Favorite picture books have the power to inspire us; they’re the ones that get our kids itching to create—to get off the couch and into the craft cabinet, digging around and making messes that drive us crazy but make us proud.
This month, the @kidlitpicks book club featured books that inspire ART. Whether it’s a story about an artist or one with illustrations worth imitating, we’ll be looking at picture books that influence the way we create. So what are some of your favorite books about art? Thanks to Anna from KidLitCrafts for the theme!
We’re All Works of Art, by Mark Sperring and Rose Blake
“We’re All Works of Art compares our own diversity as people with the wonderful variety of work that exists within the art world.” — Summer from @readingisourthing
They Say Blue, by Jillian Tamaki
“The illustrations ebb and flow, and they carry readers right along with them, enveloping them in worlds of color and wonder..” — Mel from @spiky_penelope
Blue & Other Colours, by Henri Matisse
“This would be a great stimulus for some independent artwork.” — Claire from @alittlebookhabit
What’s Your Favorite Colour?, by Eric Carle
“Definitely one for fans of children’s book art!” — Kim from @bookbairn
Martha & Me, by It’s Raining Elephants
“Naturally readers can’t help be drawn into the story.” — Miranda from @bookbloom
Mix It Up!, by Hervé Tullet
“Mix It Up! has provided a wonderful springboard for creating art and developing an interest in the colours all around us.” — De from @books_and_babycinos
The Silver Sea, by Children at the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne with Alison Lester and Jane Godwin
“This is a really special picture book.” — Carissa from @bookskidslove_
Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen, by Deborah Hopkinson and Qin Leng
“What was Jane Austen like as a child? Read this book to find out!” — Arielle from @childrensbooksgalore
Sonia Delaunay: A Life of Color, by Cara Manes and Fatinha Ramos
“This is a heartfelt story about misunderstandings and the importance of true friendship, brought to life by clever artwork.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
What James Said, by Liz Rosenberg and Matt Myers
“This is a lovely picture book that makes artist Sonia Delaunay’s abstract artwork accessible to kids of today.” — Rossa from @curiouslittlepeople
The Big Bed, by Bunmi Laditan and Tom Knight
“The Big Bed offers a hilarious twist on this all-too-common nighttime scenario, and the manner in which this creative kid argues the reasons why her father should sleep on a cot rather than in his own bed are downright ingenious.” — Lauren from @happily.ever.elephants
Slow Down, World, by Tai Snaith
“Her book is a beautiful reminder for children and adults to slow down and mindfully and curiously appreciate the world around us.” — Angelique from @heads.shoulders.knees
Sienna’s Scapbook: Our Africa American Heritage Trip, by Toni Trent Parker and Janell Genovese“It was so fun to read about places in my state of Connecticut and New York which I’m familiar with. I’d LOVE to attempt this trip someday with my family. ” — Charnaie from @hereweeread
Art & Max, by David Weisner
“With a ton of different techniques displayed throughout the book and a plot that encourages process over product it almost dares you not to pick up a paintbrush after reading it.” — Wendy from @homegrownreader
I Ain’t Gonna Paint No More!, by Karen Beaumont and David Carrow
“There’s beauty in mess, and painting your entire body…what a beautifully creative mess!” — Heather from @kidlitbookbits
With My Hands: Poems About Making Things, by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater, Lou Fancher, and Steve Johnson
“A celebration of childhood creativity, your little ones will be itching to cut, glue, mold, build, and paint after reading these cheery poems.” — Anna from @kidlitcrafts
Soy un artista, by Marta Altés
“Keen art-lovers will enjoy the subtle nods to different artists and movements peppered across the spreads..” — Shannon from @ohcreativeday
Luke’s Way of Looking, by Nadia Wheatley and Matt Ottley
“This stunning book explores themes of creativity, imagination, individualism, acceptance and following your passion.” — Teri from @petitbookcorner
