Have you ever wished you could explore a world of color and creativity with your child right from the comfort of your home? Bring the museum to your living room with this curated collection of my favorite children’s art books! From the vibrant journeys through Vincent van Gogh’s bold strokes in ‘The Met Vincent van Gogh: He Saw the World in Vibrant Colors’ to playful explorations of basic concepts like shapes and colors in ‘The Met Colors,’ these books are more than just fun reads—they are gateways to learning and inspiration. These books blend entertainment with education, perfect for nurturing young artists or sparking curiosity about the broader world.
Let’s explore some of the gems that have not only enriched our family time but also introduced us to the rich worlds of colors, numbers, and famous artwork.
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Exploring Art through Themes
The Met Colors
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.2/5
Reading Level: Ages 3-7
A board book that serves as a colorful primer to the art world, “The Met Colors” uses the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s vast collection to explore the spectrum of colors. Each page pairs a hue with corresponding artwork, aiding children in connecting the colors they know and the expressions of those colors in renowned art pieces. It’s a visually engaging way to introduce the youngest readers to the concepts of color and art.
The Met 123
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Reading Level: Ages 3-7
“The Met 123” is an engaging counting book that teaches numbers using artwork from The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Each number is illustrated with artwork featuring the same number of objects or themes, making counting a visually stimulating and educational experience.
The Met Black and White
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5
Reading Level: Ages 3-7
This unique board book explores the concept of black and white using artworks from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The book is a visual journey through paintings, sculptures, and photographs that only use black and white, showing young readers the power of contrast and simplicity in art.
I Spy: An Alphabet in Art
by Lucy Micklethwait
Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
“I Spy” uses an alphabet book format to introduce children to great works of art. Each page features a painting with objects corresponding to a different alphabet letter, providing an engaging way to teach children literacy and art appreciation.
Animals in Art (Sabrina Hahn’s Art & Concepts for Kids)
by Sabrina Hahn
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
“Animals in Art” is part of Sabrina Hahn’s series that introduces children to art through engaging and relatable themes. This book uses various artworks depicting animals to teach about styles, symbolism, and the roles animals have played in art history. It’s a wonderful tool for connecting children with art through the familiar and beloved subject of animals.
Encouraging Artistic Thought and Discovery (Various Ages)
What’s the Point of Art
by Quentin Blake
Goodreads Rating: 4.5/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
“What’s the Point of Art?” by Quentin Blake invites children to explore the purposes and joys of art through a lively discussion led by the author. Blake, an acclaimed illustrator, uses his whimsical drawings to pose questions about the nature of art and its impact on our lives, making this book both a visual treat and a thought-provoking read.
Behind the Scenes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
by Danny Danziger
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Reading Level: Ages 10 and up
“Museum” provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most famous museums, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Through interviews with staff across the museum, from the director to the cleaning crew, readers get a unique perspective on how a major museum operates and the stories behind some of its greatest treasures.
Deep Dives into Art History (Ages 8 and up)
The Art Book (Revised and Expanded 2020 Edition)
by Phaidon Editors
Goodreads Rating: 4.7/5
Reading Level: Ages 10 and up
This revised and expanded edition of “The Art Book” by Phaidon offers an alphabetical introduction to the most significant artists throughout history. Each page features a full-page reproduction of a single work accompanied by engaging texts that discuss the artist and the significance of the work. It’s an excellent resource for older children and teens interested in expanding their knowledge of art history.
Children’s Book of Art: An Introduction to the World’s Most Amazing Paintings and Sculptures
by DK Publishing
Goodreads Rating: 4.6/5
Reading Level: Ages 8 and up
This comprehensive guide from DK Publishing is not just a book; it’s a treasure trove of knowledge about art history. It showcases a variety of significant paintings and sculptures from across the globe. It includes artist biographies, close-up examinations of key details, and insights into the techniques used, making it a rich resource for children eager to learn about the world of art.
13 Artists Children Should Know
by Angela Wenzel
Goodreads Rating: 4.2/5
Reading Level: Ages 8 and up
This educational book offers a compelling introduction to thirteen notable artists throughout history. Each artist’s profile includes key facts, major works, and interesting anecdotes that highlight their impact on the art world. The book’s engaging layout and vivid illustrations make it an appealing and informative read for young art enthusiasts.
The Usborne Introduction to Art
by Rosie Dickins
Goodreads Rating: 4.5/5
Reading Level: Ages 9 and up
Usborne’s guide to art is a comprehensive introduction that covers a wide range of topics from classical to modern art. It features precise, informative content, colorful illustrations, and photographs of artworks, artists, and techniques. This book is ideal for children looking to deepen their understanding of art history and its various movements.
Anholt’s Artists Books for Children
by Laurence Anholt
Goodreads Rating: 4.5/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Laurence Anholt’s series brings the lives and works of famous artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet to life for children. These books delve into the artists’ worlds through engaging stories and beautiful illustrations, making their art relatable and understandable. They are perfect for introducing young readers to the personal and artistic journeys of some of the world’s greatest artists.
13 Paintings Children Should Know
by Angela Wenzel
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Reading Level: Ages 8 and up
“13 Paintings Children Should Know” is a visually stunning book that introduces young readers to thirteen iconic paintings from different art movements and periods. Each painting is presented with intriguing facts, a discussion of its historical context, and insights into the artist’s techniques, making it an invaluable resource for fostering an early interest in art history.
Inspirational Stories of Famous Artists (Ages 6 and up)
The Story of Pablo Picasso: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers
by Michael Bird
Goodreads Rating: 4.6/5
Reading Level: Ages 7 and up
This biography introduces young readers to Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The book covers his early life, artistic phases, and significant works, providing insights into his creative process and innovations. The narrative is complemented by reproductions of Picasso’s art, helping children understand his impact on modern art.
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat
by Javaka Steptoe
Goodreads Rating: 4.6/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
This award-winning picture book beautifully narrates the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat, emphasizing his early years and how they influenced his distinctive artistic style. Javaka Steptoe’s vibrant, collage-like illustrations pay homage to Basquiat’s work and capture the essence of his spirit, making art both accessible and meaningful to young readers.
The Met Claude Monet: He Saw the World in Brilliant Light
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.5/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Explore the life and works of Claude Monet through this beautifully illustrated book. It highlights Monet’s development of Impressionism and his approach to capturing light and natural forms. The book uses images of Monet’s paintings from The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, offering a vibrant way to learn about this crucial figure in art history.
Linnea in Monet’s Garden
by Christina Björk and Lena Anderson
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
This charming book follows Linnea as she visits the home and garden of Claude Monet, providing insights into the life and works of this famous Impressionist painter. The blend of narrative, photographs, and reproductions of Monet’s paintings creates a delightful and educational experience, encouraging children to explore and appreciate the beauty of art.
Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity!
by Sarah Suzuki
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Explore the vibrant, polka-dotted world of Yayoi Kusama in this beautifully illustrated book. Written by MoMA curator Sarah Suzuki, it chronicles Kusama’s journey from a young artist in Japan to an internationally celebrated icon. This book helps children understand Kusama’s unique vision and her influence on contemporary art.
The Met Vincent van Gogh: He Saw the World in Vibrant Colors
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.6/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
This visually stunning book is a gateway into the world of Vincent van Gogh. It introduces children to his unique style and the vibrant use of color that defines his work. The narrative is interwoven with high-quality reproductions of van Gogh’s paintings from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering young readers a deep dive into his artistic world.
Interactive and Creative Engagement (Ages 5 and up)
The Met Art Sparks
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Reading Level: Ages 5 and up
“The Met Art Sparks” is not just a book; it’s an interactive journey. It offers a series of creative prompts and questions inspired by various artworks from The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This interactive book encourages children to think critically and creatively about art, making it an excellent resource for home or classroom use.
The Met Mystery at the Museum: Explore the Museum and Solve the Puzzles to Save the Exhibition!
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Reading Level: Ages 8 and up
This interactive mystery book invites children to solve puzzles and find clues throughout The Metropolitan Museum of Art. As they navigate through various art historical periods and styles, they learn about significant artworks and artists, making this an exciting and educational adventure.
The Met Lost in the Museum
by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Goodreads Rating: 4.4/5
Reading Level: Ages 6 and up
Join young visitors as they embark on an unexpected adventure in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This storybook combines a fun narrative with educational insights about the museum’s collection, providing an engaging way for children to learn about art and museum spaces.
Can You Find It?
by Judith Cressy
Goodreads Rating: 4.2/5
Reading Level: Ages 4 and up
“Can You Find It?” is a fun, interactive book that challenges children to discover details in famous artworks. Each page features a different piece of art from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, with questions that prompt readers to look closer and explore the artwork’s intricate details. It’s an engaging way to develop observational skills and an appreciation for art.
Come Look with Me
by Gladys S. Blizzard
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5
Reading Level: Ages 5 and up
The “Come Look with Me” series is designed to engage children in art appreciation through careful observation and thoughtful discussion. Each book in the series focuses on different themes or cultures in art, providing beautiful reproductions of artworks alongside guiding questions that encourage children to think deeply about what they see.