10+ Best Art Books for 11-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect way to nurture creativity in your pre-teen? Look no further! Our roundup of art books for 11-year-olds is packed with picks that will inspire and educate young artists. Whether they're just dabbling in doodles or already passionate about painting, these books are sure to spark their imagination and enhance their skills. Keep reading to discover our favorite art books for 11-year-olds, each one a treasure trove of artistic adventures!

Fun Art Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Art
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of a young girl who thinks she can't draw, but her teacher encourages her to start with a simple dot on a piece of paper.
  • Why we recommend this book: It inspires creativity and confidence in self-expression through a simple yet powerful story.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who may be hesitant about their skills and anyone who needs a little encouragement to be creative.

• Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews by Kathleen Benson, illustrated by Benny Andrews
  • Genre(s): Biography, Art
  • Synopsis: This biography showcases the life of Benny Andrews, a famous American painter and illustrator, focusing on how he used his art to tell stories about his life and social issues.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines inspiring real-life stories with beautiful illustrations, encouraging readers to appreciate art as a powerful form of expression.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring young artists and readers interested in social history and activism through art.

• Ish by Peter H. Reynolds
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Art
  • Synopsis: A follow-up to The Dot, this book follows Ramon, who loves to draw, but loses confidence when his brother laughs at his "ish" drawings—until his sister shows him a new way to look at his art.
  • Why we recommend this book: It teaches children that creativity is not about perfection but about individual expression and enjoyment.
  • Perfect for: Children who are self-conscious about their artistic skills and need a boost of confidence.

• Art & Max by David Wiesner
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Fantasy, Art
  • Synopsis: This book features Max and Arthur, two friends with very different approaches to art. Max is new to painting and eager to experiment, leading to a series of explosive surprises.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and imaginative story that encourages experimentation and finding one's own path in art.
  • Perfect for: Creative kids who love to explore different ways of doing things and fans of whimsical storytelling.

• Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Interactive Art
  • Synopsis: This unique interactive book shows young readers how every mistake is an opportunity to make something beautiful.
  • Why we recommend this book: It turns the concept of errors on its head, showing how accidents can be transformed into art, fostering a positive attitude towards mistakes.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who might be perfectionists or afraid to make mistakes, as well as anyone who enjoys interactive books.

Educational Art Books for 11-Year-Olds

• Art Lab for Kids by Susan Schwake
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art, Activity Book
  • Synopsis: This book provides 52 creative art projects for children, each designed to inspire and teach new techniques and materials.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art techniques, creativity, project planning
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a hands-on approach to learning art, making it easy and fun for kids to explore their creativity.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who enjoy experimenting with different materials and projects.

• Exploring the Elements of Art by Phaidon Editors
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to the seven basic elements of art: line, shape, color, value, form, texture, and space.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of basic art concepts, appreciation for diverse artistic styles
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex art concepts into understandable parts, helping kids grasp the fundamentals of art.
  • Perfect for: Budding artists who are curious about the building blocks of art.

• The Color Monster: A Pop-Up Book of Feelings by Anna Llenas
  • Genre(s): Children's Fiction, Pop-Up Book, Art
  • Synopsis: This interactive pop-up book uses colors and engaging visuals to explore emotions with children.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, color recognition, empathy
  • Why we recommend this book: It creatively combines art with emotional learning, making it a unique tool for emotional development.
  • Perfect for: Children who are learning to express and understand their feelings through creative outlets.

• Vincent's Starry Night and Other Stories: A Children's History of Art by Michael Bird, illustrated by Kate Evans
  • Genre(s): History, Art, Biography
  • Synopsis: This book narrates the history of art through 68 stories about artists and their famous works, from ancient times to the present.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Art history, cultural appreciation, storytelling
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of art history in a storytelling format that is accessible and engaging for kids.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who have an interest in history and stories behind the art and artists.

• Art for Kids: Drawing by Kathryn Temple
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art, How-To
  • Synopsis: This instructional book teaches basic drawing skills using simple shapes and compositions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Drawing techniques, visual perception, hand-eye coordination
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a practical guide that helps build foundational drawing skills in an easy-to-follow format.
  • Perfect for: Young artists who want to improve their drawing skills and learn the basics of art.

Challenging Art Books for 11-Year-Olds

• The Art Book for Children by Amanda Renshaw and Gilda Williams Ruggi
  • Genre(s): Educational, Art History
  • Synopsis: This book introduces children to 30 great artists and their most famous works, ranging from Leonardo da Vinci to Andy Warhol, providing engaging discussions about each piece.
  • Why this book is challenging: It tackles complex art theories and historical contexts that are typically introduced at older ages.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a sophisticated exploration of art history that is tailored to young readers, fostering an early appreciation for both classic and contemporary art.
  • Perfect for: Young art enthusiasts who are ready to explore deeper art concepts and historical art movements.

• 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, Activity Book, Art History
  • Synopsis: This book provides instructions for children to recreate the techniques of great artists like Michelangelo and Picasso through engaging, hands-on projects.
  • Why this book is challenging: It not only introduces complex art techniques but also encourages practical application, which requires higher-level thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun, interactive way to learn about art history and the techniques of the masters, promoting both understanding and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy both learning about art and engaging in creative projects.

• The Story of Paintings: A History of Art for Children by Mick Manning and Brita Granström
  • Genre(s): History, Art
  • Synopsis: This illustrated book takes readers through the history of art, from cave paintings to modern art, with rich narratives and colorful illustrations.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of historical and cultural contexts, requiring readers to connect artistic developments with historical events.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive overview of art history in a child-friendly format that enhances both historical knowledge and artistic literacy.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in both the history and the practice of art.

• 13 Artists Children Should Know by Angela Wenzel
  • Genre(s): Biography, Art History
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young readers to thirteen influential artists throughout history, including da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Warhol, with beautiful reproductions of their works and insights into their artistic processes.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into the biographical and technical aspects of each artist, presenting complex ideas about art and its cultural impact.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of artists and their contributions to society, fostering a lifelong interest in the arts.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring artists and any young reader with a keen interest in learning about the people behind the art.

• Art Detective: Spot the Difference! by Doris Kutschbach
  • Genre(s): Activity Book, Art
  • Synopsis: This book challenges children to find the differences in famous artworks, offering a fun and interactive way to engage with art.
  • Why this book is challenging: It requires keen observation and attention to detail, as children must spot subtle differences within complex artworks.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s an entertaining way to develop critical thinking and observational skills, while also exposing readers to famous works of art.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love puzzles and games and have an interest in art.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Introducing young readers to the world of art through books can be an enlightening experience. However, developing good reading habits is just as crucial as picking the right book. Here are some exercises designed to help 11-year-olds engage more deeply with art books and cultivate lasting reading habits:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Encourages consistency and commitment to reading regularly.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create Art Inspired by Reading
  • What it is: Draw or paint something inspired by what you've read.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and allows creative expression.
  • Tips: Keep your art supplies ready and accessible while reading.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try to express what feelings and thoughts the book evokes in you.

• Use a Visual Reading Tracker
  • What it is: Create a visual map or chart to track reading progress.
  • How it helps: Makes the progress visible and motivating.
  • Tips: Use colorful markers or stickers to make tracking fun.

• Read Aloud to Others
  • What it is: Read parts of the book aloud to someone else.
  • How it helps: Enhances fluency and helps with understanding complex concepts.
  • Tips: Choose exciting passages to make the reading enjoyable for both the reader and the listener.

By incorporating these exercises into their reading routine, 11-year-olds can not only enjoy their art books more but also develop robust reading habits that last a lifetime. Whether they're sketching scenes inspired by their latest read or discussing their favorite artists with friends, the key is to keep the process fun and engaging. Happy reading and creating!