MUST HAVE Story Books For The Elementary Art Room
The following are some of my favorite story books to use with my elementary classes. As a bonus, many of these books are A.R. (Accelerated Reader) books, so the kids can earn points for listening to them. I have given a short summary of each book, as well as any links that may be relevant to them. (Clicking on the titles takes you to an external link)

by Michael Garland
This book is currently out of print, but still available on Amazon. It is well worth the hunt to find it. The story tells of a little boy who is invited to dine with artist Rene' Magritte and Salvador Dali. The illustrations include several references to both artist's work and are very whimsical. This is a great indroduction to Surrealism for young children.

by John Duggleby
The paintings of Jacob Lawrence serve as a backdrop to this story which introduces the acclaimed artist.

The following two book are by author Peter H. Reynolds.
Video of Peter Reynolds speaking about his work.The Dot is a story about a little girl named Vashti, who is convinced she cannot draw. Her teacher encourages her to just "make a mark" and then then fawns over the dot Vashti makes. This encourages the young girl, who sets off to create more masterpieces.
Ish
When Ramon discovers that his younger sister has secretly saved his crumpled artwork, he tells her that the work is not good, but she tells him it looks "vase-ish". With this perspective, Ramon is encouraged to create even more "ish" works of art.

Guide for using The Dot and ish in class.
Merchandise featuring The Dot, including t-shirts.
FableVision site which features games and interactive media and resources. Founded by Peter Reynolds

This series, by Pam Stephens, follows a puffin named Puffer as he travels to interview various famous artists. The artist's works of art are used within the books. I actually use the videos with my class and the kids are mesmerized by them!

Getting To Know TheWorld's Greatest Artists

by Mike Venezia


Adventures In Art
This series of books is the BEST artist biographies I have found. They are imaginative, to the point, and are not too difficult for students to understand. Believe me, I have bought several biographies and these are the best!

The author cleverly uses comedy and cartoon like drawings interspersed within the story to keep the listener's attention. There are tons of books on nearly every well known artist. Some books have been made into videos.
Getting To Know, Inc.
Getting To Know, Inc.
Mike Venezia's website
A peek at one of the videos.

by Roberta Angeletti
While on a field trip in France, a young girl discovers a real life caveman who tells her of the ancient paintings and his life. This is a great introduction for young children to cave painting art.
Sneek peek video of the book.
Sneek peek video of the book.

Adventures In Art
This series of books is the BEST artist biographies I have found. They are imaginative, to the point, and are not too difficult for students to understand. Believe me, I have bought several biographies and these are the best!

by Thacher Hurd
Guard at the museum by day, artist by night, Art Dog also finds time to apprehend a band of thieves who have stolen the Mona Woofa from the museum. Great story with vivid illustrations.

by Bimba Landmann 


When Pigasso Met Mootisse
The collages in this book are beyond amazing, which makes the story even more rich. It is based loosely on the life story of artist Marc Chagall and includes referneces to his work.


By Faith Ringgold
Tar Beach tells the story of Cassie Lightfoot as she lays upon her roof, which she calls "tar beach". Cassie dreams of flying over her favorite landmarks and owning them. This book will inspire many art projects with its beautiful illustrations.
Faith Ringgold's Website
Faith Ringgold's Website

When Pigasso Met Mootisse

by Nina Laden
There is a great site which has various actors reading books and this book is on that site. You can find it here.
Resource page.
Resource page.

Various shapes are introduced in this colorful book. The illustrations are very cute and make this book ideal to use with kinders.
Teaching ideas from the author.
Teaching ideas from the author.
A peek inside the book.

by Cristina Bjork
Linnea befriends her elderly neighbor Mr, Bloom, who educates her on the life and art of Claude Monet. They decide to travel to France to see the actual gardens of Monet.
I use the video with my first graders and they LOVE, LOVE it. The video includes footage of Monet's garden and the infamous Japanese bridge. I HIGHLY recommend the video.
Watch the trailer.
Buy a Linnea doll or mini suitcase.


by Claire Hartfield
When James' mom gets close to delivering the new babies, she sends James to visit his artist uncle Romare Bearden in New Your City. James learns a lot about his uncle's life as an artist and learns a new way of creating his own art.

Picasso And The Girl With A Ponytail

by Laurence Anholt
I simply love the books by Anholt. They tell a story of the people around the artist while telling about the artist himself. In The Girl With A Ponytail, we meet Sylvette, who becomes Picasso's model and develops her own artistic style.
Kids (or adults!) can create their own Picasso portraits on this interactive website: MrPicassoHead
The Anholts have an awesome website also.
Kids (or adults!) can create their own Picasso portraits on this interactive website: MrPicassoHead
The Anholts have an awesome website also.

by Joan Shaddox Isom
This book creates a mood from the beginning. The deep blues and purples used in the illustrations draw you in immediately. The story of Vincent vanGogh and his starry night is told through the eyes of a young boy.
by Jan Greenburg 

Uncle Andy's
The artist Jackson Pollack is introduced in this short story.
Jan Greenberg author site
If you haven't tried this site for making your own Pollack masterpieces, you really must!
Jan Greenberg author site
If you haven't tried this site for making your own Pollack masterpieces, you really must!

by Nancy Andrews-Goebel
Using the format of "The House That Jack Built", this book tells the story of Juan, a potter from Mexico. The book has a unique format, in that it has the poem form of the story on the left, and the narrative form on the right. Based on the life of artist Juan Quezada, this book is a great introduction to his pottery and the Mexican culture it arises from.

Uncle Andy's

by James Warhola
Written and illustrated by Andy Warhol's nephew, this book allows us a glimpse into the artist's personal life and creative process. The illustrations are wonderful and comical!
James Warhola's Site
(woo-hoo! Looks like there is a new book, called Uncle Andy's Cats)
James Warhola's Site
(woo-hoo! Looks like there is a new book, called Uncle Andy's Cats)
James Warhola talks about his uncle Andy

by Karen Beaumont
The youngster in this book takes pleasure in painting various parts of his body until his mom finds him and throws him in the bath. Cute story!


by Laurence Anholt
Camille befriends the odd new artist in town and learns a lesson in tolerance and loyalty. VanGogh's artwork is used within the drawn pages also. I use this book as a starting point for our chalk sunflower drawings.
Website of Laurence and Catherine Anholt- Cool interactive site!
Laurence Anholt reads the story to you here!

Roberto The Insect Architect

by Nina Laden
Another favorite book of mine! I simply adore the mixed media artwork in this book and it inspired our Neighborhood project.
Roberto is a termite who is supposed to destroy the very architecture he loves. His journey is sweet and fulfilling.
There is a movie version of the book available.
Trailer of the movie.
Website of author Nina Laden.

The Art Lesson

by Tomie DePaola
A cute story of a boy who wants to spread his creative wings, but is nearly stifled by an overbearing teacher.
Website of Tomie dePaola

Mouse Paint

by Ellen Stoll Walsh
This book is an essential for any elementary art program. The mice mix the secondary colors by crawling in and out of paint jars and mixing it with their feet.
by Patrick McDonnell
Art loves Art. He draws and doodles all day long. A really cute and sweet story for younger kids.
Interview with the author.
Patrick McDonnell's website.
Wow! Wow! Wow!
ReplyDeleteYou have all of my favorites and some I'm eager to include in my list of favorites. The first on the list is so timely. I was just about to plan a lesson on surrealism for my homeschooled kids.
Oh, good! I am so glad this list helps someone because it took 5 hours to compile. LOL
ReplyDeleteWow! You have some of my favs too and the others I will have to work on getting. I am going to give this list to the librarian so she can order them all with her budget money (she's always looking for suggestions.) THANKS
ReplyDeleteDo you have a single list of these titles??? Could I have it if you do? I want to e-mail it to the librarian. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThe Cave Painter of Lascaux by Roberta Angeletti
ReplyDeleteAction Jackson by Jan Greenburg
When A Line Bends, A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene
The Pot That Juan Built by Nancy Andrews-Goebel
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont
ART by Patrick McDonnell
Roberto The Insect Architect by Nina Laden
The Art Lesson by Tomie DePaola
When Pigasso Met Mootisse by Nina Laden
Camille & The Sunflowers by Laurence Anholt
Mouse Paint Everyone by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Uncle Andy's by James Warhola
Linnea In Monet's Garden (I recommend the video!)by Cristina Bjork
Me & Uncle Romie by Claire Hartfield
Picasso & The Girl WIth A Ponytail by Laurence Anholt
The First Starry Night by Joan Shaddox Isom
Any of the "Adventures In Art" series- no author- Prestel is the publisher
The "Dropping In" series by Pam Stephens
Action Jackson
Art Dog by Thacher Hurd
Getting To Know The World's Greatest Artists by Mike Venezia
I Am Marc Chagall by Bimba Landmann
Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold
Dot and Ish by Peter H. Reynolds
The Story Painter by John Duggleby
Dinner At Magritte's by Michael Garland
Dinner at Magritte's is my all-time favorite book to use in the classroom. The kids LOVE it and really "get" the surrealism. Glad others have found it too!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned Uncle Andy's - there is now another book (same author - Warhol's nephew) specifically about Warhol'scats - I think it may be just called Uncle Andy's Cats and is very much in the same spirit. I'll have to post a nice lesson I did on Andy's cats earlier this year.
Your blog is fabulous....and this list is outstanding.....I am a homeschooler and we are doing an ongoing artists study...I love using the picture books to get them hooked and to keep my littlest one involved....so wonderful....thank you!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog because you found mine1 Love all the books - can't wait to add them to my list!
ReplyDeleteBethany
Thanks for this list. I am going to link it to my blog! Its fantastic. Exactly what I was looking for. Another one I would put on your list is Leon the Chameleon by Melanie Watt. Perfect for complementary colours.
ReplyDeletethank you so much for this post, I am a preschool teacher, and might be getting a job as an art preschool teacher, I love art, but feel that I don't know enough about it, thanks a million for your help and awesome blog :)
ReplyDeleteUncle Andy's Cats is a favourite of mine. The kids drew the best ever cats in the same style as Andy. they were awesome.
ReplyDelete"Beautiful Oops" by Barney Saltzberg is a cute book that demonstrates changing "mistakes" into beautiful art. There is a video of the book on Amazon . . . Check it out! :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m72FW46C1PPNT/ref=ent_fb_link
LOVE this! I have some money from Artsonia sales that I want to use to buy new art books for my classroom with. Thanks for the suggestions!
ReplyDeleteJust as I told Patty (DSS) I use books so often and LOVE to see what others are using. I have used several of these books, but the new titles to use make me so happy!! Peter H. Reynolds books are amazing! I love (and have) them all! I agree that Anholt books are AWESOME! Thank you for taking the time to share this!
ReplyDeleteJess
After I saw your post, I wrote a grant to get a few of these. I actually got the check yesterday. So anyway, I mentioned you in my post. http://snippetygibbet.blogspot.com/2012/03/people-want-to-give-you-money.html jan
ReplyDeleteI am compiling my first selection of books for my art room library. I also plan on including a few "how to draw books" for early finishers. Here are some more books with great illustrations that are worth adding to your library:
ReplyDelete*Seen Art? By Jon Scieszka
*Lines That Wiggle by Candace Whitman
Ish, Peter Reynolds
*Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
*Art and Max by David Wiesner
*Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
*When Sophie Gets Angry by Molly Green
John Coltraine’s Giant Steps by Christopher Raschka
*Weaving the Rainbow by George Ella Lyon
Snow Music by Lynne Rae Perkins
*Love as Strong as Ginger by Lenore Look
*Smokey Night by Eve Bunting
Snow by Uri Shulevitz
Once a Mouse by Marcia Brown
*Rah Rah Radishes by April Pully Sayre
Subway Story by Julia Sarcone Roach
*Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett
*Sick day for Amos McGee by Philip C Stead
nice posting.. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou have many of my favorites listed. I would add:
ReplyDeleteWhen Cats Dream by Dav Pilkey
Vincent Van Gogh's Cat
the Smart About Art artist bio series.
Thanks so much for the list! There were a few I hadn't seen before. :)
ReplyDeleteThis list is so helpful! I have been a high school teacher for 20 years and have recently started also teaching elementary art in our district. Every resource helps! Thanks so much for this wonderful list!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have been a high school teacher for 20 years and just recently began teaching at the elementary level as well. Every resource helps and I appreciate all the time you took putting this list together. Thanks so much!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMs. Jones, I was recently laid-off from my 10 year high school teaching position. Tomorrow I begin teaching elementary. I am terrified. What were some of the most important things you encoutered in your transition?
DeleteMay I suggest one more, my son's favorite? "The Best Artist in the Ocean" by Keven Sherry
ReplyDeleteLove these. Well done.
ReplyDelete