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One of the easiest ways to include humanities is through great artists books for kids. Stories about artists, their lives and their craft make art seem accessible even to kids and teens of all ages.
When I was in high school, I had an amazing English teacher in 10th grade. I’m not even sure what category of English she was supposed to be teaching…American…British or something else entirely. We traveled the world in Mrs. King’s Engish class and spent a LOT of time learning about the Italian Renaissance…the artists, the authors and how it all connected today. One of the bathroom passes was the Ponte Vechio…a famous bridge…and you had to ask for it by name if you wanted to use it!!
She wove art into all the nuanced corners of life and made it seem just like any other interesting thing to learn about. We didn’t need a fancy education or a lot experience to appreciate the history and culture…and crafts of great men and women of the past.
One of the easiest ways to learn about art is through great books about artists for kids.
20 Artists Writing Prompts For Kids and Teens
Table of Contents
Books About Artists For Kids
The Story of Paintings: A History of Art for Children
From ancient cave walls to modern street art, this vibrant book invites children on a colorful journey through the history of painting.
Young readers will explore 39 remarkable works of art—from the Stone Age’s Lascaux cave paintings and Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus to iconic pieces by Velázquez, Dalí, Picasso, Kahlo, and Basquiat. Each page features a stunning painting, a short artist bio, fun illustrations, and interactive prompts to spark curiosity and conversation. Kids are encouraged to look closely, ask big questions (like “Why is Mona Lisa smiling?”), and discover the stories behind each masterpiece. Perfect for inspiring a love of art through time!
Kid Artists: True Tales of Childhood from Creative Legends (Kid Legends)
Before they were famous artists, they were just kids—with everyday problems and big dreams.
Kid Artists shares the hilarious, inspiring childhood stories of legendary creators like Leonardo da Vinci, Beatrix Potter, Keith Haring, and more. Long before their names were in museums, they dealt with sibling rivalries, constant moves, and feeling misunderstood—just like many kids today.
Discover how:
- Jackson Pollock navigated life in eight cities before age sixteen,
- Georgia O’Keeffe lived under the shadow of her “perfect” older brother,
- And Jean-Michel Basquiat rose from poverty to worldwide fame.
Packed with full-color cartoon illustrations and fun facts on nearly every page, this book brings to life the early years of creative legends including Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Yoko Ono, Dr. Seuss, and more. A perfect read for curious kids and budding artists alike!
A Child’s Introduction to Art: The World’s Greatest Paintings and Sculptures
Explore the world of great art—and make your own!
This colorful and engaging book introduces kids ages 9–12 to 40 famous artists and their masterpieces, from da Vinci and van Gogh to Mary Cassatt and Andy Warhol. Each profile includes fun facts, vibrant images, and a look at the artist’s life, style, and techniques.
Kids will also learn to understand art movements like Impressionism and Cubism, use tools like the color wheel, and appreciate how to view art thoughtfully. Throughout the book, hands-on projects—like tissue-paper stained glass and Pollock-style spatter painting—encourage creativity and experimentation.
With fun illustrations by Meredith Hamilton and five famous artworks to color, this book is the perfect mix of art history and DIY fun.
The Met Vincent van Gogh: He saw the world in vibrant colors
See the world through Vincent van Gogh’s eyes—and get inspired to create your own art!
What inspired Vincent van Gogh’s bold brushstrokes and vivid colors? In What the Artist Saw: Vincent van Gogh, young readers step into the life of the famous Dutch painter and explore the people, places, and landscapes that shaped his work—from swirling skies to golden wheat fields. Created in partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this beautifully illustrated book invites kids to discover what Van Gogh saw—and then make their own masterpieces, like painting bright sunflowers or expressive self-portraits.
Part of a delightful series, each book introduces a different artist, shares fascinating stories behind their art, and offers hands-on creative prompts. Explore nature with Georgia O’Keeffe, stitch a story like Faith Ringgold, or try woodblock printing inspired by Hokusai. A perfect gift for budding artists ready to explore and create!
The Met Claude Monet: He Saw the World in Brilliant Light
See the world through Claude Monet’s eyes—and create your own art inspired by nature.
Discover how iconic artists like Claude Monet were influenced by the beauty around them in this inspiring series created with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. In What the Artist Saw: Claude Monet, young readers step into the life of the pioneering Impressionist painter and explore how his love of nature, light, and water led to masterpieces like his famous water lilies.
Through vivid illustrations and engaging storytelling, kids learn what inspired Monet’s unique style—and are encouraged to find inspiration in their own surroundings. Try fun art activities based on what you see in the world around you and make your own nature-inspired creations.
This collectible series brings legendary artists to life. Explore landscapes with Vincent van Gogh, tell stories through fabric with Faith Ringgold, or try woodblock printing like Hokusai. Perfect for budding artists, each book offers a creative journey that begins with art history—and ends with hands-on making.
Free Artists Coloring Pages For Kids
Start Your Studies Simply and Enjoy!
Studying artists doesn’t have to be complicated. Often it is as simple as picking a book to enjoy…read and look at. If you have time, do an art project…or visit a local art museum. It doesn’t have to be stressful or another thing to do. Pick something simple and don’t worry about whether you are doing it “right!”
Sarah McCubbin and her husband and 9 kids live in Ohio. She loves talking about all kinds of education topics and is passionate about helping families find the best education options in each season! After being very socially awkward growing up, she now loves to help families teach life skills, social skills and leadership to their kids!