Looking for an easy way to introduce your kids to the colorful art of Marc Chagall? Children’s books are a great place to start, so grab your favorite pen and notebook. Today I’m sharing my list of Marc Chagall books for kids.
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Some of these Marc Chagall books are picture books based on his life, some are non-fiction books that focus on his art, and some are a good mix of the two. Let’s take a look:
Marc Chagall Books for Kids
1. Marc Chagall
Mike Venezia’s Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists: Marc Chagall is a great reading option if you’re searching for children’s books about Chagall. This title includes background information on Chagall, an overview of his style and inspirations, and reproductions of his art.
2. Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story
Laurence Anholt’s Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story is probably our favorite on this list of children’s books about Marc Chagall. Anholt does a wonderful job painting a picture of Chagall’s life through the text and illustrations. Also worth noting, reproductions from Chagall are weaved in to help tell the story.
3. Chagall: My Sad and Joyous Village
We stumbled upon Chagall: My Sad and Joyous Village at our local library a few weeks ago. It’s packed with information about Chagall, his background, and his inspirations. There’s a significant amount of reading in this one. Because of that, it’s probably better suited for older kids.
4. Marc Chagall
Along with the others in the Lives of the Artists series, Marc Chagall is a fantastic resource I discovered at my local library. It’s a great look at Chagall and the world around him and includes timelines, a glossary, and reproductions of Chagall’s significant pieces.
5. A Picture for Marc
A Picture for Marc is a great reading choice for kids learning about Marc Chagall. It does have some fictional elements in the story, but includes author’s notes in the end for clarification. So, while it’s not the best source for concrete facts, it’s a great way to pique your kiddo’s interest in Chagall.
6. I Am Marc Chagall
Bimba Landmann’s I Am Marc Chagall is loosely based on My Life, Chagall’s autobiography. Using quotes from Chagall himself in some of the text, it’s a great reading choice for those who want to focus on the artist’s background and inspirations.
7. Dreamer from the Village
Dreamer from the Village is one of my favorites from this list of Marc Chagall books. Not only is it an autobiographical-style picture book, it has the vivid illustrations you’d expect in a book about Chagall, and includes a glossary and overview in the back of the book.
8. Marc Chagall
The Artists in Their Times series is another one of my favorite resources for artist study. Jude Welton’s Marc Chagall is no exception. This book is a thorough overview of Chagall’s life and includes a glossary and a directory of museums that house Chagall’s work.
9. What Color Is Paradise
What sets What Color Is Paradise? apart from the other Marc Chagall books for kids is that it focuses on pieces inspired by his Jewish faith. Along with Chagall’s artwork, this book notes scripture references and events from Chagall’s life that inspired the included pieces.
10. Life Is a Dream
Life Is a Dream is a great reading choice for those wanting to focus on picture study. Each layout includes full-page reproductions of Chagall’s work, shares information about Chagall or the painting itself, and asks readers to reflect on the piece.
11. Journey on a Cloud
Written by Veronique Massenot, Journey on a Cloud isn’t about Marc Chagall, per se, but it’s inspired by his beloved painting The Bridal Pair with The Eiffel Tower.
12. Self-Portrait with Seven Fingers
Self-Portrait with Seven Fingers is a new Chagall title to me, but it’s one I’d love to check out soon! It pairs poems from Jane Yolen and J. Patrick Lewis with reproductions of Chagall’s work. I can’t think of a better way to get acquainted with Marc Chagall!
Looking for more reading lists to help you study famous artists? Take a look at these posts or pin them for later:
- Children’s Books About Vincent van Gogh (Pin it here)
- Children’s Books About Leonardo da Vinci (Pin it here)
- Children’s Books About Claude Monet (Pin it here)
- Children’s Books About Rembrandt van Rijn (Pin it here)
- Children’s Books About Pablo Picasso (Pin it here)