The Artist’s Way: 10 Picture Book Biographies About Famous Artists
by Iva-Marie Palmer
My older son is a budding artist. No, scratch that. He’s an artist in full bloom, constantly working on a project. Right now he’s into mixed-media, drawing and painting then gluing random objects to his works. (Yes, my house is a mess and there is glitter permanently embedded in our floor boards.)
As a writer who was encouraged by my parents, I want to likewise encourage him. But I don’t know art, not the way I’d like to. Granted, at four, my son might soon change his mind about his passions. But knowing your artists can’t be too much of a bad thing, can it?
These biographies of famed artists are excellent stepping-stones for learning how great minds made their way in the world and discovered their talent. They happen to be great stories for just about any dreamer, too.
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Just Being Dalí
Available from:Introduce your child to the unique and quirky artist who made surrealism a mainstream art movement. From his bizarre paintings to outlandish outfits, young readers will learn that being different is a good thing. They’ll feel inspired to embrace their curiosity and try new things.
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Little Frida
Available from:Meet the girl who became famous for painting herself. Young readers will learn about Frida’s childhood, her brush with polio, and her vivid imagination in this gorgeous picture book biography. Inspired by her diary, this book showcases a formative and vital part of Frida’s life.
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Paper Son
Available from:Die-hard Disney fans will want to read this biography about one of the artists who worked on Bambi. Tyrus Wong immigrated to the United States from China and worked long, hard hours until he achieved his dreams. It’s a moving story that every child (and their grown-up) will love.
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Different Like Coco
Coco Chanel is one of those historic figures who seem to have emerged fully formed but the truth is, she was born Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel — poor and orphaned. Her fashion firsts were as a child, making clothes to suit her, never feeling beneath the wealthier girls of Paris. As true rags-to-riches stories go, this one is as timeless as a Chanel suit.
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Unbound
Available from:When you think of an artist, you probably imagine someone who works with paint, but Judith Scott used yarn and other materials to create her masterpieces. Because she was deaf and had Down Syndrome, most people thought Judy couldn’t have a “normal” life. But her twin sister gave her the freedom and encouragement to become a world-renowned artist. Keep a box of tissues close by as you read this sweet story about sisterhood, perceived limitations, and creativity.
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Fearless World Traveler
Available from:Science and art often go hand-in-hand, and this stunning picture book biography captures how one woman became respected in both fields. Marianne North made waves in London when she defied cultural gender norms and pursued a career as a botanical artist. She traveled the world and painted the rare plants she saw (some are extinct now). Readers will discover a courageous, brilliant woman who took control of her life and followed her passion.
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Cezanne's Parrot
If you’ve ever wondered why Cezanne’s paintings of fruit are revolutionary, read this picture book biography with your child. The joyful text captures the artist’s passion, challenges, and courage to be different—and the illustrations are nothing short of magical. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the father of modern art.
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Uncle Andy’s
Available from:A lot of us know Andy Warhol. No matter your opinion of it, his pop-culture art is instantly recognizable. But what might surprise some is that Warhol was an uncle, and a fun one at that. This book, written by Warhol’s nephew, truly shows what it was like to step into the world of Warhol, who kept things others would call junk and turned them to art. The story unfolds as not only as a peek into Warhol’s life, but also into the blooming of Warhola’s artistic career — inspired, as it was, by his Uncle Andy.
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Sandy’s Circus
Available from:Though Alexander Calder was absolutely 100 percent what we’d call an artist, he didn’t think of the things he made as art. Not even his miniature circus, a moving feast for the eyes, which he created with wire, cork, and paper. This picture book journeys with Calder, who called himself Sandy, from his days as a boy who liked to make things for friends with various odds and ends to an artist entertaining Paris and New York audiences with his circus-in-a-suitcase.
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Monet's Cat
Available from:Explore the work of one of the greatest impressionist painters of all time with this charming picture book. Children and adults will love this story about a magical cat, a famous artist, and stunning artwork. It’s an irresistible story!
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in 2015 and updated in 2021.