Hilarious childhood biographies and full-color illustrations reveal how Leonardo da Vinci, Beatrix Potter, Keith Haring, and fourteen other great artists in history coped with regular-kid problems.

Jackson Pollock’s family moved constantly—he lived in eight different cities before he was sixteen years old. Georgia O’Keeffe lived in the shadow of her “perfect” older brother Francis. And Jean-Michel Basquiat triumphed over poverty to become one of the world’s most influential artists.

Every great artist was once a kid with big dreams, embarrassing moments, and plenty of mistakes. Kid Artists introduces young readers ages 8-12 to the childhoods of 17 legendary creators, revealing the surprising true stories behind some of history's most imaginative minds—and showing that creativity begins long before fame.

Written with humor by David Stabler and brought to life with lively full-color illustrations by Doogie Horner, each short biography celebrates creativity, perseverance, curiosity, and the courage to think differently.

Inside you'll discover:


Funny, surprising stories from the early lives of seventeen creative legends
Full-color cartoon illustrations throughout
Featured artists include Leonardo da Vinci, Frida Kahlo, Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Georgia O'Keeffe, Pablo Picasso, Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, Charles Schulz, and more
Kid-friendly nonfiction perfect for independent and reluctant readers ages 8-12
Inspiring stories about creativity, resilience, and perseverance
Short chapters ideal for classrooms, libraries, and family reading


Meet the kids behind the masterpieces and discover how imagination, perseverance, and creativity can inspire your own artistic journey.

Illustrated by: Doogie Horner