Preschool books about art are a fantastic way to introduce artists and their styles. Be ready to try some new styles after reading.
Why Kids Should Know About Art
Art, in general, does wonderfully amazing things for kids.
Learning about different artists and art techniques is a great way to spark some new ideas or styles in your little one.
Self-expression, creativity, and an appreciation for different cultures and techniques can all be learned through art and art study.
Many of the preschool books about art listed below are from different time periods and/or places other than the United States.
These are sure to help open your little one’s eyes to different time periods and places, too.
When preschoolers learn about various artists not only are they becoming more knowledgable, but they are given the opportunity to practice empathy for the artist.
Many stories tell about hardships that artists went through to mold them into who they became.
Try reading some of these books and creating art using the style or technique described or used in the book.
This will help your little one to take what was read about the art and turn it into a practiced art, making it more personal and more likely to be used by your little one.
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Top Preschool Books About Art
1. Portrait of an Artist: Georgia O’Keeffe: Discover the Artist Behind the Masterpieces by Lucy Brownridge
Learn about the wonderful Georgia O’Keeffe by looking at her masterpieces.
2. Cultured Donuts: Take a Bite Out of Art History by Chloe Tyler
A simple pink frosted donut is transformed to show the techniques that various artists have used over time.
This will help your little one to be able to easily compare styles and artists.
3. The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan
This Newberry award-winning author tells the story of Henri Matisse when he was a boy living in northern France.
The illustrations are stunning, too.
4. Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn’t Sorry by Fausto Gilberti
Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama’s life is retold in this dot-covered preschool book about art pick.
5. Vincent van Gogh: He Saw the World in Vibrant Colors (What the Artist Saw— The Met) by Amy Guglielmo
Ever wonder what inspired artists to paint, sculpt, or draw the way they did?
This beautiful book sets the scene for what Vincent van Gogh might have seen to inspire his self-portraits.
6. The Magical Garden of Claude Monet by Laurence Anholt
Julie discovers a beautiful garden while on a walk with her mother.
She soon befriends the garden’s owner, who is none other than Claude Monet.
This book is full of beautiful illustrations and reproductions of Claude Monet’s work.
7. Bob Ross: A Little Golden Book Biography by Maria Correa
The painter behind the happy little trees and under the big hair’s life story is told in this sweet little biography.
8. Pablo Picasso: Breaking All the Rules by True Kelley
Simon was bummed to find out that he had to do a report on Picasso after his favorite artist was already taken.
Read this preschool book about art pick to find out wonderful nuggets of information about Picasso as well as to see some of Simon’s own art work.
9. Alma’s Art by Roda Ahmed
Inspired by African American painter Alma Woodsey Thomas, this sweet story shows how light and color work together to make a beautiful piece of art.
10. Art is Everywhere: A Book About Andy Warhol by Jeff Mack
Help your little one to see that art is all around– just like Andy Warhol did.
11. Mouse Paint by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Three little white mice discover what happens when they splash red, yellow, and blue paint together.
This is the perfect preschool book about art to teach color mixing.
12. The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse by Eric Carle
Celebrate the power of art with this magnificent book that shows imagination and color can make the coolest art.
13. Ablaze with color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas by Jeanne Walker Harvey
Learn about the amazing woman who broke down barriers her whole life— Alma Thomas.
This book is told from Alma’s point of view as she learns the power of art.
14. Edgar Degas: Paintings That Dance by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
Kristin was first captivated by Edgar Degas’s artwork because of his paintings of ballerinas.
She soon realizes that his unique work goes far beyond ballerinas.
15. Maybe Something Beautiful: How Art Transformed a Neighborhood by F. Isabel Campoy
Mira is surrounded by grey buildings in her urban community.
When a muralist arrives with his paint, hope and joy start to come to the community as soon as the colors are put on the walls.
16. I’m NOT just a Scribble… by Diane Alber
Scribble didn’t know he was different until he came across his first drawing.
He was left out because he didn’t look like everyone else.
Scribble decides to teach the drawings how to accept everyone, which can lead to some amazing art.
This sweet preschool books about art pick has a theme of inclusion told in a cute story.
17. Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
All the primary colors lived in perfect harmony until Red declared one day that he was the best.
From there, the colors decided to go their separate ways, but Yellow and Blue might just save the day.
18. The Artist by Ed Vere
A young hero brings beauty to the city streets he lives on by adding some color to the grey walls.
Through his journey, little ones learn that it’s okay to color outside the lines.
19. Women in Art: 50 Fearless Creatives Who Inspired the World (Women in Science) by Rachel Ignotofsky
This is a collection of 50 beautifully illustrated and inspiring stories of women artists who trailblazed the art scene.
20. The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow
Learn about the man who figured out a way to put the beauty of nature into a crayon box so kids could draw in color.
21. Meet Claude Monet by Read With You Center for Excellence in STEAM Education
Learn about Claude Monet in a child-friendly way through this pick for the preschool books about art list.
The art in the book is explained in kid-friendly terms and encourages thought-provoking questioning.
22. Claude Monet: He Saw the World in Brilliant Light (What the Artist Saw— The MET) by Amy Guglielmo
See what inspired Claude Monet to paint beautiful water lilies by taking a step into life.
23. Frida Kahlo: The Artist Who Painted Herself by Margaret Frith
Mexico’s most celebrated female artist is spotlighted in this fun book that was illustrated by Tomie dePaola.
24. Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art Experiences in the Styles of Great Masters by MaryAnn F Kohl
Learn about 60 different artists through simple biographies and kid tested art activities that replicate the artist’s style.
25. Meet Vincent van Gogh by Read With You Center for Excellence in STEAM Education
See if your little one is able to trace the swoops and curls in this fun book about Vincent van Gogh.
26. This Little Artist: An Art History Primer by Joan Holub
10 empowering and memorable artists are highlighted in this colorful book that is full of age-appropriate fun facts and bold illustrations.
27. ABCs of Art by Sabrina Hahn
Help to reinforce the alphabet with this fun fine arts version that is sure to spark your little one’s creativity.
28. Children’s Book of Art: An Introduction to the World’s Most Amazing Paintings and Sculptures by DK
An incredible art gallery at your fingertips to showcase some of the best artistic work of all time.
29. The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia by DK
See the evolution of artistic achievements with interesting facts, stunning photographs, and clear explanations.
30. I CAN Draw: A Growth Mindset Book About Drawing by Dr. Ellen Vaughter
What happens when drawing isn’t easy? This book helps encourage children to keep trying even when things get challenging.
31. Frida Kahlo: A Kid’s Book About Expressing Yourself Through Art by Mary Nhin
Learn about how Frida chose to persevere despite having difficult obstacles (like a tragic accident) to overcome.
32. Nature is an Artist by Jennifer Lavallee
Foster an appreciation for nature and try some fun nature-inspired craft ideas, too.
33. Vincent van Gogh: Sunflowers and Swirly Stars by Joan Holub
Brad learns about van Gogh’s life and creates some funny cartoons to go along with reproductions of some of van Gogh’s work.
34. Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe
Show your little ones a new to them type of art– collage-style painting, which was first done by Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Let them be inspired as Basquiat did to find art everywhere.
35. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt
The crayons need a break from always being used, so they write letters to Duncan telling him that they quit and why.
This hilarious story will have you laughing and thinking about how you use colors in your art, too.
36. I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont
After being caught painting everything, this child is told she WILL NOT paint anymore.
But as it goes, Mama can’t keep her from painting.
This story is written to the tune of “It Ain’t Gonna Rain No More” making it fun to read aloud.
37. A Children’s Introduction to Art: The World’s Greatest Paintings and Sculptures (A Child’s Introduction Series) by Heather Alexander
40 masterpieces are showcased in this informative book.
Many well-known artists and sculptors are included.
38. The Story of Paintings: A History of Art for Children by Mick Manning
Let your kids travel through time with this exhibition of art that spans centuries.
39. Henri Matisse: Drawing with Scissors by Jane O’Connor
Kessia picked Henri Matisse for her report simply because they shared a birthday.
She soon finds out that Matisse is known for ‘”drawing with scissors” and why he is considered a great artist.
40. My Greatest Masterpiece by Simone Majetich
This pick for the preschool books about art has fun illustrations and a sweet message of how precious children are to their parents.
Art Books for Kids
Grab some preschool books about art and let your kids get inspired. With many well-known artists covered, you will surely have weeks of art lessons.