“A True Artist is Not One That is Inspired, But One Who Inspires Others.” ~ Salvador Dali
Inspiring children to be creative and express their curiosities about the world with the language of art materials is magical!
While there are so many truly inspiring books about art, today I want to share 7 books that you can place in and around your atelier to keep coming back to throughout the entire year.
The Art Book for Children by Amanda Renshaw
This book is a must for displaying and using all year. Introduces wonderful works of art and sparks thought-provoking ideas in all avenues of art. A museum in a child-friendly book!
Museum ABC by the Metropolitan Museum Of Art Staff
Great literacy connections to historical works of art. Connects a word to each letter of the alphabet by showcasing different art pieces and paintings.
Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg
One of my all-time favorite books about the power of making a mistake. It’s an interactive book that showcases different mistakes that happen and how it turns out to be beautiful.
Pantone Colors by Pantone, Helen Dardik
This is an incredible book to reference color. The shades and tints will help showcase the language of color in all their art explorations.
Hands: Growing Up to Be an Artist by Lois Ehlert
This book showcases the many different avenues our hands create art!
Perfect Square by Michael Hall
A collaging masterpiece that will spark imagination when it comes to cutting, collaging, and creating in the atelier.
An ABC of What Art Can Be by Meher McArthur
Another incredible literacy connection that gives us all an invitation to think creatively when exploring art.
Examples of Books Displayed in Rooms
Many thanks to Rosa Parks for showcasing how you are displaying powerful books in your atelier for inspiration.
Comment below how you utilize books within your atelier and your favorite books for art!
Thank!
Ooohhhh, I will be book shopping on Amazon today!
Thank you for the inspiration!
I will look forward to adding these to my art center.
Let us know how it goes, Leslie!
Thank you. I teach kinder in California and I love the books and ideas.
I teach in a kindergarten in Greece and you gave me good inspiration!I will use the books to my teaching!Thank you!
Another favorite of mine is “Ish” by Peter Reynolds. I work with older kids and love his use of color to express emotion and the central theme of finding your own perspective. I love your page!
I use most of the books listed, but would like to add “The Dot” by Peter H Reynolds. Simple and inspiring. I even use it with older children.
What a great inspiration 🙂 I am teaching children in Warsaw, Poland
Regards
I’m so excited to get these books for my classroom! They seem like a great way to encourage children to use their creativity! I also love the book A Big Mistake by Lenore Rinder! It helps children learn to turn their “mistakes” into creative inspiration.