10+ Best Art Books for 10-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to nurture creativity in your young artist? Look no further! Our curated selection of art books for 10-year-olds is packed with inspiring choices that are sure to spark imagination and enhance artistic skills. Whether your child loves drawing, painting, or mixed media, these books offer a world of colorful possibilities. Keep reading to discover our favorite picks that will help your child express themselves through the beauty of art!

Fun Art Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Art
  • Synopsis: This charming story follows a young girl named Vashti who believes she can't draw. Encouraged by a teacher, she begins with a simple dot on a page and discovers her creative spirit.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages creativity and self-expression, showing kids that art is accessible to everyone and that every mark on the page is a step towards discovering their own creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who might be hesitant about their artistic abilities or anyone who needs a little encouragement to try something new.

• Ish by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Art
  • Synopsis: Ramon loves to draw, but he quits after his brother laughs at his drawings. Ramon learns that his drawings don't need to be perfect, and he starts creating "ish" art inspired by his own unique view of the world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches kids that the joy of creation is more important than perfection and helps foster a positive self-image in relation to personal creativity.
  • Perfect for: Children who are perfectionists or are discouraged by criticism, and anyone who enjoys creative expression.

• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Interactive Art
  • Synopsis: This interactive book shows young readers how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful. A torn piece of paper is just the beginning!
  • Why we recommend this book: It promotes a positive outlook on mistakes and accidents, encouraging children to see the potential for creativity in unexpected places.
  • Perfect for: Kids who are afraid of making mistakes and need a gentle reminder that imperfection can lead to beautiful results.

• Art & Max by David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Art
  • Synopsis: Max and Arthur are friends who decide to paint together. However, their artistic process leads to unexpected and fantastical transformations.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visually stunning book that plays with the concepts of creativity and transformation in art, pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
  • Perfect for: Young artists and any child who loves stories with a touch of magic and lots of imagination.

• What Do You Do With an Idea? by Kobi Yamada, illustrated by Mae Besom
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This is a story of a brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world. As the child's confidence grows, so does the idea itself.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires children to embrace their ideas, nurture them, and understand that their creative thoughts have value and power.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers, thinkers, and young innovators who might just change the world with their ideas.

Educational Art Books for 10-Year-Olds

• Drawing with Children by Mona Brookes
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art Instruction
  • Synopsis: This instructional guide provides step-by-step lessons that help children develop their drawing skills, starting from simple shapes and progressing to more complex compositions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Artistic techniques, observation skills, concentration, fine motor skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive and structured approach to art that builds confidence and skill in young artists.
  • Perfect for: Young aspiring artists and any child interested in learning to draw more effectively.

• The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by Anna Llenas
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Pop-Up Book, Emotional Learning
  • Synopsis: This pop-up book uses colors and engaging visuals to explore different emotions, helping children understand and articulate their feelings through the metaphor of a color monster.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, color recognition, language skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines art with emotional learning, making it easier for children to express their feelings.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning to identify and talk about their emotions, and those who love interactive books.

• Art Lab for Kids: 52 Creative Adventures in Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Paper, and Mixed Media by Susan Schwake
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art Instruction
  • Synopsis: This book offers 52 fun and creative art projects in various mediums, encouraging children to explore and experiment with art in new and exciting ways.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creativity, various art techniques, self-expression
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a year's worth of artistic exploration and is designed to inspire creativity and a love for art.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy hands-on projects and parents or educators looking for a structured yet flexible art curriculum.

• Adventures in Cartooning: How to Turn Your Doodles Into Comics by James Sturm, Andrew Arnold, and Alexis Frederick-Frost
  • Genre(s): Art Instruction, Cartooning
  • Synopsis: This engaging book teaches children how to create their own cartoons by turning simple doodles into structured comic strips.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Storytelling, sequential art, drawing
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes the art of cartooning accessible and fun, encouraging storytelling through pictures.
  • Perfect for: Young storytellers and any child who loves comics and wants to start making their own.

• Discovering Great Artists: Hands-On Art for Children in the Styles of the Great Masters by MaryAnn F. Kohl and Kim Solga
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art History
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to great artists like Michelangelo, Van Gogh, and Matisse through hands-on projects that mimic their famous techniques and styles.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, artistic techniques, creativity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical way to learn about art history while engaging in creative expression.
  • Perfect for: Kids interested in art history and those who learn best through doing and creating.

Challenging Art Books for 10-Year-Olds

• The Art Book for Children by Amanda Renshaw and Gilda Williams Ruggi
  • Genre(s): Art, Education
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to over 30 artists and their famous works, ranging from Da Vinci to Warhol, through engaging questions and discussions.
  • Why this book is challenging: It exposes children to complex art concepts and a wide range of artistic styles, encouraging critical thinking about art.
  • Why we recommend this book: It makes art accessible and engaging, helping children to develop an appreciation for various art forms and historical contexts.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young artists and children interested in learning about famous artworks and artists.

• Vincent's Starry Night and Other Stories: A Children's History of Art by Michael Bird, illustrated by Kate Evans
  • Genre(s): Art History, Biography
  • Synopsis: This narrative history of art for children covers 68 artists and their works, woven into stories that bring the paintings and sculptures to life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It includes detailed artist biographies and historical contexts that require a deeper level of comprehension and engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It narrates the history of art in a story format, making it more relatable and memorable for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Children who enjoy stories and are curious about the history behind artworks and their creators.

• 13 Artists Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel
  • Genre(s): Art History, Educational
  • Synopsis: This educational book introduces children to thirteen influential artists, including Leonardo da Vinci and Frida Kahlo, with beautiful reproductions and insightful texts.
  • Why this book is challenging: It discusses various artistic movements and techniques, requiring readers to understand and differentiate between them.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a solid foundation in the world of art, encouraging children to explore and appreciate diverse artistic expressions.
  • Perfect for: Young readers with a budding interest in art and those looking to expand their knowledge of famous artists.

• The Art Treasure Hunt: I Spy with My Little Eye by Doris Kutschbach
  • Genre(s): Art, Interactive
  • Synopsis: This book takes children on a treasure hunt through art history, using the "I spy" game to engage them with famous artworks.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires observational skills and attention to detail as children look for hidden elements within complex artworks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an interactive and fun way to engage with art, improving observational skills while learning about historical art pieces.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love games and puzzles, and those who enjoy interactive learning experiences.

• Child's Introduction to Art: The World's Greatest Paintings and Sculptures by Heather Alexander, illustrated by Meredith Hamilton
  • Genre(s): Art History, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to art history through 40 famous artists and their works, accompanied by activities and quizzes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of art history topics and includes activities that challenge comprehension and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of art history with interactive elements to keep young readers engaged.
  • Perfect for: Children who are eager to learn about art history and enjoy activities that test their knowledge and understanding.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're looking to dive into the colorful world of art books, you're in for a treat! Art books can be a fantastic way to expand your creativity and knowledge about different art forms and artists. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed specifically for 10-year-olds. These will not only enhance your understanding but also help you develop great reading habits.

• Create Art Inspired by Your Reading
  • What it is: Draw or paint something inspired by the art or artists you read about.
  • How it helps: This exercise helps bridge the gap between reading and creative expression.
  • Tips: Keep your art supplies ready before you start reading so you can sketch whenever inspiration strikes.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends, family, or classmates.
  • How it helps: Discussing what you've read helps reinforce your memory and understanding of the content.
  • Tips: Try to think of a question or a fascinating fact from the book to share in your discussion.

• Visit a Gallery or Museum
  • What it is: Visit a local art gallery or museum that features work similar to what you're reading about.
  • How it helps: Seeing art in person can enhance your appreciation and understanding of the artwork discussed in the book.
  • Tips: Take a notebook to jot down your thoughts and impressions about the artworks you find most intriguing.

• Create a Bookmark Related to the Book
  • What it is: Design and create a bookmark that reflects themes or artwork from the book.
  • How it helps: Engages your artistic skills and serves as a lovely reminder of what you’ve read.
  • Tips: Use materials like colored pencils, markers, or even collage materials to make your bookmark unique.

• Summarize Chapters
  • What it is: Write short summaries of each chapter after you read.
  • How it helps: Summarizing helps improve comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and highlight the key points.

• Sketch Your Favorite Scene
  • What it is: Sketch or paint your favorite scene or concept from the book.
  • How it helps: This helps you connect visually with the content and aids memory.
  • Tips: Don't worry about making it perfect; focus on expressing what struck you the most.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only make your journey through art books more engaging but also more educational. Whether you're sketching, discussing, or visiting museums, each activity is designed to enhance your learning and enjoyment. So, grab your favorite art book, pick an exercise, and let your artistic adventure begin!