a muse, inspiring Frida's future art. Journey with Frida as she navigates loneliness and dreams, finding solace in her creative world. Will this imaginary friend help her transcend her struggles and shape her destiny? Discover the early flights of fancy that foreshadow the iconic artist she is destined to become, beautifully illustrated in a style reminiscent of Kahlo's own work.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2012

Sky Color

By Peter H. Reynolds · Creatrilogy series

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

32 pages· 310 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,132 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Marisol loves painting and is thrilled to create a mural for her school. But there's a problem—no blue paint for the sky. As she watches the world transform from day to night, Marisol learns to see beyond the ordinary. Will her imagination find a way to paint the sky? This whimsical tale invites readers to explore creativity and inspiration in unexpected places.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Hi, I'm Norman

By Robert Burleigh, Wendell Minor (Illustrator)

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

48 pages· 2,437 words· Est. 19 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 119 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Explore the life of Norman Rockwell, an artist who painted the essence of America. Through vivid illustrations and personal stories, this biography reveals how Rockwell chronicled pivotal moments in history, shaping his legacy as a beloved cultural icon. What inspired his iconic works, and how did he capture the heart of a nation? Dive into the episodes that defined his career and the American experience.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 6–11 · 2017

If Picasso Painted a Snowman

By Amy Newbold, Greg Newbold (Illustrator) · Reimagined Masterpiece series

Imagine snowmen through the eyes of famous artists.

36 pages· 232 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 377 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Summary: Explore a whimsical world where snowmen are reimagined by iconic artists. From Picasso's abstract forms to Monet's serene landscapes, each page transforms a simple snowman into a masterpiece. Guided by a playful hamster, discover how creativity can turn the ordinary into extraordinary. What would your snowman look like?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2017

Claudia & Moth

By Jennifer Hansen Rolli

A girl discovers winter's beauty through art and a tiny moth.

40 pages· 388 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 159 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Claudia adores painting vibrant butterflies, capturing their beauty on canvas. But as winter arrives, her colorful muses vanish, leaving her art uninspired. Just when hope seems lost, a little moth appears, revealing the hidden wonders of the cold season. Can Claudia find inspiration in unexpected places and embrace the magic of winter? Discover how a simple moth transforms her world, offering a new perspective on nature's seasonal dance.

Sale price

$1597

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2008

Willow

By Denise Brennan-Nelson, Rosemarie Brennan, Cyd Moore (Illustrator) · Willow series

A strict teacher meets a student who colors outside the lines, challenging her view of art.

32 pages

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 540 ratings

$16.95Save 6%

Summary: In a classroom where order reigns, Miss Hawthorn meets Willow, a student who sees the world in vibrant, unexpected colors. Willow's imaginative approach to art defies Miss Hawthorn's rigid rules, painting pink trees and blue apples. As Willow's creativity unfolds, Miss Hawthorn faces a challenge: can she embrace a new perspective on what art can be? Discover how one child's imagination might just transform a teacher's world.

Sale price

$1498

Picture Book · Ages 6–8 · 2024

Vincent Van Gogh

By Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Alette Straathof (Illustrator) · Little People, BIG DREAMS series

Discover how a quiet child became a legendary artist despite life's challenges.

32 pages· 531 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 238 ratings

$15.99Save 6%

Summary: Vincent van Gogh, once a quiet child, struggled to find his path. After trying various jobs, his brother Theo encouraged him to pursue art. Vincent poured his emotions into painting, creating a unique style. Though unrecognized in his lifetime, his work now captivates the world. Explore his journey from obscurity to posthumous fame in this inspiring tale of perseverance and creativity.

Sale price

$1049

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

Great Migration

By Jacob Lawrence

Discover the journey of hope and resilience during the Great Migration through powerful art and words.

48 pages· 674 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 238 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Summary: Explore the Great Migration through Jacob Lawrence's vivid paintings and poetic text. Follow the journey of African Americans seeking a better life in the North, facing challenges of prejudice and hardship. This profound narrative captures the strength and courage of over six million individuals striving for a brighter future. Lawrence's personal connection and a poem by Walter Dean Myers enrich this compelling portrayal of history.

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Browse by age

Painting Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

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

$799

Counting with Wayne Thiebaud

Ages 1–5 · 2007

Discover numbers through vibrant, mouthwatering art.

Sale price

$899

Play with Paint!

Ages 1–3 · 2020

Discover endless painting possibilities with just your hands and paint.

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.

Sale price

$799

Love

Ages 2–5 · 2020

Explore love through touch and feel in this sensory book for little ones.

Sale price

$799

Christmas

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Explore festive textures and create holiday art with your child.

Sale price

$799

Halloween

Ages 0–3 · 2020

Explore spooky textures and create art with your child.

Sale price

$999

Bob Ross: My First Book of Nature

Ages 2–5 · 2022

Discover nature's beauty through Bob Ross's iconic paintings.

Sale price

$599

Mrs. Wishy-Washy's Splishy-Sploshy

Ages 3–6 · 2005

Can the queen of clean tackle the messiest meanies yet?

Sale price

$999

Bob Ross: My First Book of Colors

Ages 2–4 · 2020

Discover the vibrant world of colors through Bob Ross's iconic paintings and charming insights.

Sale price

$999

John James Audubon Painted Birds

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover the vibrant world of birds through Audubon's eyes.

Sale price

$1695

Princess Arabella Mixes Colors

Ages 3–5 · 2017

A princess transforms her dull room with a splash of color.

View all painting board books

Browse by age

Painting Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1999

Ablaze with Color

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Discover art's transformative power through a trailblazing artist's journey.

Sale price

$1899

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon

Ages 4–8 · 2019

An astronaut's artistic journey captures the moon's beauty beyond the lens.

Sale price

$1899

The Artivist

Ages 4–8 · 2023

A boy merges art and activism to change the world.

Sale price

$1999

Monet's Cat

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A lively cat leaps into Monet's paintings, eluding capture.

Sale price

$1799

This Is Your World

Ages 4–8 · 2021

Uncover the journey of a beloved TV painter who found joy in happy accidents.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1699

I am Frida Kahlo

Ages 5–9 · 2021

Discover how a tragic accident shaped Frida Kahlo's iconic art and legacy.

Sale price

$1795

Noticing

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Discover the hidden magic in everyday life through a young girl's eyes.

Sale price

$1795

Woodpecker Girl

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A girl finds freedom through art, painting her world despite physical constraints.

Sale price

$1795

If Da Vinci Painted a Dinosaur

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Dinosaurs explore art history, transforming iconic masterpieces with playful twists.

Sale price

$699

White Rabbit's Color Book

Ages 3–5 · 2003

A rabbit's leap into paint reveals a colorful world.

Sale price

$1899

The People's Painter

Ages 4–8 · 2021

An artist fights for justice through his powerful art in a new land.

Sale price

$1899

Mornings with Monet

Ages 4–8 · 2021

An artist defies tradition, capturing fleeting light and revolutionizing art.

View all painting picture books

Browse by age

Painting Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about painting for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1899

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies

Ages 10–12 · 2018

A pioneering woman defies norms to uncover the secrets of butterflies.

Sale price

$699

The Story of Frida Kahlo

Ages 6–9 · 2020

A young artist overcomes adversity to inspire the world.

Sale price

$1699

Many Points of Me

Ages 9–12 · 2021

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

Sale price

$599

Mr. Putter & Tabby Paint the Porch

Ages 6–9 · 2000

A porch painting turns chaotic when a squirrel distracts Tabby the cat.

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

$699

The Art Show Attacks!

Ages 6–8 · 2018

Three friends must stop a mad scientist's evil painting from being sold at an art show and spreading its dark powers beyond the school grounds.

Sale price

$699

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci?

Ages 8–12 · 2005

The life of Leonardo da Vinci is explored in this biography.

Sale price

$699

Who Was Pablo Picasso?

Ages 8–12 · 2009

A biography of Pablo Picasso's life and art

Sale price

$699

Who Was Frida Kahlo?

Ages 8–11 · 2013

A young girl from Mexico becomes an artist after a devastating bus accident changes her life forever

Sale price

$699

Who Was Andy Warhol?

Ages 8–12 · 2014

Discover how a shy boy redefined art and became a cultural icon.

Sale price

$699

Who Was Claude Monet?

Ages 8–11 · 2009

A biography of Claude Monet, a famous French painter, from his childhood to his death, highlighting his struggles and successes as an artist

Sale price

$1899

Paint with Ploof

Ages 2–5 · 2024

Help a cloud create its first rainbow in an interactive adventure.

View all painting chapter books

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Our 10 Favorite Books About Painting

Great books, picked for their age.

Painting Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Painting Picture Books

Painting Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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