Children’s Books about Color

Below are some of the books about color that we are currently reading (19 months).  While this seems to be a focus on the books I have recently picked out.  It is more of a loose unit so that we are repeating the same concepts and vocabulary than I would expect him to say the colors or be able to pick them out at this point.  However, Kodi can say the word “Blue” and sometimes can point out the color on his own (Insert proud Mama!)!

In many ways this is a book list that the former art teacher in me can’t wait for my little man to be old enough to make lessons based on these wonderful books.  So I have made a few notes on art project ideas mostly to myself so I can reference this when he is a bit older.

This list could and will grow and grow, but here is a start of 5 books about color.

Baby Bear Sees Blue

I love love love this book.  It is an endearing story about a bear learning to explore his world. The illustrations are detailed and captivating.  And the story holds the attention of a 18/19 month but would be good for much older children as well.  I will have a very hard time returning this to the library.  I foresee purchasing this very very soon.

Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors

Artfully crafted this high quality book not only explores color but seasons.  Again, holds the attention of the little one, but can really expand as the child ages.  Another book that was checkout from the library that became a must have for our book collection.

Blue Goose

A delightful book about primary and secondary colors.  Great for toddlers up to early elementary school.  Great fun way to introduce coloring mixing.  Here is the art project I would do based on this book… I would have the child draw a simple goose based on shapes (think Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book of Animals) on a piece of paper– transfer that to Styrofoam. Make at least 6 prints. Then paint each goose in the three primary, and have the child mix the three secondary colors to paint in the remaining three prints.  Man I miss teaching art!

White Is for Blueberry

A fun way of introducing color by introducing outside and inside along with depending on how or what you are looking at the color might be different (for example a sweet potatoes is brown when it hasn’t been cut up).  Would make a great introduction to an art project that required the child to look close up at something, say a flower or apple.  Combine this book with looking at a Georgia O’Keeffe flower painting.

Red Is a Dragon: A Book of Colors

A beautiful illustrated book that not only explores colors but Chinese American culture.  Would be a great introduction to an art project about the Chinese New Year or a decorative kite project.

Please Share: What are some of your favorite books about color?