What would the world be without museums? They preserve the past so that we can learn from it and, hopefully, create a brighter future. For the next generation, this is particularly important; museums can inspire children to create, explore, investigate, and create positive and progressive change. In that spirit, we’ve gathered nine children’s books that celebrate the magic and power of museums.
A Marvelous Museum by Ingela P. Arrhenius
A perfect title to get the smallest of bookworms excited about their first trip to the museum, this sweet board book explores all the wondrous things that they can experience there. Using blocky illustrations, engaging shapes, and charming alliterative text, little ones can get a preview of what a trip to the museum has in store, from learning about life-like art to mimicking mummies and mammoths to discovering a dinosaur.
Behind the Scenes at the Museum: Your All-access Guide to the World’s Amazing Museums by DK & The Smithsonian Institution
For children who are a little older and/or more invested in museum life, this fascinating compendium of facts and behind-the-scenes peeks is a treasure trove. Produced from a partnership between the respected reference publisher DK and the world-famous Smithsonian Institution, this title teaches young readers all about what goes into the making of a museum, including how displays are conceptualized and created. Readers can learn about unusual museums around the world and how precious artifacts are preserved, creating even more interest and curiosity for their next museum trip.
Simone Visits the Museum by Dr. Kelsi Bracmort, Illustrated by Takeia Marie
Speaking of the Smithsonian, this quietly charming story follows the young Simone as she and her mother spend the morning at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C. Simone is entranced by the size of the museum, and how the exhibits inspire her to think about herself and her family. Part museum etiquette guide and part gentle exploration of a museum that is deserving of more attention, the gentle storytelling of Bracmort and the endearing artwork by Marie capture a tender moment of bonding between mother and child as together, they explore a museum that is deeply tied to their shared identity.
The Museum by Susan Verde, Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
How does art make you feel? Following another child’s outing — this time to an art museum — this effervescent rhyming picture book invites the reader to leap, twirl, spin, and dance alongside its young protagonist as they allow the works of Cezanne, Degas, and Van Gogh to transport their spirit. Verde’s rhymes are playful and fun, and Reynolds’ illustrations sparkle with charm and energy. By the end, the child has found that viewing the masterpieces of others has inspired their own creativity, something that young artistic souls will certainly connect with.
Mayhem at the Museum: A Book in Pictures by Luciano Lozano
On a typical trip to the museum, five kids and their adult chaperones are set to enjoy the company of the art, but they are not expecting the art to enjoy their company back! Despite the prominent signs reading “No touching the art,” the paintings and sculptures themselves seem to reach out to the kids at every turn: winking, sticking out their tongues, and even cheekily placing a hat on their head or offering a small bouquet. Lozano’s illustrations deftly bring the cheeky artworks — all based on real masterpieces — to life, creating a lighthearted story that encourages young readers to view art with their imaginations as much as their eyes.
Anna at the Art Museum by Hazel Hutchins & Gail Herbert, Illustrated by Lil Crump
Anna’s mom has brought her to the art museum for the day … and Anna is not happy about it. The art museum is boring and full of rules, like “Quiet!” and “Don’t Touch!” And no matter how Anna tries to make her own fun, she seems to run into an adult who is intent on spoiling it for her. However, when a sympathetic guard invites Anna and her mother for a behind-the-scenes peek at the museum, Anna suddenly spots a painting that leaves her entranced: a little girl looking as bored as she feels. Suddenly, she sees the art surrounding her in a new way and comes to understand the beauty of art as a reflection of life. Mischievous, funny, and ultimately quite touching, this one is sure to help the museum-averse reframe their perspective.
My Museum by Joanne Liu
This charming wordless story follows the young Max as he explores an art museum. At first, he is fascinated by the beautiful works surrounding him, but he quickly grows bored with the staid and slightly stodgy atmosphere. Yet after he tires of looking at the serious faces of the adult patrons, he begins to notice art all around him: in the delicate spiral of a snail’s shell on a window ledge, in another visitor’s beautiful tattoos, and the majestic shapes he can make with his shadow on the marble floors. Max’s revelation is incredibly sweet and acts as a lovely reminder to young bookworms that art isn’t exclusive to masterpieces on gallery walls — it can be anything around that that inspires us, or that we find beautiful.
Lost in the Museum: A Seek-and-Find Adventure in The Met by Will Mabbitt, Illustrated by Aaron Cushley
On a trip to the acclaimed Metropolitan Museum of Art, or “The Met,” in New York City, seven-year-old Stevie has gotten separated from her parents in the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Can the reader help her find her way through the galleries to reunite with them? If one can excuse the slightly questionable premise — after all, lost children should ALWAYS try to find a museum representative for help in a similar situation — Stevie’s journey through the Met is still a delightful exploration of the museum’s incredible collection and displays and one that offers seek-and-find elements that are incredibly engaging. A comprehensive guide to some of the most notable art in the backmatter is exceptionally awesome and encourages repeat readings.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment by Parker Curry & Jessica Curry, Illustrated by Brittany Jackson
Parker, her little sister, and her mom are all headed to the museum today for a fun family day out of the rain. While there, they run into Parker’s friend Gia with her mom, and the girls spend the afternoon admiring the portraits, giggling at the funny one with the bushy mustache, and dancing along with one of the graceful ballerinas. Yet just before they leave, Parker sees a painting that stops her in her tracks — “First Lady Michelle Obama” by Amy Sherald — and stares in unabashed awe. Perhaps one of the most timelessly touching tales on this list about the power of art and representation — and based on a true story! — this heartwarming tale of Parker Curry’s visit to the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. is a must-read.
We hope that you and your young readers enjoy the books on our list and that they inspire you to explore and support your local museums! Happy reading!
To see more of our recommendations for artistic youngsters, check out our article on Innovative Books for Little Artists.
To see all of our recommendations for mini bookworms, check out our Bookshop bookshelf.
