Books are a great way to get kids excited about art. So we were thrilled to gather this batch of new children’s books about art and drawing! From board books and picture books to drawing guidebooks, this list has something for artists of all skill levels.

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Bob Ross: My First Book of Nature

Written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Bob Ross

This board book uses the artwork of Bob Ross to share the beauty of nature with little ones. Each two page spread features a different painting by Ross, and pairs it with lyrical text sharing facts about nature. The book ends with an encouraging message to young artists that they should paint the world as well, however they see it.

Bob Ross, Peapod the Squirrel, and the Happy Accident

Written by Robb Pearlman and illustrated by Bob Ross with Jason Kayser

In this adorable picture book, Bob Ross and his squirrel friend Peapod decide to paint a picture together. When Peapod makes mistakes with the paint and the brushes, Bob shows him that happy accidents can be turned into beautiful works of art. This is a great book for introducing little ones to the artwork and philosophies of Bob Ross, while also teaching them that it is okay to make mistakes.

Related Post: Finding Beauty Everywhere with the Anywhere Artist!

I Can’t Draw

Written by Stephen W. Martin and illustrated by Brian Biggs

This funny story follows a young boy named Max who loves to draw, but cannot draw as well as his friend Eugene. He asks Eugene for help learning to draw better, but he gets bored with drawing things the “right” way. Together, Max and Eugene learn that you don’t have to draw things the same way to have fun creating art. Kids will love how Max uses his imagination to make their drawings more fun and interesting.

Arlo Draws an Octopus

Written by Lori Mortensen and illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr.

In this endearing story, a young boy named Arlo wants to draw an octopus. But his drawings just won’t turn out the way he wants them to. When he finds someone else who struggles with art, he makes an important discovery. This relatable story will inspire young kids who think their artwork needs work, and they will love the funny twist to the story.

Bad Drawer

Written by Seth Fishman

In this collaborative book, the narrator has a story that he wants to share with the world, but he worries about his bad drawing skills. When he decides to team up with some of his friends, they are all able to use their own unique gifts to bring the story to life. Kids will love the way the different illustrators come together to tell the story, and the funny way the story ends.

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I Cannot Draw a Horse

Written by Charise Mericle Harper

This book starts with a simple shape. The illustrator turns the shape into a cat, who then starts begging her for a horse. The illustrator uses the same shape to create all kinds of friends and items for the cat to play with, but the cat just wants a horse. With some encouragement from the cat, the illustrator is able to draw a horse. Kids will love the hilarious arguing between the cat and the illustrator, and the way the artwork turns one shape into many different things.

I Cannot Draw a Bicycle

Written by Charise Mericle Harper

This follow up to I Cannot Draw a Horse picks up where the last one left off. All the horse wants is for the illustrator to draw a bicycle. While the illustrator can turn the same shape into all kinds of interesting things, she cannot turn it into a bicycle. Kids will love the funny conversations between the cat, the horse, and the illustrator, and will enjoy the silly ending.

Marcel’s Mouse Museum

Written by Hannah Abbo

This fun art themed book takes readers through a tour of Marcel’s Mouse Museum. Each two page spread features a different artist and their artwork, from Henri Mousetisse to Parmesan Picasso. Each mouse artist is based on a real life artist, and their artwork is based on the real art style of the artist. Kids will appreciate the “how to draw” lessons on each page, while adults will appreciate the way the illustrator created mouse themed artwork inspired by real art. The back of the book includes information about the real artists that inspired the book.

Related Post: Classic Art Books for Kids

The Artist

Written by Ed Vere

In this beautiful, inspiring story, a young dinosaur heads out on an epic journey to share her artwork with the world. When she comes to a city, she starts adding color to the world and sharing her paintings. After she makes a mistake and colors outside the lines, she is embarrassed and decides not to paint anymore. But when the people in the city come to her and ask her to keep painting, they teach her the importance of making mistakes and creating art with your heart.

Marker

Written by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant

Marker is one of the most popular supplies on the teacher’s desk. But when pinking shears named Pink join the group, Marker starts to feel replaced and she starts making mistakes. With the help of her school supply friends, Marker learns that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you are trying your best. Kids will love the little school supply characters in the colorful illustrations, while adults will appreciate the important message of the story.

Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?

Written by Helen Yoon

In this cute story, a little girl is looking for her dinosaur after she gave it a bath and it disappeared. She shares all of the ways that she tried to find it, and all the ways the weather would help her. Kids will love the cute illustrations and the way the illustrator includes drawings that look like the child in the story drew them.

Everything Cute & Cuddly

Written by Emily Fellah

This instruction guide includes directions for 15 cute and cuddly drawing projects from teddy bears and foxes to mermaids and unicorns. The step by step instructions show the reader how to create the adorable cartoon drawings, with tips and tricks sprinkled throughout.

Drawing with Squiggles & Wiggles

Written by Christopher Hart

This fun drawing book shows readers how to draw over 100 cartoon characters. The step by step instructions start with different squiggles and wiggly lines, showing kids that they can turn any shape into a drawing. There are drawing tips spread throughout the illustrations,  and an index in the back to help readers find what they want to draw.

The Drawing Book for Kids

Written by Lilia Garvin

This drawing guide offers step by step instructions for drawing 365 different things. Each drawing is introduced in simple black and white drawings. The beginning of the book shares information on how to use the book, how to add perspective to drawings, and how to combine the items in the book into a piece of artwork. This would be a fun way to work on artwork for a few minutes every day.

What are your favorite new children’s books about art and drawing? Share them in the comments below!

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