Art museum books are a wonderful way to introduce preschoolers to famous artists, colorful masterpieces, and the excitement of visiting a museum. These stories bring big ideas down to a child’s level, making art feel approachable, creative, and fun. Whether planning an art show or simply exploring new interests, these books help spark imagination and build a love of art from an early age.
Time to Make Art by Jeff Mack
The tiny artist main character has a lot of questions before getting started on their art. What is art, anyway? The answers are all posed by famous artists with examples of their art in the background of this simple text. This book is a great introduction to an art-filled week of learning.
The Museum by Susan Verde
A little girl wanders and twirls through the quiet halls of the art museum, where each painting seems to whisper a new feeling such as silliness, curiosity, joy, and a gentle spark of inspiration. With every step, her imagination grows brighter. When she finally stops to contemplate a blank white canvas, she discovers that it is not empty at all. It is full of possibility, ready for all of her creative ideas.
Extending the Learning: Open up the art center with a variety of paints, brushes, and more – and let the students create something truly unique!
Anna at the Art Museum by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert
Anna and her mother go to the art museum, but there are so many rules. No eating, no climbing, and definitely no touching. Stopped again and again by a sharp-eyed museum attendant, Anna does not have high hopes when she spots a half-open door. To her surprise, the attendant allows Anna and her mother to step inside a secret workshop where paintings are restored. Anna discovers a painting where a girl looks exactly how she feels — bored. In that moment, Anna realizes that art reflects the world around it, and the museum becomes a wonderful place after all.
Extending the Learning: These adorable self-portraits are a fun process art project and a wonderful keepsake for parents too.
My Museum by Joanne Liu
This is one of two art museum books that has no text, so it is up to the reader to interpret the pictures. The story follows a small child as he finds art not in the museum itself but in the world around him.
Extending the Learning: The main character of the story makes art from his shadow. Take the students outside and have them strike interesting poses while others trace their shadows with sidewalk chalk.
Mayhem at the Museum by Luciano Lozano
Another of the wordless art museum books, this one only has words found on a sign at the museum entrance. As the little girl and her class enter, the sign reads, “No touching the art.” As the class walks through the museum, shenanigans ensue as the art comes to life and interacts with the students and teacher. The last pages leave the reader to assume that it was all in the imagination of the young girl. And as they leave, the sign reads “The art touches YOU.”
Extending the Learning: This Frida Kahlo art project is perfect for showing students how to make art out of their favorite subject: themselves.
Luna Loves Art by Joseph Koelho
Luna and Finn explore the art gallery and step into the world of famous artists like Vincent Van Gogh, Damien Hirst, Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, and more! When Finn struggles to recognize his own family in the artwork around him, he discovers that sometimes all it takes is a good friend to see things more clearly.
Extending the Learning: Finn has a hard time seeing his family represented in the art around him. Give each student some salt dough and encourage them to make something that represents their family with the dough.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry and Jessica Curry
Parker loves to dance, but she loves the art museum too. One rainy day, her mother takes Parker and her little sister Ava to the museum. While they are there, the girls spot all kinds of different paintings: flowers, horses, frilly ballerinas, and even a basket of slimy looking fish. Then, just as it is almost time to go, Parker spies a portrait that stops her in her tracks and opens the entire world to her at the same time.e time.
Extending the Learning: When Parker comes across the portrait of Michelle O’Bama, she imagines all of the different paths her future could take. Ask each student to share what they would like to be when they grow up. Students can paint a picture of their future self at the art easel. When they’re done, ask them to explain what they drew and annotate the picture. Then, have the student pose with it for a photo op. Display these like a museum would for an art show, or send them home for a delightful keepsake.
Art Books Collection by Sabrina Hahn
This gorgeous book collection is a fantastic way to add a famous artists theme to the book corner. Every page is full of beautiful art examples, and are simple enough for students to enjoy independently.
Adding art museum books to your preschool classroom is a wonderful way to inspire creativity and imagination. These books help young children learn about famous artists, explore new ideas, and see art in exciting ways. By pairing stories with simple projects, you can turn your classroom into a colorful gallery where every student feels proud of their work. With these books, even the youngest artists can experience the magic of museums every day.
