What Are The Must-Read Books For Children Showing an Inclination Towards Art?
Cultivating a child’s artistic inclination is a journey of inspiration and discovery, and what better way to nurture this than through the pages of a good book? From the imaginative world of ‘Art & Max’ to the motivational tale of ‘The Dot’, we’ve gathered six must-read recommendations from Art Educators, Creative Directors, and other experts in the creative field.
- Embrace Artistic Differences with Art & Max
- Inspire Creativity in Ellie Wants to Draw
- Learn Morals Through Panchatantra
- Discover Self-Expression with Ivan
- Make Your Mark with The Dot
- Explore Mary Blair’s Artistic Journey
Embrace Artistic Differences with Art & Max
“Art & Max” by David Wiesner is a beautiful story about the power of being different. This book encourages young artists that it is okay to experiment, make mistakes, and to keep trying. This book, about friends with different styles, will inspire both adult and child artists.
Libby McArthur
Art Educator and Artist, Evergreen Park Community High School
Inspire Creativity in Ellie Wants to Draw
I recommend “Ellie Wants to Draw” by Avery Smart. This delightful picture book tells the story of Ellie, the creative little artist chick with a passion for drawing.
Ellie’s boundless artistic spirit spans from drawing houses to tall trees, flowers, and soaring butterflies. Her imagination takes flight as she sketches rainbows, the sun, rockets voyaging to Mars, boats navigating the sea, and even castles protected by formidable dragons.
This book inspires children to explore their creativity, overcome self-doubt, and find beauty in the simplest of marks. It encourages them to embrace the process of creation and to see the potential for artistry in everyday life.
Marissa Sabrina
Creative Director, LeadLearnLeap
Learn Morals Through Panchatantra
“Panchatantra” by Vishnu Sharma would be the best book for children to read. Morality is quickly dissolving, and without it, the world would lose the differentiation between good and bad. With its loss and only the survival instinct giving way, we would not survive long as a race.
Snehashree Mandal
Writer, TST
Discover Self-Expression with Ivan
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate is one of those books covering not only pictures or photos but, more importantly, a narrative that introduces the concept of using art as a form of self-expression.
It tells the story of a gorilla named Ivan, who discovers and expresses his emotions through drawing. Art helps him feel more secure in his true self. But it can apply to everyone, if only people want it. “The One and Only Ivan” portrays art as a means of connecting individuals (as well as animals) across all kinds of barriers—it has the power to help people communicate, overcome trauma, and effect change. Through Ivan’s artistic endeavors, the book explores concepts of empathy and understanding.
Additionally, the tale encourages imaginative thinking by examining Ivan’s perspective on the world. The story inspires us to think outside the box and seek inspiration from unusual sources.
Overall, this book not only cultivates artistic interests but also promotes fundamental human qualities such as compassion, creativity, and environmental awareness, making it perfect for children showing an interest in art.
Nina Paczka
Community Manager, MyPerfectResume
Make Your Mark with The Dot
“The Dot” by Peter H. Reynolds is an inspiring picture book that serves as a must-read for children with a budding interest in the arts. The story centers around a young girl named Vashti, who believes she cannot draw. Sitting in front of a blank sheet of paper, Vashti’s frustration is palpable until her teacher gently encourages her to “make a mark and see where it takes you.” Vashti’s initial dot on the paper begins a journey of self-discovery and creativity, leading her to explore her artistic abilities and, ultimately, to believe in herself.
Peter H. Reynolds crafted “The Dot” not just as a story about art but as a broader message on the importance of encouragement, the power of a simple act to ignite creativity, and the value of mentorship. The book is celebrated for its ability to inspire confidence in personal expression and to remind readers of any age that the creative journey begins with the courage to make a mark.
With its simple yet powerful narrative and engaging illustrations, “The Dot” encourages children to embrace their creativity, experiment without fear of mistakes, and understand that art is about expression and exploration, not perfection. It’s a foundational read for young artists that underscores the idea that everyone has the potential to create something beautiful or meaningful, starting with a single dot.
Matt Goren
Head of Marketing, Tom’s Key Company
Explore Mary Blair’s Artistic Journey
Books are a wonderful tool for children to deepen their connection to the arts. One such book is ‘Mary Blair’s Unique Flair: The Girl Who Became One of the Disney Legends,’ written by Amy Novesky and illustrated by Brittney Lee.
It tells the story of Mary Blair, a prominent artist for The Walt Disney Company in the 1940s-50s. The book details her story of falling in love with art as a child, following her passion for pursuing art as a career, leaving a job when it wasn’t fueling her creativity, and coming back when it did.
The book also takes time to highlight Blair’s unique style and affinity for pairing colors that no one thought could go together. Her ability to know herself as an artist may have been her best artistic trait.
Blair’s story would fuel any child’s dream of becoming an artist, but if the story alone wasn’t enough, the illustrations can win over anyone.
Lee’s colorful palette and playful style is a nod to Blair’s own artistic style—a testament to the legacy Blair has left on artists—making this book a treat to read and look at alike.
Joana Alexander
Founder, Yay! Coloring Pages
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