The only reason I am not suggesting that ALL the picture books belong in ALL the classrooms is that, well, we need space for the actual art supplies…and also students. (But a girl can dream!) Whether to inspire creativity, to showcase different styles of art, or to give a history of renowned artists and how they got their start, having picture books in an art classroom is crucial. I encourage you to fill your shelves with the amazing creations from your favorite authors and illustrators, because you never know what might inspire someone. Here’s a selection to get you started!
Not only is this the perfect read-aloud, but this story is also a great reminder about the joys of playing, not perfection. Two clay friends decide to sculpt characters to tell an epic story, but nothing goes quite right. Can they learn to work together to save their story? Spoiler: yes, and they have a lot of fun along the way. This one will definitely inspire lots of creativity and I could see the creation of a ton of claymates for endless claydates!
This inspiring story absolutely warms my heart! A young boy visits his grandfather, but their lack of a common language leads to confusion and frustration. And that’s where art comes in. They sit down to draw together and it’s their shared love of art and storytelling that forms a bond that goes beyond words. It’s a true picture of the power of art to connect us.
For more inspiration, we can take a look at one of the greatest American painters of the 20th century: Andrew Wyeth. This beautiful book follows Andrew Wyeth’s life from all the way back when he was a young boy in rural Pennsylvania and Maine. His creative vision differed from that of his artist father N.C. Wyeth, and this story tells how Andrew found his own voice. It’s a fantastic portrait of a famous artist, but it also shows us that everyone starts somewhere and illustrates the journey to discovering yourself.
Radiant Child is the winner of the Randolph Caldecott Medal and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and is a beautiful biography of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Basquiat is known for his unique collage-style paintings, and the art within this gorgeous book reflect that powerful style. He rose to fame in the 1980s, but before that he was a young boy who saw art everywhere he looked. Javaka Steptoe introduces readers to this style, and inspires readers through Basquiat’s story, reminding young readers and artists that art doesn’t have to be neat or clean or expected to be beautiful, powerful, and important.
Speaking of art not having to be neat and clean, you definitely need A Perfectly Messed-Up Story in your art classroom! This interactive and engaging story is from award-winning artist and creator of the MUTTS comic, Patrick McDonnell. It’s all about embracing life’s messes, so it’s perfect for art classrooms where sometimes our creativity can make things a little too messy! Imperfect doesn’t mean worse, and this funny story will help young readers love their art and stories, mistakes and all!
This is a silly, sweet story about two ends of the same pencil! It’s a story of collaboration and learning to get along, and the wonderful things that can come together when we come together. It’s an ode to art and the creative process and illustrates the concept that even when things get tricky, or you feel stuck, stick with it and something beautiful can happen!
Did you know that Matthew Cordell used a multi-colored pen to create all this stunning artwork? This is a beautiful picture book, with a sweet story and amazing art. It sparks curiosity and imagination and what better story to have in a classroom and inspire artists! What worlds might they dream up? What adventures can they create through their art? Plus, knowing that Matthew Cordell used a pen to craft this elaborate world reminds readers that the possibilities are endless. This one truly invites readers to believe the unbelievable.
