Students will love learning about Pablo Picasso with these books. Full of fascinating facts and beautiful reproductions, the titles selected shed a light on the many facets of Picasso. In addition to discovering well and lesser-known works of art, readers will also discover examples of Picasso the sculptor and his drawings. Sit down and prepare to be enlightened on the blue period, pink period and cubism.
Disclosure: The Amazon links below are affiliate links. This means that, at no cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize the purchase.
Picasso’s Trousers
by Nicholas Allan
Review: This bright, inviting biography is a wonderful introduction to Picasso for young readers. Telling how Picasso followed his own creative vision despite being told “no”, Nicholas Allan highlights numerous Picasso works and styles for children to explore. Child-friendly language brings Picasso to life, and the refrain of “No! No! No! Picasso!” is highly memorable. A perfect start to learning about Picasso.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 7 years old.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: You Choose: Ask children to choose one of Picasso’s works featured in the book. Encourage them to either recreate this themselves, reimagine it in a different style or create a unique work in a similar style.
The Three Musicians
by Véronique Massenot and Vanessa Hié
Review: One of a series, The Three Musicians uses Picasso’s painting of the same name as inspiration for an entertaining children’s story. Illustrated throughout in a Picasso Esque style, young readers are seamlessly introduced to Picasso and his artistic techniques. The end of the book features a reproduction of the original painting as well as information about Picasso’s love of theatre and music and his desire for peace. An original and engaging concept, this book provides a super entrance to learning about the man and his artwork.
Suggested Reading Age: 4 – 8 years old.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Art Stories (Language & Literacy link): Look at different Picasso artworks. Ask students to choose one that appeals to them and use this as inspiration for a story. Once planned out, get the students to create illustrations to accompany the story.
100 Pablo Picassos
by Violet Lemay
Review: This is a gem of a book. 100 Pablo Picassos introduces Picasso with bite-size pieces of information and copious drawings, sketches and artwork. A handwritten type font along with an inviting art style makes this welcoming and friendly for readers. Looking for the 100 Picassos featured inside introduces a lovely interactive element. This picture hunt keeps young readers’ attention and draws their focus to different art styles. 100 Pablo Picassos would make a great addition to any library.
Suggested Reading Age: 5 – 10-year-olds. In my opinion, tweens would also enjoy this book.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Bite-size Bits: Encourage students to find out some bite-size pieces of information about Picasso or another artist they are drawn to. Record this in writing and pictorially.
Picasso
by Carsten Peter Warncke
Review: This comprehensive book (240 pages) provides a super overview of Picasso’s work. Published by the renowned art publishing house Taschen, Picasso provides readers with copious images and interesting text that covers the artist’s life and work. This deep dive into Picasso provides plenty of information for serious students whilst also being a joy to look at. This is perfect to use as a reference book and to fully appreciate the breadth and depth of Picasso as an artist. A terrific addition to any art library.
Suggested Reading Age: Older teenagers and adults.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: And There’s More: Challenge students to find other examples of Picasso’s art representing a particular period or technique they enjoy.
Picasso Sculpture
by Luise Mahler, Virginie Perdrisot and Rebecca Lowery
Review: This final book focuses on Picasso as a sculptor. Published to accompany a retrospective on Picasso by the Museum of Modern Art, New York, this hefty volume provides readers with plenty of resource material. The sculptures selected highlight the full diversity of materials and techniques Picasso used. Stunning to look at, this book is perfect to introduce students to Picasso’s sculptures taking them beyond his drawings and artworks. This would also make a perfect coffee table book for art lovers.
Suggested Reading Age: Teenagers to adults.
Nonfiction Nuggets Teaching Tip: Let’s Create: Inspired by the sculptures featured in the book, ask students to create a sculpture. This can feature a subject studied by Picasso or one about which the student is passionate.
Happy Reading!
Other Arts Posts You May Enjoy:
Art Techniques: For Artists Young and Old
Pop Art: Eye Catching Art For The Masses
Do YOU know of any great books about Pablo Picasso to add to this list? If so, please leave a recommendation below .