Check your local library for books full of artworks, art history, craft projects, how-to techniques, and inspiration. In the Dewey Decimal System, books about all types of arts and creative activities are in the 700s. Look for call numbers 741 (drawing), 745 and 746 (crafts), and 751 (painting). Your library may have books appropriate for children's and family art activities in either the children's or the adult section. Ask your librarian! Here are some suggestions:
- Ten Inspiring Children's Books for Budding Little Artists
Learning about art is one of life’s greatest pleasures. And thanks to a number of brilliant authors and illustrators, many fantastic children’s books have emerged recently, with a goal to educate and inspire little artists-to-be. - Thirteen Children’s Books About Famous Artists
Children will learn about some of the most well-recognized, famous artists with these 13 books. - Picture Books about Art for Preschool
Book recommendations for the preschool classroom; also gret for home! - Best Kids Picture books to Inspire Childrens Art
Some books are simply enjoyed while others just shout out for us to create. For us to imitate the artist; to try a similar technique or medium. - Seven Great Children’s Books About Art That Just May Inspire the Next Generation of Wee Warhols
It’s easy for kids to give up on their own artistic abilities with age. Showing them models of other artists’ who have cultivated a lifelong relationship with creativity might inspire them to do the same, and to see art making as an exciting and essential aspect of life. - Art Books with Craft Ideas for Kids
These art picture books inspire craft projects for fun and learning. - Children's Books and Activities: Art and Artists
Books, activities, and websites to explore art and learn about famous artists. - Reading Recommendations: Craft Books
This booklist from the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County includes books for adults, children, and teens. - Art, Crafts and Artists through Books for Kids and Teens
Ideas for classroom activites (most can be done at home as well) and book reviews covering picture books, nonfiction, and novels from preschool through 9th grade.
These books provide art activities, ideas for family art time, and tips for thinking about art for children as a learning experience. You’ll be sure to find plenty of art your child can do with materials you may have around the house already!
The Artful Parent - Jean Van't Hul
Bring out your children's creativity and imagination with more than 60 kids' art activities.
Big Book of Kids’ Crafts - Better Homes and Gardens
Hundreds of super-fun ideas to keep little hands busy day after day. Includes inspiring, creative projects for kids of all ages and skill levels.
C.R.A.F.T.: Creating Really Awesome Free Things - Jamie Dorobek
An introduction to great art that uses well-known works of art to illustrate familiar words.
Creative Crafts for Kids - Gill Dickenson and Owen Cheryl
Creating Really Awesome Free Things helps you develop your child's creativity, imagination, and fine motor skills--all while using common household items. Each budget-friendly project features step-by-step instructions and keeps kids entertained, engaged, and learning all day long.
Easy Origami - Mary Meinking
A collection of easy origami models, such as a drinking cup and a spinning top, that even beginning papercrafters can follow with successful results.
First Art: Art Experiences for Toddlers and Twos - MaryAnn F. Kohl, Renee F. Ramsey, Dana Bowman, and Katheryn Davis
Children can discover their world as they explore these 75 fun-filled art adventures.
Homemade Fun: 101 Crafts and Activities to Do with Kids - Rae Grant
In our hurried times, Homemade Fun introduces kids to classic childhood crafts that many of us remember fondly.
The Kids’ Multicultural Art Book: Art & Craft Experiences from Around the World - Alexandra Michaels
Children can explore roots, rhythms, and traditions from all corners of the earth while crafting their own art and artifacts.
Martha Stewart's Favorite Crafts for Kids - editors of Martha Stewart Living
175 craft projects that children, aged three to twelve, can make with their parents. These projects are fun, yet serve a practical purpose; children can wear, decorate, and play with what they make. Filled with ideas for a range of ages, skill levels, and interests, this book lets children's creativity run wild, while creating precious memories as parents and kids learn and create as a team.
Preschool Art: It’s the Process Not the Product! - Mary Ann Kohl
Over 200 activities teach children to explore and understand their world through open-ended art experiences that emphasize the process of art, not the product.
Anna's Art Adventure - Bjorn Sortland
On her search for the art museum's bathroom, Anna meets famous artists, becomes part of some of their paintings, and makes her own art.
Art - Patrick McDonnell
"Art" introduces children to the imaginative world of art and the endless opportunities it holds.
The Art Lesson - Tomie De Paola
Little Tommy wants to be an artist when he grows up, so he is thrilled to learn that he'll have art lessons each week in first grade.
Begin at the Beginning: A Little Artist Learns About Life - Amy Schwartz
Sara gets stuck when she must paint a picture for the second grade art show, until she discovers the best place to begin.
The Dot - Peter Reynolds
From the illustrator of the Judy Moody series comes a simple, witty story that entices even the stubbornly uncreative to make a mark and follow it on a journey of surprise and self-discovery.
Josefina - Jeanette Winter
Count along in English and Spanish with a Mexican folk artist as she sculpts her world from clay: one sun, two angels, three houses . . . ten stars to twinkle bright in the sky.
Little Blue and Little Yellow - Leo Lionni
Little blue and little yellow share wonderful adventures. One day, they can't find one another. When they finally meet, they are overjoyed.
Ready to Dream - Donna Jo Napoli
Ally and her mother are visiting Australia for the summer, and she can't wait to start drawing all the new animals that she'll see.
