9 Fantastic Picture Books About Artists and Musicians

Hey, guys! It’s been awhile since I’ve done a regular DaiDreamer post, but I’ve had an idea to do one about musicians for a long time now, and since I’m making a lineup of posts (I wrote this one at the very, very beginning of August; literally the first day), I figured all ideas deserve observation. Just so you know, at the point of this post’s publication, I am in college. (So I’m busy.)

Anyway, back to the actual topic…

I love picture books. Ask my sisters. I get legitimately hurt when people say (in many words) that they’re unreliable, dissatisfying, boring, even. I disagree strongly (though I must admit eleven year old me preferred fiction books or thick nonfiction books to picture books). But every homeschool mom has a special place in her heart for them, though. With colorful multi media art and simple words, both fiction and nonfiction books tell powerful stories in a memorable way.

Today, we’re talking nonfiction picture books, though. Specifically, nonfiction picture books about artists. This list is not exhaustive, of course, because it’s hard to remember every book on this particular subject I’ve ever read.

The Tower of Life is the story of a woman who immortalized the stories of the people who lived in her childhood village. Though a sad reminder of history, the story is hopeful and also introduces children to a little-known landmark. I spoke about this book on What I’ve Been Reading #1, along with many other good finds (and lousy ones).

Only The Best is the story of designer Anne Lowe, a little-known legend in the fashion industry. The pictures in the book are indescribably beautiful and the book itself is an inspirational message to its audience to push on, just like Anne.

I read this either last year or the year before with my bro, Xan. I was going to put it on Books I Read to my Bro #1, but I decided I should keep it to male lead books. Dancing Hands is the story of a female prodigy who played for President Lincoln on an untuned piano. ‘Nuff said. (I do not say that, by the way, but I thought it suited the situation.)

I always enjoy hearing about how differently-abled people win even with odds stacked against them. Horace Pippin, an artist from birth, was not born with defects; he injured his arm in WWI. Through trial and error, he taught himself to paint again, using one hand to guide the injured one. His story and his work are memorable and beautiful.

This was another book I featured in my What I’ve Been Reading post. I still haven’t heard Miss Glennie’s music, but her musical journey is profound.

I really, really like this book. The whole time I was reading it, I wondered if Tom was autistic. It turns out, he was. Some people would say that being both blind and autistic was the end of the world, but Tom’s story proves just the opposite. Though no recordings were ever made of his playing, we still have his written music and that is truly amazing.

This is also a good book to read if you want to talk about continued enslavement. Though a controversial topic, I do think it’s a conversation starter.

I don’t honestly remember this book very well, but I do remember liking it. Miles Davis is spoken of highly, too, so I think familiarity with him is a good thing.

Bottle Caps was a very interesting read about a man who made art from recycled material: El Anatsui. He eventually discovered a way to make absolutely beautiful Kente cloth: bottle caps! I suggest looking up some more of his cloth once you finish reading this book.

I bet you never knew Madam C. J. Walker had a precursor. Yep, she did, and her name is Annie Malone. Annie Malone was a pioneer of Black hair and Walker’s teacher. Read this book to find out more.

I hope you guys check out these nine books. I enjoyed them, and I’m certain you will. Thank you so much for reading today’s post. If you’re interested in book reviews/lists, advice on mental health and media choices, or recipes/food reviews, subscribe at my Home page. Be sure to push the feedback button and leave some feedback; it really helps me to know what my audience likes (and doesn’t). God bless.

‘K, bye!

#booksforages812 #ForParents #picturebooks