Andy Warhol, Frida Kahlo, David Hockney and Grayson Perry feature in Bishop's Stortford College Prep School librarian Lizzie Hall's recommended books for artists young and older
Dear Reader. Art plays a huge role in child development. Artistic activities can help children learn other subjects like reading and maths and improve visual, motor and social skills. Here are some inspiring arty books for budding little and big artists...
BABIES and TODDLERS
So Many Stars by Andy Warhol
Best known for his images of soup cans and celebrities, Andy Warhol, one of the pre-eminent artists of the 20th century, also created many hand-drawn pieces of whimsy and wonder.
In 30 beautifully illustrated pages, this board book showcases the complete collection of one of his most playful explorations of the concept of "So", including You Are So Big, You Are So Small, So Sweet and I Love You So.
Filled with sweet phrases and a mirror feature that will delight young readers, So Many Stars is a terrific introduction to an iconic modern artist.
AGES 5-8
Frida Kahlo by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
When Frida was a teenager in Mexico, a terrible road accident changed her life forever. Unable to walk, she began painting from her bed.
Her self-portraits, which show her pain and grief but also her passion for life and instinct for survival, have made her one of the most famous artists of the 20th century.
This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the artist's life.
AGES 9-12
A History of Pictures for Children by David Hockney and Martin Gayford
This book takes readers on a journey through art history, from early art drawn on cave walls to the images we make today on our computers and phone cameras.
Based on the best-selling book for adults, this children's edition of A History of Pictures is told through conversations between the artist David Hockney and the author Martin Gayford, who talk about art with inspiring simplicity and clarity.
Rose Blake's illustrations illuminate the narratives of both authors to bring the history of art alive for a young audience.
TWEENS
We Are Artists by Kari Herbert
We Are Artists celebrates the lives and works of 15 female artists from around the globe and the distinctive mark they made on the art world and beyond.
Presented as a collection of engaging biographical narratives, it reveals how each artist's unique approach and perspective provided the art world and society at large with a new way of seeing things.
It places the spotlight on women painters, sculptors, printmakers, illustrators, designers and craftswomen, who all too often are left out of history and art history books for children.
Through their personal stories, readers will come to know the circles and art movements each artist worked in, and the influence they exerted on both the art world and society as a whole.
Following in the wake of the Goodnight Stories for aspiring artists, no matter what their gender, to find their own unique way of making a contribution to the world.
TEENS
Drawing On Walls: A Story of Keith Haring by Matthew Burgess
Often seen drawing in white chalk on the matte black paper of unused advertising space in the subway, Haring's iconic pop art and graffiti-like style transformed the New York City underground in the 1980s.
A member of the LGBTQ community, Haring died tragically at the age of 31 from AIDS-related complications.
Illustrated in paint by Josh Cochran, himself a specialist in bright, dense, conceptual drawings, this honest, celebratory book honors Haring's life and art along with his very special connection with kids.
ADULTS
Grayson Perry: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Girl by Grayson Perry and Wendy Jones
Every inch of Grayson's childhood bedroom was covered with pictures of aeroplanes, and every surface with models. Fantasy took over his life, in a world of battles ruled by his teddy bear, Alan Measles.
He grew up. And in 2003, an acclaimed ceramic artist, he accepted the Turner Prize as his alter-ego Clare, wearing his best dress, with a bow in his hair. Now he tells his own story, his voice beautifully caught by his friend, the writer Wendy Jones.
Early childhood in Chelmsford is a rural Eden that ends abruptly with the arrival of his stepfather, leading to constant swerving between his parents' houses and between boys' and women's clothes.
But as Grayson enters art college and discovers the world of London squats and New Romanticism, he starts to find himself. At last he steps out as a potter and transvestite.
Learn to draw with some of your favourite children's book illustrators
Draw with Rob by Rob Biddulph
Chris Riddell's Doodle-a-Day by Chris Riddell
Drawing for the Artistically Undiscovered by Quentin Blake
How to Draw by Nick Sharratt
Pug-a-Doodle-Do! by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyre
