Our favourite Art Books to Inspire the Next Generation of Creatives (Ages 8+)

Nurturing our kids’ creativity is one of the greatest gifts we can offer them. To help inspire the young artists in your life, we’ve hand-picked a curated list of books we love for encouraging artistic exploration, storytelling, and imaginative thinking. Whether through hands-on activities or learning about iconic artists, these books make art education accessible, engaging, and fun, thanks to the work of the brilliant authors and illustrators who have made them a reality.

Think and Make Like an Artist

This inspiring book encourages kids to think like artists by exploring creative processes and problem-solving. Our eight-year-old loves this book, and it’s had plenty of use. It’s excellent at highlighting how artistic skills can be applied to everyday life.

• What We Like: Focused on creative thinking and problem-solving.
• Our Rating: 8/10
• View this book on Amazon

Seeing Things: A Kids Guide to Looking at Photographs

A playful and thought-provoking introduction to visual art, this book challenges kids to observe the world differently. Through interactive prompts and clever illustrations, it helps children explore the principles of art and composition while encouraging their own creativity.

• What We Like: Interactive prompts and clever illustrations
• Our Rating: 8/10
• Browse this book on Amazon

Portrait of an Artist: Vincent van Gogh

Through vibrant illustrations and a compelling narrative, this book introduces kids to the life and work of one of history’s most beloved artists. It’s an inspiring story of perseverance and passion.

• What We Like: A detailed look into van Gogh’s life, made through illustration
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

Eyes Open: 23 Photography Projects for Curious Kids

This vibrant and bold book encourages children to think about perception, imagination, and the power of observation. Packed with colorful illustrations, it bridges the gap between looking and seeing, turning everyday visuals into artful inspiration.

• What We Like: Colorful illustrations that inspire observation
• Our Rating: 8/10
• View this book on Amazon

Meet the Typographer (Meet the Printmakers)

An engaging introduction to the world of typography, this book breaks down the beauty of fonts and letters in a way kids can understand. It’s perfect for budding graphic designers and typography enthusiasts.

• What We Like: Simplified explanations of typography
• Our Rating: 7/10
• View this book on Amazon

A History of Pictures for Children

This book takes kids on a journey through art history, connecting classic masterpieces with contemporary works. With the legendary David Hockney as a guide, children (and adults) gain a new appreciation for the stories behind the pictures.

• What We Like: Insights from renowned artist David Hockney
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

The Art Book for Children

A classic for any young art lover, this book introduces kids to iconic works from around the world. Its conversational tone and vivid imagery make it accessible, inspiring, and endlessly fascinating.

• What We Like: Introduces a range huge of artists and their works
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

Making a Great Exhibition (How Art Works)

Have you ever wondered what goes into creating an art exhibition? This book offers kids a behind-the-scenes look at curating, designing, and setting up a gallery. It’s a fun and educational read that fosters curiosity about art presentations.

• What We Like: Colorful illustrations that inspire observation
• Our Rating: 8/10
• View this book on Amazon

The Ultimate Art Museum

This comprehensive and beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a virtual tour of an imaginary art museum, showcasing masterpieces from ancient times to the modern day.

• What We Like: Museum-style layout with detailed descriptions of artworks.
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring

Celebrating Keith Haring’s vibrant legacy, this book brings his art and activism to life for young readers. Its energetic storytelling encourages kids to think about art as a force for social change.

• What We Like: A detailed look into van Gogh’s life, made through illustration
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

Stencil Art: Make Art With 6 Stencil Sheets

While it’s not a traditional book and more of a kit, this book/kit introduces children to stencil art techniques through clever and minimalistic illustrations. It’s an inspiring tool for budding artists to explore negative space and patterns in their artwork.

• What We Like: A Focus on negative space and minimalist design.
• Our Rating: 7/10
• View this book on Amazon

The ME Book: An Art Activity Book

This interactive activity book encourages children to explore their identity through art. From self-portraits to personal storytelling, it’s packed with prompts that allow young readers to express who they are in creative and meaningful ways.

• What We Like: Focuses on self-expression and personal exploration through art. Marion Deuchars’ distinctive style adds charm and inspiration.
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

Yayoi Kusama: Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn’t Sorry

This playful biography of Yayoi Kusama introduces young readers to the world of contemporary art. Its quirky illustrations and storytelling bring Kusama’s iconic dots to life.

• What We Like: Humorous and visually engaging; our 8-year-old loves this one.
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

100 Things to Know About Art

This concise guide makes art history approachable for kids, breaking it into bite-sized facts. With engaging visuals and trivia, it’s perfect for curious minds.

• What We Like: Bite-sized, engaging art history facts.
• Our Rating: 8/10
• View this book on Amazon

Tate Kids: Modern Art Activity Book

This book blends art history with interactive activities, allowing kids to learn about modern art movements while creating their own masterpieces. It’s a great way to bring abstract concepts to life.

• What We Like: Hands-on activities tied to modern art history.
• Our Rating: 8/10
• View this book on Amazon

Portrait of an Artist: Claude Monet

Claude Monet’s life and artistry come alive in this stunningly illustrated book that focuses on his love of nature and his innovative approach to capturing light. It’s an inspiring introduction to Impressionism for young readers.

• What We Like: Highlights Monet’s iconic paintings with accessible storytelling.
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this book on Amazon

Bonus Listing: The Endless Art Challenge (A Creative Learning Game)

So this one isn’t a book, but we had to include it. Designed for interactive play, this card pack invites children to explore their inner artists through creative prompts. It’s a hands-on resource that helps kids think outside the box and express themselves artistically.

• What We Like: Introduces a huge range of artists, techniques and ideas
• Our Rating: 9/10
• View this game on Amazon

All the books listed have been selected by hand over the years; we own each one and hope others can enjoy them as much as we have. Each book linked gives us a very tiny kickback with Amazon, which goes towards keeping the blog running. If you’d like to buy from an independent seller, we suggest Counter Print whenever you can. Thanks for your support!