Recent Books for Young Readers About Women Artists, 2025–Present

Here we list children’s books about women artists—from the distant past to the present—published in 2025 or later. Each description is drawn from the blurb on the publisher’s website. If you know of other titles that should be on this list, please let us know by comment or by email (Erika@artherstory.net).

For a list of other recent children’s books about women artists, visit Books for Young Readers About Women Artists, 2018–2024.

Books about multiple artists

The Story of Art Without Men: An Illustrated Guide to Amazing Women Artists, by Katy Hessel, illustrated by Ping Zhu. Publisher: Penguin Random House, 2026.

Step into the incredible lives of the women artists who have gone uncelebrated for too long. Journey through history, from the Renaissance to the Second World War, and across the globe, from Cornwall to Manhattan, Nigeria, Japan and more, to discover the stories of women who changed the world with their incredible art. Readers will learn about the extraordinary lives of freedom fighters, game changers and adventurers—and be astounded by the art they made, with its striking landscapes, hidden messages and calls for women’s rights. Based on the bestselling book The Story of Art Without Men, this version includes breathtaking illustrations and a host of new art and artists to discover. Ages 8–14.

Lavinia Fontana (1552–1614)

Lavinia’s Wondrous Portraits, by Emanuele Lugli, illustrated by Chiara Palillo. Publisher: Corraini Edizioni, 2025.

Lavinia’s Wondrous Portraits brings children closer to the work of Lavinia Fontana (1552–1614), a professional artist from Bologna who was famous above all as a portrait painter. “What are portraits for?” asks Camilla, an eight-year-old girl, puzzled by her older sister’s desire to have her portrait painted for her wedding. The story follows Camilla’s tireless curiosity as she seeks answers to many questions about herself and the role of art in our lives. Through her encounters with Maestra Lavinia, she discovers that portraits are not just paintings, they serve to remind us of our loved ones who are no longer with us. They observe us, and if we pay attention, we can even talk to them and listen to their stories… No age range specified.

Artemisia Gentileschi (1593–after 1654)

Hello Artemisia Gentileschi, written and illustrated by Lucy M. Pimpinella. Publisher: Artsmart Ed Resources, 2025.

This beautifully illustrated board book in a series called “Artsmart Toddlers” brings art history to life in a warm, simple, and engaging way young children can understand. Hello Artemisia Gentileschi follows Artemisia as a young artist painting brave women, glowing light, and dramatic scenes filled with emotion. With soft painterly illustrations, gentle storytelling, and expressive toddler-style characters, this book makes one of history’s greatest artists accessible to the youngest readers. Inside the book, children will find a friendly toddler-appropriate introduction to Artemisia Gentileschi, soft painterly illustrations designed to comfort and inspire, simple sentences that build early literacy, a positive message about bravery and creativity, and a “Color This Page” and “Draw With Artemisia” activity to spark hands-on learning. Ages 2–5.

Artemisia Gentileschi: The Painter Who Defied Time, written and illustrated by Gipi Visconti. Publisher: Independently published, 2025.

Written in clear, simple language, this book follows Artemisia Gentileschi’s journey not through dates and facts, but through the feelings that shaped her: curiosity, dedication, courage, and an unbreakable love for painting. From her father’s workshop in Rome to the powerful artworks she created across Europe, Artemisia’s story shows children how passion can become strength, even in a world full of obstacles. Perfect for shared reading or first independent readers, this book invites children to discover art, resilience, and the joy of expressing oneself. The book, part of a series called the “Little Great Heroes Collection,” is also available in Spanish and in Italian. Ages 3–9.

Anna Atkins (1799–1871)

Anna Atkins: Photographer, Naturalist, Innovator, by Corey Keller. Publisher: Getty Publications, 2025.

Step into the world of Anna Atkins (1799–1871), perhaps the world’s first female photographer and a pioneer of the medium. She spent her life surrounded by some of the brightest minds of Victorian England during the Industrial Revolution. Despite societal gender norms of the time, which typically limited women to a life within the home, Atkins gained the respect of the scientific community with her ambitious multivolume album Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions, now recognized as the world’s first photographically illustrated book. Her cyanotypes, in addition to their scientific accuracy, lent artistic beauty to her publications, setting the stage for new uses of this experimental technology. Ages 13 and up.

Sarah Miriam Peale (1800–1885)

Absolutely Amazing American Artists: Sarah Miriam Peale, by Maria Ausherman, illustrated by Jeanne Conway. Publisher: TBM Books, 2025.

Meet Sarah Miriam Peale, one of America’s first woman artists. As a Peale, she belonged to a family of artists who greatly contributed to America’s early art by painting hundreds of America’s leading citizens. Like members of the Peale family before her, she too painted portraits of the young nation’s leaders; she was the first American woman to do so. She was also a talented painter of fruit still lifes. This book presents the story of her childhood, her artistic training, and her career as one of America’s first professional women artists. It includes a vocabulary list and a set of questions that can be used in the classroom. No age range specified.

Fidelia Bridges (1834–1923)

Absolutely Amazing American Artists: Fidelia Bridges, by Maria Ausherman, illustrated by Jeanne Conway. Publisher: TBM Books, 2025.

Whether hiking by the sea, in the woods, near a river, or in her backyard garden, Fidelia Bridges observed birds and flowers everywhere she went. Earning their trust, she could get close enough to paint birds while they were alive. She designed pictures of birds and flowers for cards that brightened the holidays for people throughout the United States. Popular after the Civil War, these cards reminded people about peace. Discover the life and art of Fidelia Bridges! Learn how she not only painted pictures of birds and flowers but also worked hard to protect their habitat. No age range specified.

Theresa Bernstein (1890–2002)

The Power of Her Paintbrush: The Story of Theresa Bernstein, written and illustrated by Janice Hechter. Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing, 2026.

Theresa Bernstein discovered her love for art at age seven when she drew her first portrait. As a teenager, her photographic memory and sketching skills earned her recognition in art school. After moving to New York, Theresa faced sexism in the art world but persevered. Using the name “T. Bernstein” to hide her gender, she gained attention for her work. Challenging societal norms, she painted real-life women at a time when female artists were largely ignored. Despite discrimination due to her gender and Jewish faith, Theresa secured solo exhibitions and sold her works. She continued creating art into her 100s, leaving a lasting mark on the art world. According to Kirkus Reviews, the text “is well researched, detailed, easy to follow, and accessible to children.” Ages 5–9.

Alma Woodsey Thomas (1891–1978)

Liftoff!: How the Apollo Moon Missions Made Alma Thomas’s Art Soar, written and illustrated by Nina Crews. Publisher: Lerner Books, 2025.

In 1969, people around the world watched as the Apollo 10 astronauts sent the first-ever live color television broadcasts from space. Abstract painter Alma Thomas was among those watching, and afterward, she began a series of bright, bold pieces inspired by the Moon missions and the marvels of space exploration. In a dual narrative that weaves together key moments from the Apollo 10 mission with Alma’s process creating Snoopy Sees a Sunrise, celebrated author and illustrator Nina Crews presents a fascinating STEAM-themed perspective on an incredible scientific endeavor—and an incredible artist.

Elise Forrest Harleston (1891–1970)

Elise Forrest Harleston, by Maria Ausherman and Mae Gentry, illustrated by Jeanne Conway. Publisher: TBM Books, 2026.

The first African American woman to co-own (with her artist husband) a portrait studio, Elise Forrest Harleston took photographs outdoors too, making her work distinctive. In Elise Forrest Harleston, young readers can discover the life and work of this pioneering American artist! No age range specified.

Marie Sokol Procai (1897–1994)

Marie’s Magic Eggs: How Marie Procai Kept the Ukranian Art of Pysanky Alive, by Sandra Neil Wallace, illustrated by Evan Turk. Publisher: Astra Publishing House, 2026.

As a new immigrant to America living in Minneapolis, Marie Procai felt homesick and alone—she missed her homeland, Ukraine. She took comfort in the ancient Ukrainian art of making pysanky, intricately decorated eggs for Easter, an art she learned from her grandmother and brought with her to America. Cradling the pysanka in her hands felt like holding a piece of her homeland and giving her Baba a hug. The legend goes that as long as pysanky are decorated, there will be good in the world. This books shares a hopeful story of the woman who fought to preserve an essential part of Ukrainian culture. Ages 7–10.

Frida Kahlo (1907–1954)

Frida Kahlo: A Pop-Up Book, by Alice Harman, illustrated by Teresa Bellón. Publisher: NQ Publishers, 2025.

This pop-up book introduces children to the life and work of one of the most famous and influential female artists—Frida Kahlo. Readers can learn about the life of Frida Kahlo, from her first painting, to her later self portraits and how she was influenced by her heritage, her accident, and later her marriage. With beautiful, intricate pop-ups on every spread, young readers will be entranced by the most famous works of Frida Kahlo in an interactive and fun way. Ages 3–6.

Frida Kahlo’s Flower Crown, by Nydia Armendia-Sánchez, illustrated by Loris Lora. Publisher: Abrams, 2025.

Told through the language and imagery of the native Mexican flowers and plants comes the life of acclaimed and beloved artist Frida Kahlo. Like a flower, Frida blossomed, wilted, was crushed, survived, and thrived, growing into one of the most celebrated Indigenous painters. This poetic and empowering picture book features the very flora Frida grew in her garden, bought at the market in her hometown, painted in her famous portraits, and wore proudly in a crown around her head. The back matter includes a labeled, illustrated guide to all the flowers and plants featured, an author’s note, and an activity for kids to make their own flower crown. No age range specified

Pauline Diana Baynes (1922–2008)

Painting Wonder: How Pauline Baynes Illustrated the Worlds of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, written and illustrated by Katie Wray Schon. Publisher: Waxwing Books, 2025.

Painting Wonder is an enchanting picture book biography about the artist whose illustrations brought the worlds of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien to life. Young Pauline Baynes lives in India, a land of towering mountains, sparkling lakes, and bright flowers. She even has a pet monkey that joins her for tea. Then her life takes a turn, and Pauline is sent to dreary England. Books bring light and color to her world, so she sets out to paint the stories she loves. Years later, two iconic authors see her paintings and know she’s the illustrator for their stories―of fire-breathing dragons, towering giants, a golden lion, and four brave children.Follow Pauline into one of the most beloved and prominent landscapes in all of children’s literature: the magical land of Narnia. Ages 6–8.

Joan Mitchell (1925–1992)

Joan Mitchell Paints a Symphony: La Grande Vallée Suite, by Lisa Rogers, illustrated by Stacy Innerst. Publisher: Calkins Creek, 2025.

In 1983, inspired by her friend’s description of an idyllic hidden valley in France, Joan Mitchell creates 21 massive paintings—her Grande Vallée series—bursting with vibrant, energizing hues. But she doesn’t paint the valley’s flowers and meadows. She paints a feeling about them—abundance, freedom, liveliness—creating a harmonious blend of drips, splashes, and brushstrokes in rainbow colors. When the paint dries, it’s time to share her valley with the world. Published in the year the artist would have turned 100, this inspiring, poetic picture book about an influential yet lesser-known American Abstract Expressionist provides a snapshot of a creator who deserves more recognition acclaim. Ages 7–10.

Ruth Asawa (1926–2013)

A Line Can Go Anywhere, by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Jamie Green. Publisher: Macmillan, 2025.

Growing up on a dusty farm in Southern California, Ruth Aiko Asawa lived between two worlds. She was Aiko to some and Ruth to others, an invisible line she balanced on every day. But when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor, suddenly she was only Aiko, no matter how much her family tried to cut the lines that connected them to Japan. Like many other Japanese Americans, Ruth and her family were sent to incarceration camps. The barbed wire of the camps would inspire Ruth’s art for decades, as she grew into one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. Throughout her career, she created enchanting twisting sculptures and curving shapes that connected, divided, and intersected. This gorgeous biography delves into the magnificent life of Ruth Asawa and her timeless contributions to the art world. Ages 5–8.

Rosie Lee Tompkins (born Effie Mae Martin; 1936–2006)

A Language of Stitches: The Radical Quilts of Rosie Lee Tompkins, written and illustrated by Constance Moore. Publisher: Abrams Kids, 2026.

Effie Mae Martin dreamed in bright, beautiful colors. With her needle and thread, she created designs that the world had never seen before: She mixed taffeta with T-shirts, wove patterns into words, and created shapes and stitches completely her own. But most importantly, Martin used her quilts to tell stories of Black life, of her memories with her family, and her love for her faith. Through her work, she found freedom and courage, but she wasn’t ready to share herself with the public, so she created Rosie Lee Tompkins—an artist whose radical quilts took the world by storm. This stunning picture book biography delivers an exquisite tribute to one of the greatest, yet often overlooked, artists in our history.