Book Finder

Artist Marc Chagall’s early life is represented through engaging narrative and illustrations that call to mind Chagall’s own work. A reproduction of one of his paintings is included.

This clever tale follows two child artists, Vashti and Ramon, through the creative process. Though they are influenced by encouraging teachers and discouraging siblings, they ultimately discover that everyone sees a piece of art a little bit differently. The important lesson is finding the beauty in your own work.

Sara has initial hesitations when she is asked to create a painting for the class art show. But when her mother suggests that the universe Sara wants to paint starts right outside her window, Sara opens the door to the art all around her. Child-like watercolors present Sara’s creative process - from being overwhelmed to finding inspiration.

A young artist named Art lives up to his name and takes the reader on a vibrant journey where color and line race from page to page. Art’s exuberance is portrayed with nimble illustrations, translucent colors, and rhyming language.

Young children will delight in seeing familiar animals in their natural habitats, portrayed in the distinct styles of various artists. Lively descriptions accompany the illustrations, and endnotes include artist, time period, and owning museums.

The artist Jackson Pollack’s style and energy in his piece Number 1 1950 earned him the nickname Action Jackson. Fascinating details emerge as the art, environment, and inspiration of Jackson Pollack are presented in a carefully crafted, well-told, and vivaciously illustrated picture book biography.  

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the classic story of Harold, who turns an ordinary walk into an extraordinary adventure! With his purple crayon and vivid imagination, he draws his way into and out of trouble. Simple line drawings — including lines from Harold’s crayon — complement the simple text, for a story that celebrates creativity and problem solving using a tool with which every child is familiar!

Poor but worthy, Kenji loves to draw — perhaps too much. But his art comes alive in surprising ways when he defeats an evil goblin rat. Graceful illustrations and atmospheric language combine to evoke the tale’s Japanese origins.

Attractive, bold and crisp visuals, and a limited text in ten short chapters introduce art and how it works. Learn about the effect of lines, color, and contrast on one’s perception of an image in this book that’s likely to not only inform, but also to inspire art activities.

“When I was twelve years old, I knew what I wanted — to be an artist.” So begins this lovely picture-book portrait of American artist Georgia O’Keeffe.

Though Tommy’s family values and respects his artwork, the budding artist’s school doesn’t always seem to appreciate it. That is until a special teacher encourages Tommy to follow his own interests. The tone of dePaola’s signature art is reserved here but ideally suited to this autobiographical picture book. Those who follow their own passions and persevere (or want to) will find this book affirming.

Mr. Hawkins was a 19th century British artist with a passion for dinosaurs. This illustrated biography introduces the man, his time, and how he worked both to satisfy his own curiosity and stimulate that same curiosity in others. Additional notes from both the author and illustrator provide insight into the person and how his knowledge evolved.

It’s market day, and everyone’s going to the town square. But this is no ordinary market — it’s a veritable feast of folk art from around the world, assembled with Lois Ehlert’s impeccable eye for color and design.

The story of one boy’s passion for snowflakes led to a lifetime’s study. Wilson Bentley, better known as Snowflake Bentley, is presented in a fascinating picture book biography. Read just the story portion or include the factual narration which is included on each page. Illustrations evoke Snowflake’s Vermont, just the thing for a warm day.

Art is meant to be enjoyed, and sometimes even eaten! Create, then consume, the attractive, tasty, and nutritious treats featured in this fun recipe book.

Make a thumbprint, add a few lines, and voila! you get an instant cartoon! This easy-to-follow book helps even the youngest make fascinating, funny creatures.

Ancona takes a look at Latino and Hispanic murals within the United States in this fascinating photo-essay. The photos vary between broad shots, close-ups that reveal details, and images of a variety of people either creating or viewing the paintings.

Summer has finally arrived to the young narrator’s island home. With it come four different artists who the boy – an artist himself – observes carefully as he tries to paint the wind. Newbery medalist Patricia MacLachlan and her daughter team up to explore creativity in an unusual but understandable way.

Fiestas often involve puppets, masks, and piñatas. Meet Tío Rico, the elderly piñata maker in a Mexican town, whose artful creations are shown from start to finish in this handsomely photographed book. The text is presented in both Spanish and English.

Enjoy Van Gogh, Picasso, primitive and contemporary art, sculpture, and more with a boy, a girl, and their family as they visit an art museum. Reproductions and original artwork combine in this attractive and engaging introduction to visiting a gallery or museum.

As mysterious things happen in and around their Chicago school, Petra and Calder use their knowledge of the painter Vermeer, their intuition, and their problem solving skills to retrieve a stolen painting. The book’s Illustrations contain clues that are revealed only upon close (and multiple) examinations. This quirky mystery is sure to please fans of E.L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

As a child doodles and draws, she plays with lively language and creates all that she’s illustrated. Which comes first, the doodles or the words? Well, it’s a tantalizing tangle to untwist tongues and identify illustrations.

Handsome illustrations of Shange’s evocative poem, “Mood Indigo,” pay homage to the many African American icons and visionaries who came to the author’s house when she was a child. From W.E.B. DuBois to Duke Ellington, the people we now know as luminaries are seen from the perspective of a young girl. This book is sure to generate discussion.