picture books about biography

75 Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids, 2024

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I love introducing kids to ordinary people who did amazing things by reading picture book biographies for kids. Don’t you? These biographies for kids are inspirational narrative nonfiction texts that are written like a story, appealing to children with beautiful illustrations.

I chose these books after reading thousands of picture books and understanding what children like because my background isn’t only in book reviews but in education. Plus, I’m a parent of two. I update this book list with the best newly published books, with the most recent update in November 2023.

A reading strategy I like to use with children reading nonfiction is connecting to background knowledge. As you read these biographies, both picture books for preschool and elementary ages, as well as biographical story collections for upper elementary and middle school, help your kids connect to what they’re reading.

Start with prompts like:

How are you like or not like this person?

Do you know someone who is like this person?

What other biographies or famous people does this person remind you of?

Reading biographies is informative and instructive. We learn more about people which helps us learn more about ourselves– who we are and who we want to be.

The Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids

Table of Contents:

Artists and Musicians

Famous americans.

More Picture Books & Biography Collections

STEM (Scientists, coders, engineers, and mathematicians)

Stand as Tall as the Trees : How an Amazonian Community Protected the Rain Forest written by Patricia Gualinga and Laura Resau, illustrated by Vanessa Jaramillo ACTIVIST Beautifully crafted with emotional resonance, get inspired by this true story of Patricia Gualinga’s life. Paty is a Kichwa girl who lives deep in the rain forest of Ecuador; a place alive with “trees towering, vines winding, and frogs singing” and the mystical beings who rule the forest — the Amazanga. Paty moves to the noisy city for her education. But when Paty’s forest home is destroyed by a greedy company, she helps her people gather, unite, and protest, making the destructive company leave the forest! Heartfelt writing and luminous illustrations make this a memorable biography (autobiography) that shows how one person can make a difference in the world!

Contenders: Two Native Baseball Players, One World Series by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Arigon Starr Learn about two Native baseball players who loved the game but endured huge racism from everywhere — name calling, derogatory chants, and more. Charles Bender and John Meyers were groundbreaking athletes. You’ll read their history and how they got to the 1911 World Series. Interesting and important.

More Picture Book Biographies & Collections

Melissa Taylor, MA, is the creator of Imagination Soup. She's a mother, former teacher & literacy trainer, and freelance education writer. She writes Imagination Soup and freelances for publications online and in print, including Penguin Random House's Brightly website, USA Today Health, Adobe Education, Colorado Parent, and Parenting. She is passionate about matching kids with books that they'll love.

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Best Picture Book Biographies

Biographies helped build my love for reading and I remember reading Hilary Clinton’s biography as a young teen (I skipped lots of portions and loved the pictures and family stories the most). These picture book biographies can teach kids about history, historical figures, and inspiring examples of people who beat the odds in different spheres of life. What a plus that they have beautiful pictures to look at as they enjoy these stories.

Inspiring Picture Book Biographies to Read

Here are 45 best picture book biographies to have on your radar:

I Color Myself Different

Published: April 5, 2022

When Colin Kaepernick was five years old, he was given a simple school assignment: draw a picture of yourself and your family. What young Colin does next with his brown crayon changes his whole world and worldview, providing a valuable lesson on embracing and celebrating his Black identity through the power of radical self-love and knowing your inherent worth.

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

Published: November 1, 2011

2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner

Winner of the 2012 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Everyone’s a New Yorker on Thanksgiving Day, when young and old rise early to see what giant new balloons will fill the skies for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Who first invented these “upside-down puppets”? Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy’s Parade.

My Little Golden Book About Betty White

Published: September 28, 2021

This Little Golden Book about Betty White–television star, comedian, animal lover, and game show competitor–is a celebration of the beloved woman! A great read-aloud for young girls and boys–as well as their parents and grandparents who grew up watching Betty on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls .

Stacey’s Extraordinary Words

Published: December 28, 2021

Stacey is a little girl who loves words more than anything. She loves reading them, sounding them out, and finding comfort in them when things are hard.

But when her teacher chooses her to compete in the local spelling bee, she isn’t as excited as she thought she’d be. What if she messes up? Or worse, if she can’t bring herself to speak up, like sometimes happens when facing bullies at school?

Stacey will learn that win or lose . . . her words are powerful, and sometimes perseverance is the most important word of all.

Respect: Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul

Published: August 25, 2020

Aretha Franklin was born to sing. The daughter of a pastor and a gospel singer, her musical talent was clear from her earliest days in her father’s Detroit church where her soaring voice spanned more than three octaves.

Her string of hit songs earned her the title “the Queen of Soul,” multiple Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But Aretha didn’t just raise her voice in song, she also spoke out against injustice and fought for civil rights.

Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library

Published: September 12, 2017

Where is our historian to give us our side? Arturo asked. Amid the scholars, poets, authors, and artists of the Harlem Renaissance stood an Afro–Puerto Rican named Arturo Schomburg. This law clerk’s life’s passion was to collect books, letters, music, and art from Africa and the African diaspora and bring to light the achievements of people of African descent through the ages. When Schomburg’s collection became so big it began to overflow his house (and his wife threatened to mutiny), he turned to the New York Public Library, where he created and curated a collection that was the cornerstone of a new Negro Division. A century later, his groundbreaking collection, known as the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, has become a beacon to scholars all over the world.

Joey: The Story of Joe Biden

Published: June 30, 2020

Joe Biden grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the oldest of four children. His parents always encouraged him and his siblings to be independent and strong. The family moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where at twenty-nine, Biden was elected one the youngest United States Senators ever elected. This is his story.

Kamala Harris: Rooted in Justice

When Kamala Harris was young, she often accompanied her parents to civil rights marches—so many, in fact, that when her mother asked a frustrated Kamala what she wanted, the young girl responded with: “Freedom!”

As Kamala grew from a small girl in Oakland to a senator running for president, it was this long-fostered belief in freedom and justice for all people that shaped her into the inspiring figure she is today. From fighting for the use of a soccer field in middle school to fighting for the people of her home state in Congress, Senator Harris used her voice to speak up for what she believed in and for those who were otherwise unheard. And now this dedication has led her all the way to being elected Vice President of the United States.

The Noisy Paint Box

Published: February 11, 2014

Vasya Kandinsky was a proper little boy: he studied math and history, he practiced the piano, he sat up straight and was perfectly polite. And when his family sent him to art classes, they expected him to paint pretty houses and flowers—like a proper artist. But as Vasya opened his paint box and began mixing the reds, the yellows, the blues, he heard a strange sound—the swirling colors trilled like an orchestra tuning up for a symphony! And as he grew older, he continued to hear brilliant colors singing and see vibrant sounds dancing. But was Vasya brave enough to put aside his proper still lifes and portraits and paint . . . music?

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Published: December 8, 2020

The chronology and themes of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s meaningful life are presented in a masterfully succinct text, with just a few sentences per page. The fresh, stylized illustrations are sure to captivate young readers and adults alike. With a read-aloud biographical summary in the back, this age-appropriate introduction honors and shares the life and work of one of the most influential civil rights activists of our time.

Baseball Biographies for Kids

Published: May 17, 2022

It’s the bottom of the ninth, bases are loaded, and your team is down by three―who do you want coming up to bat? Baseball Biographies for Kids answers this question and more!

Bursting with statistics and impressive feats from the greatest players of the last 60 years, this lineup of inspirational baseball biographies shows you what it takes to be a real MVP. Discover the ultimate dream team as you explore the best pros for each position. You’ll also get quick looks into some truly legendary baseball players and lots of fun facts!

Itzhak: The Boy Who Loved the Violin

Published: May 12, 2020

Before becoming one of the greatest violinists of all time, Itzhak Perlman was simply a boy who loved music. Raised by a poor immigrant family in a tiny Tel Aviv apartment, baby Itzhak was transformed by the sounds from his family’s kitchen radio—graceful classical symphonies, lively klezmer tunes, and soulful cantorial chants. The rich melodies and vibrant rhythms spoke to him like magic, filling his mind with vivid rainbows of color. After begging his parents for an instrument, Itzhak threw his heart and soul into playing the violin. Despite enormous obstacles—including a near-fatal bout of polio that left him crippled for life—Itzhak persevered, honing his extraordinary gift. When he performed on the Ed Sullivan Show sat only 13, audiences around the world were mesmerized by the warmth, joy, and passion in every note. Gorgeously illustrated with extensive back matter, this picture-book biography recounts Itzhak’s childhood journey—from a boy with a dream to an internationally acclaimed violin virtuoso.

All the Way to the Top

Published: March 10, 2020

Jennifer Keelan was determined to make a change―even if she was just a kid. She never thought her wheelchair could slow her down, but the way the world around her was built made it hard to do even simple things. Like going to school, or eating lunch in the cafeteria.

Jennifer knew that everyone deserves a voice! Then the Americans with Disabilities Act, a law that would make public spaces much more accessible to people with disabilities, was proposed to Congress. And to make sure it passed, Jennifer went to the steps of the Capitol building in Washington DC to convince them.

And, without her wheelchair, she climbed.

How to Solve a Problem: The Rise (and Falls) of a Rock-Climbing Champion

Published: April 7, 2020

From Ashima Shiraishi, one of the world’s youngest and most skilled climbers, comes a true story of strength and perseverance–in rock climbing and in life. To a rock climber, a boulder is called a “problem,” and you solve it by climbing to the top. There are twists and turns, falls and scrapes, and obstacles that seem insurmountable until you learn to see the possibilities within them. And then there is the moment of triumph, when there’s nothing above you but sky and nothing below but a goal achieved. Ashima Shiraishi draws on her experience as a world-class climber in this story that challenges readers to tackle the problems in their own lives and rise to greater heights than they would have ever thought possible.

A is for Awesome!: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World

Published: February 5, 2019

Why stick with plain old A , B , C when you can have Amelia (Earhart), Malala , Tina (Turner), Ruth (Bader Ginsburg), all the way to eXtraordinary You —and the Zillion of adventures you will go on? Instagram superstar Eva Chen, author of Juno Valentine and the Magical Shoes , is back with an alphabet board book depicting feminist icons in A Is for Awesome: 23 Iconic Women Who Changed the World , featuring spirited illustrations by Derek Desierto.

The Cat Man of Aleppo

Published: April 14, 2020

Aleppo’s city center no longer echoes with the rich, exciting sounds of copper-pot pounding and traditional sword sharpening. His neighborhood is empty–except for the many cats left behind. Alaa loves Aleppo, but when war comes his neighbors flee to safety, leaving their many pets behind. Alaa decides to stay–he can make a difference by driving an ambulance, carrying the sick and wounded to safety. One day he hears hungry cats calling out to him on his way home. They are lonely and scared, just like him. He feeds and pets them to let them know they are loved. The next day more cats come, and then even more! There are too many for Alaa to take care of on his own. Alaa has a big heart, but he will need help from others if he wants to keep all of his new friends safe.

Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant, and Artist

Published: September 24, 2019

Before he became an artist named Tyrus Wong, he was a boy named Wong Geng Yeo. He traveled across a vast ocean from China to America with only a suitcase and a few papers. Not papers for drawing–which he loved to do–but immigration papers to start a new life. Once in America, Tyrus seized every opportunity to make art, eventually enrolling at an art institute in Los Angeles. Working as a janitor at night, his mop twirled like a paintbrush in his hands. Eventually, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime–and using sparse brushstrokes and soft watercolors, Tyrus created the iconic backgrounds of Bambi . Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki perfectly capture the beautiful life and work of a painter who came to this country with dreams and talent–and who changed the world of animation forever.

My Little Golden Book About Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Published: December 1, 2020

This Little Golden Book is a compelling introduction to an inspiring woman, written for the youngest readers. From a young age, Ruth Bader Ginsburg knew that she wanted to fight for girls and women to have equal rights. She studied and worked very hard and became just the second woman–and the first Jewish woman–to be a United States Supreme Court Justice. This is a terrific read for future trailblazers and their parents!

The Story of Jane Goodall: A Biography Book for New Readers

Published: September 14, 2021

Jane Goodall is a celebrated scientist for her studies of chimpanzees in the forests of Africa. Before she observed chimps and helped save them from losing their home, Jane was a curious kid who loved learning about animals. She showed people that women could be scientists, just like men, and fought to follow her dream of working with wild chimps. Explore how Jane Goodall went from being a young nature lover in England to the most important chimpanzee expert in the world.

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secret of the Atom

Published: October 8, 2019

When Wu Chien Shiung was born in China 100 years ago, most girls did not attend school; no one considered them as smart as boys. But her parents felt differently. Giving her a name meaning “Courageous Hero,” they encouraged her love of learning and science. This engaging biography follows Wu Chien Shiung as she battles sexism and racism to become what Newsweek magazine called the “Queen of Physics” for her work on beta decay. Along the way, she earned the admiration of famous scientists like Enrico Fermi and Robert Oppenheimer and became the first woman hired as an instructor by Princeton University, the first woman elected President of the American Physical Society, the first scientist to have an asteroid named after her when she was still alive, and many other honors.

The Story of Simone Biles: A Biography Book for New Readers

Published: September 29, 2020

Simone Biles has been called the greatest gymnast of all time, winning five Olympic and 25 World Champion medals by age 22. Before she wowed the world with her incredible gymnastics skills, Simone was an energetic young girl who dreamed of becoming a top gymnast. She trained for hours every day and made many sacrifices to pursue her goals. Explore how Simone Biles went from being a kid growing up in Texas to an Olympic athlete who has won more gymnastics medals than anyone in history.

Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks

Gwendolyn Brooks (1917–2000) is known for her poems about “real life.” She wrote about love, loneliness, family, and poverty—showing readers how just about anything could become a beautiful poem. Exquisite follows Gwendolyn from early girlhood into her adult life, showcasing her desire to write poetry from a very young age. This picture-book biography explores the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression—all with a lyrical touch worthy of the subject. Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize, receiving the award for poetry in 1950. And in 1958, she was named the poet laureate of Illinois. A bold artist who from a very young age dared to dream, Brooks will inspire young readers to create poetry from their own lives

The Secret Garden of George Washington Carver

Published: January 14, 2020

When George Washington Carver was just a young child, he had a secret: a garden of his own.

Here, he rolled dirt between his fingers to check if plants needed more rain or sun. He protected roots through harsh winters, so plants could be reborn in the spring. He trimmed flowers, spread soil, studied life cycles. And it was in this very place that George’s love of nature sprouted into something so much more—his future.

Gene Barretta’s moving words and Frank Morrison’s beautiful paintings tell the inspiring life and history of George Washington Carver, from a baby born into slavery to celebrated botanist, scientist, and inventor. His passion and determination are the seeds to this lasting story about triumph over hardship—a tale that begins in a secret garden.

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreno Played The Piano for President Lincoln

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played the Piano for President Lincoln - Best Picture Book Biographies

Published: August 27, 2019

As a little girl, Teresa Carreño loved to let her hands dance across the beautiful keys of the piano. If she felt sad, music cheered her up, and when she was happy, the piano helped her share that joy. Soon she was writing her own songs and performing in grand cathedrals. Then a revolution in Venezuela forced her family to flee to the United States. Teresa felt lonely in this unfamiliar place, where few of the people she met spoke Spanish. Worst of all, there was fighting in her new home, too—the Civil War.

Still, Teresa kept playing, and soon she grew famous as the talented Piano Girl who could play anything from a folk song to a sonata. So famous, in fact, that President Abraham Lincoln wanted her to play at the White House! Yet with the country torn apart by war, could Teresa’s music bring comfort to those who needed it most?

Six Dots: A Story of Young Louis Braille

Published: September 6, 2016

Louis Braille was just five years old when he lost his sight. He was a clever boy, determined to live like everyone else, and what he wanted more than anything was to be able to read. Even at the school for the blind in Paris, there were no books for him. And so he invented his own alphabet—a whole new system for writing that could be read by touch. A system so ingenious that it is still used by the blind community today.

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

Published: January 1, 2019

Growing up quiet and lonely at the beginning of the twentieth century, Gyo learned from her relatives the ways in which both women and Japanese people lacked opportunity. Her teachers and family believed in her and sent her to art school and later Japan, where her talent flourished. But while Gyo’s career grew and led her to work for Walt Disney Studios, World War II began, and with it, her family’s internment. But Gyo never stopped fighting — for herself, her vision, her family and her readers — and later wrote and illustrated the first children’s book to feature children of different races interacting together.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

Published: January 15, 2019

When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

Published: March 13, 2018

Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets…. While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere–she even brought a crocodile to school! When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children’s tea parties–with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned to Read

Published: January 7, 2020

In 1848, Mary Walker was born into slavery. At age 15, she was freed, and by age 20, she was married and had her first child. By age 68, she had worked numerous jobs, including cooking, cleaning, babysitting, and selling sandwiches to raise money for her church. At 114, she was the last remaining member of her family. And at 116, she learned to read. From Rita Lorraine Hubbard and rising star Oge More comes the inspirational story of Mary Walker, a woman whose long life spanned from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement, and who–with perseverance and dedication–proved that you’re never too old to learn.

Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist

Published: July 7, 2020

Mary Anning loved scouring the beach near her home in England for shells and fossils. She fearlessly climbed over crumbling cliffs and rocky peaks, searching for new specimens. One day, something caught Mary’s eye.

Bones. Dinosaur Bones.

Mary’s discoveries rocked the world of science and helped create a brand-new field of study: paleontology. But many people believed women couldn’t be scientists, so Mary wasn’t given the credit she deserved. Nevertheless, Mary kept looking and learning more, making discoveries that reshaped scientific beliefs about the natural world.

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

Published: December 5, 2017

An important book for all ages, Little Leaders educates and inspires as it relates true stories of forty trailblazing black women in American history. Illuminating text paired with irresistible illustrations bring to life both iconic and lesser-known female figures of Black history such as abolitionist Sojourner Truth, pilot Bessie Coleman, chemist Alice Ball, politician Shirley Chisholm, mathematician Katherine Johnson, poet Maya Angelou, and filmmaker Julie Dash. Among these biographies, readers will find heroes, role models, and everyday women who did extraordinary things – bold women whose actions and beliefs contributed to making the world better for generations of girls and women to come. Whether they were putting pen to paper, soaring through the air or speaking up for the rights of others, the women profiled in these pages were all taking a stand against a world that didn’t always accept them. The leaders in this book may be little, but they all did something big and amazing, inspiring generations to come.

Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

Published: May 3, 2016

You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy. A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.

She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World

Published: May 30, 2017

Throughout United States history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what’s right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted. She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small. With vivid, compelling art by Alexandra Boiger, this book shows readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn’t give up on their dreams. Persistence is power.

Mae Among the Stars

Published: January 9, 2018

A great classroom and bedtime read-aloud, Mae Among the Stars is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts.

When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.

She wanted to be an astronaut.

Her mom told her, “If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents’ encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space.

Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race

Published: January 16, 2018

Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson, and Christine Darden were good at math… really good.

They participated in some of NASA’s greatest successes, like providing the calculations for America’s first journeys into space. And they did so during a time when being black and a woman limited what they could do. But they worked hard. They persisted. And they used their genius minds to change the world.

In this beautifully illustrated picture book edition, we explore the story of four female African American mathematicians at NASA, known as “colored computers,” and how they overcame gender and racial barriers to succeed in a highly challenging STEM-based career.

“Finally, the extraordinary lives of four African American women who helped NASA put the first men in space is available for picture book readers,” proclaims Brightly in their article “18 Must-Read Picture Books of 2018.” “Will inspire girls and boys alike to love math, believe in themselves, and reach for the stars.”

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofusu Yeboah

Published: January 6, 2015

Born in Ghana, West Africa, with one deformed leg, he was dismissed by most people—but not by his mother, who taught him to reach for his dreams. As a boy, Emmanuel hopped to school more than two miles each way, learned to play soccer, left home at age thirteen to provide for his family, and, eventually, became a cyclist. He rode an astonishing four hundred miles across Ghana in 2001, spreading his powerful message: disability is not inability. Today, Emmanuel continues to work on behalf of the disabled.

Thompson’s lyrical prose and Qualls’s bold collage illustrations offer a powerful celebration of triumphing over adversity.

Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Saved Apollo 13

Published: June 19, 2018

You’ve likely heard of the historic Apollo 13 moon landing. But do you know about the mathematical genius who made sure that Apollo 13 returned safely home?

As a child, Katherine Johnson loved to count. She counted the steps on the road, the number of dishes and spoons she washed in the kitchen sink, everything! Boundless, curious, and excited by calculations, young Katherine longed to know as much as she could about math, about the universe.

The Crayon Man: the True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

Published: March 19, 2019

What child doesn’t love to hold a crayon in their hands? But children didn’t always have such magical boxes of crayons. Before Edwin Binney set out to change things, children couldn’t really even draw in color. Here’s the true story of an inventor who so loved nature’s vibrant colors that he found a way to bring the outside world to children – in a bright green box for only a nickel! With experimentation, and a special knack for listening, Edwin Binney and his dynamic team at Crayola created one of the world’s most enduring, best-loved childhood toys – empowering children to dream in COLOR!

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Shark Lady - Best Picture Book Biographies

Published: June 6, 2017

Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn’t imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn’t think women should be scientists.

Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname “Shark Lady.” Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to.

The Tree Lady

Published: September 17, 2013

Katherine Olivia Sessions never thought she’d live in a place without trees. After all, Kate grew up among the towering pines and redwoods of Northern California. But after becoming the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she took a job as a teacher far south in the dry desert town of San Diego. Where there were almost no trees.

Kate decided that San Diego needed trees more than anything else. So this trailblazing young woman singlehandedly started a massive movement that transformed the town into the green, garden-filled oasis it is today. Now, more than 100 years after Kate first arrived in San Diego, her gorgeous gardens and parks can be found all over the city.

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Published: August 29, 2017

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science. Yet, the determined visual thinker did just that. Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe! The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin is the first book in a brand new educational series about the inspirational lives of amazing scientists. In addition to the illustrated rhyming tale, you’ll find a complete biography, fun facts, a colorful timeline of events, and even a note from Temple herself!

Stephen Curry: The Boy Who Never Gave Up

Stephen Curry - Best Picture Book Biographies

Published: August 16, 2016

The Boy Who Never Gave Up is the inspiring true story of NBA superstar Stephen Curry. This Fully illustrated picture book biography tells the story of a young boy who many said was too short to play in high school, too weak to play in college and not good enough to play in the NBA.

Against all odds, this small boy who follows his dream, not only makes it to the NBA, but becomes one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball.

Before She Was Harriet

Published: November 7, 2017

We know her today as Harriet Tubman, but in her lifetime she was called by many names. As General Tubman she was a Union spy. As Moses she led hundreds to freedom on the Underground Railroad. As Minty she was a slave whose spirit could not be broken. As Araminta she was a young girl whose father showed her the stars and the first steps on the path to freedom.

An evocative poem and stunning watercolors come together to honor a woman of humble origins whose courage and compassion make her a larger than life hero.

Nelson Mandela

Published: January 2, 2013

In this lush, acclaimed book, award-winning author-illustrator Kadir Nelson tells the story of global icon and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela in poignant free verse and glorious illustrations.

It is the story of a young boy’s determination to change South Africa, and of the struggles of a man who eventually became the president of his country. Mandela believed in equality for all people, no matter the color of their skin. Readers will be inspired by Mandela’s triumph and his lifelong quest to create a more just world.

Published: October 1, 2005

Fifty years after her refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus, Mrs. Rosa Parks is still one of the most important figures in the American civil rights movement. This picture- book tribute to Mrs. Parks is a celebration of her courageous action and the events that followed.

There they are: 45 of the best picture book biographies to read today! Which of these books have you read and loved? What did I miss?

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About Afoma Umesi

Afoma Umesi is the founder and editor of Reading Middle Grade where she curates book lists and writes book reviews for kids of all ages. Her favorite genre to read is contemporary realistic fiction and she'll never say no to a graphic novel.

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25 Wonderful Picture Book Biographies for Readers of All Ages

by AuthorAmy

Picture book biographies are one of my favorite genres. They chronicle the life and times of some of the most famous people in the world, including the people behind beloved inventions. They are accessible to all levels of students – even high schoolers! Readers get a broad overview in picture book form, and then authors generously include ample back matter for further research and reading.

Take a look through this list of my top 25 favorite picture book biographies. You will find the stories behind the invention of the super soaker, the fascinating life of the first Black ballerina to dance for the American Ballet Theatre, the man behind ramen noodles, and so much more.

Just so you know, we may get a small share of the sales made through affiliate links on this page.

1. The Brilliant Deep : The Story of Ken Nedimeyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation

By Kate Messner

The Story of Ken Nedimyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation - Picture Book Biographies

Environmental scientist Ken Nedimeyer is working to rebuild coral reefs by hand. The efforts are surprising, involving gluing grafted corals to barren sea floors and tending them. It is an education in the importance of coral reefs to our planet’s seas and also a treatise to human hope for a brighter, greener future.

2. Queen of Physics , How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom

By Teresa Robeson

How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom - Picture Book Biographies

At a time when girls were not routinely educated in China, Wu Chien Shiung’s parents encouraged her love of science. She became an accomplished physicist and the first female instructor at Princeton University, among many other accolades.

3. Magic Ramen: The Story of Momofuku Ando

Written by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Kana Urbanowicz

The Story of Momofuku Ando_Picture Book Biographies

This is the story of the invention of ramen, one of the world’s most famous foods, after Momofuku Ando saw long crowds in food lines after World War II.

4. The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

Written by Natascha Biebow and illustrated by Steven Salerno

The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons_Picture Book Biographies

The Crayon Man tells the story of Edwin Binney, the inventor of Crayola Crayons. Binney wished to bring the magic of nature’s vibrant colors into the lives of children, succeeding with his famous box of crayons that originally sold for five cents.

5. Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

Written by Patricia Valdez and illustrated by Felicita Sala

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor_Picture Book Biographies

Joan Proctor was the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum and the designer of London Zoo’s famous Reptile House. She grew up hosting tea parties for her favorite reptiles, a tradition she continued in the Reptile House, where she hosted children’s tea parties complete with a Komodo dragon guest.

6. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens

The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist_Picture Book Biographies

Eugenie Clark earned herself the nickname “Shark Lady” after devoting her life to them. She faced the dual challenges of people who feared and hated sharks and people who didn’t think women should be scientists.

7. Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré

Written by Aneka Aldamuy Denise and illustrated by Paola Escobar

The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré_Picture Book Biographies

Pura Belpré, New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, immigrated to America in 1921. She began her library career as a bilingual library assistant, where her Spanish retellings of stories were wildly popular. Her distinguished career still influences readers today, and the Amerian Library Association named an award after her given annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator “whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth.”

8. Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade

By Melissa Sweet

The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade _Picture Book Biographies

Puppeteer Tony Sarg is the inventor of the famous parade balloons that are part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is a great STEM title that goes into detail about the mechanics of the balloons as well as delving into the joy they bring to millions each year.

9. It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way

Written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Julie Morstad

How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way_Picture Book Biographies

During WWII, Gyo Fujikawa’s family was taken to a Japanese internment camp while she worked as an illustrator in New York City. Watching the nation’s prejudice tear apart her family, she wanted to find a way to include diverse children in her illustrations. She wrote and illustrated the book Babies , which was initially rejected but once published sold nearly 2 million copies. She was a trailblazer in children’s literature in an era when we are still striving for inclusive texts.

10. Mae Among the Stars

Written by Roda Ahmed and illustrated by Stasia Burrington

Mae Among the Stars_Picture Book Biographies

Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to travel in space. Mae Among the Stars encourages children to follow their dreams no matter what detractors may say.

11. Between the Lines: How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery

Written by Sandra Neil Wallace and illustrated by Bryan Collier

How Ernie Barnes Went from the Football Field to the Art Gallery_Picture Book Biographies

Ernie Barnes grew up in the segregated South. While he was recruited to play football for an all-black university and eventually played in the NFL for the Colts, his true passion was in creating art. He got his opportunity after leaving the NFL when he was hired as the first official artist for the American Football League.

12. The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Written by Julia Finley Mosca and illustrated by Daniel Rieley

The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin _Picture Book Biographies

Temple Grandin, who was diagnosed with autism as a young child, has a unique and powerful connection with animals. She has used this connection and the unique way her mind works to improve the lives of farm animals all over the world.

13. Before There Was Mozart: The Story of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George

Written by Lesa Cline-Ransome and illustrated by James E. Ransome

Joseph Boulogne was the child of a Black slave and her white slaveowner. He was able to study music in Paris, where he became a master violinist and eventually composed operas. The illustrations in this book are exquisite.

14. What Miss Mitchell Saw

Written by Hayley Barrett and illustrated by Diana Sudyka

The subject of this picture book biography, Maria Mitchell, will be an inspiration to girls everywhere. Mitchell was the first American scientist to discover a comet, which was named after her. She used her acclaim to advocate for science and math education for girls.

15. Just Being Audrey

Written by Margaret Cardillo and illustrated by Julia Denos

Audrey Hepburn was America’s sweetheart and a film icon, but she did much beyond acting. Growing up in Nazi Germany inspired in her a lifelong desire to spread kindness, and she used her fame to do humanitarian work through UNICEF.

16. Ron’s Big Mission

Written by Rose Blue and Corinne Naden and illustrated by Don Tate

This is the story of Ron McNair, a young boy who grew up to be an astronaut on the Challenger mission. As a young boy in the segregated South, Ron found himself unable to check out books from the public library. His was able to obtain a library card through peaceful resistance, which in turn fed his love of flight.

17. The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand New Colors

Written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Tony Persiani

Joe and Bob Switzer invented fluorescent colors, which didn’t exist prior to 1935. Like many great inventions, their brand-new colors were invented by accident when the brothers were experimenting for a magic act. Their colors went on to be used in WWII, street signs, advertisements, and more the world over. The book itself cleverly reflects the story, as it is largely black and white until the end culminates in color.

18. Buzzing with Questions

Written by Janice N. Harrington and illustrated by Theodore Taylor III

The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner

Charles Henry Turner is notable as the first Black entomologist. His lifelong fascination with bugs, animals, plants, and all things science is chronicled in this fun book. The author includes extensive back matter for further reading.

19. John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien

Written by Caroline McAlister and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

The man we known as J.R.R. Tolkien is John Ronald in this delightful and surprising picture book about the boy who grew into the man behind the most famous fantasy series of all time. As a child, John Ronald loved dragons and imagined them everywhere he went. As an adult, his imagination only grew stronger, and he used his early love of dragons to create The Hobbit .

20. Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions

Written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Don Tate

Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions: Barton, Chris, Tate, Don: 9781580892971: Amazon.com: Books

Just like the invention of fluorescent colors, the invention of the iconic toy called the Super Soaker happened by accident. Engineer Lonnie Johnson was working on cooling mechanisms when he inadvertently created what has become one of the top twenty toys of all time.

21. On a Beam of Light: A Story About Albert Einstein

Written by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

On a Beam of Light is the story of the child who grew up to be Albert Einstein. As a child, Einstein didn’t really fit in with the other children. His wild imagination made him endlessly curious about the world around him. This is a great picture book to encourage children to use their imaginations and embrace who they are inside.

22. She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein

Written by Lynn Fulton and illustrated by Felicita Sala

On a dark and stormy night, a young girl drifts off to sleep dreaming of a monster. She is determined to beat Lord Byron in their competition to see who can write the best ghost story. She eventually goes on to write one of the great gothic novels of our time, Frankenstein .

23. Firebird

Written by Misty Copeland and illustrated by Christopher Myers

Misty Copeland was the first African-American dancer to be promoted to principal dancer in the American Ballet Theatre. In her picture book debut, she imagines a conversation between herself and an aspiring ballerina who struggles with self-confidence. The resulting book is a positive and empowering story for children everywhere.

24. Just Like Rube Goldberg: The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines

Written by Sarah Aronson and illustrated by Robert Neubecker

Rube Goldberg’s father encouraged him to find a career more practical than art, so Goldberg became an engineer. After college, he decided that his passion for art could not be denied and took a job as a newspaper cartoonist. He became famous for his elaborate machines which performed simple tasks in complicated fashion.

25. The Polio Pioneer: Dr. Jonas Salk and the Polio Vaccine

Written by Linda Elovitz Marshall and illustrated by Lisa Anchin

This picture book biography feels particularly appropriate to read during the Covid-19 pandemic. It chronicles the life of Dr. Jonas Salk, the inventor of the polio vaccine. Dr. Salk’s legacy lives on at the medical research facility, the Salk Institute.

Other Amy’s Book Lists You’ll Love:

30 Books About Voting And Elections For Kids of All Ages
42 Books Featuring Black Protagonists to Read Immediately
30 Banned Books You Should Totally Read
30 Most Anticipated 2021 Books For Students of All Ages
Children’s Literature Book Awards and Their 2020 Winners!

25 Wonderful Picture Book Biographies for All Ages

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20 fantastic picture book biographies for kids

I love all kinds of picture books, but I particularly love picture book biographies for kids where the life of someone famous is brought to life with spectacular illustrations, interesting and surprising stories, and just enough information.

I’ve been collecting my favorite picture book biography titles for months and am so happy to share some of them with you today (you better believe there are more coming in the next several months – the list is way too long for one post!).

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating, illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens I’d never heard of Eugenie Clark before this book, but I was immediately fascinated by her story. She fell in love with sharks at an early age when she saw them at an aquarium and wanted to know everything she could about them. But many people thought sharks were ugly, terrifying creatures. Plus, women shouldn’t be scientists anyway. Eugenie spent her life proving the naysayers wrong, both abut sharks and female scientists. (Also check out Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang, illustrated by Jordi Solano).

John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler I’m certainly familiar with the beloved Lord of the Rings series, but I didn’t know much about J.R.R. Tolkein (and I REALLY didn’t know much about his growing up). So I loved this clever biography about his growing up where he loved dragons, and how much of his young life felt surrounded by dragons, from losing his mother early in his life to fighting in WWI. But until he invented a dragon of his own (which sparked off his Middle Earth writing), he never found one in his actual life.

Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story of Six Novels, Three Notebooks, a Writing Box, and One Clever Girl by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Qin Leng Before Jane Austen became one of the most famous English writers of all time, she was a quiet girl. And while you might not have noticed her, she probably would have noticed you. And it might have ended up in her writing. This beautiful picture book is a delightful introduction to a woman who disregarded the publishing trends of her time and created a completely new kind of story.

The World is Not a Rectangle: A Portrait of Architect Zaha Hadid by Jeanette Winter I’d never heard of Zaha Hadid before this book, but I instantly loved her story. She grew up in Iraq and wanted to be an architect. But as a Muslim woman, this wasn’t going to be an easy dream to chase. Now, decades later, you can see her buildings all over the world!

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley Most of us are probably familiar with Dr. Temple Grandin and I love this introduction to her for young children (all the text is told in rhyme). She was diagnosed with autism as a young child and expected never to talk. But she grew up to become a groundbreaking scientist, thanks to her love of animals and her rare ability to connect with animals.

The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Mary GrandPre Vasya Kandinsky was one of the first abstract artists and this is a beautiful retelling of his story. He had a very proper upbringing and his family expected that his art would also be very proper. But his art was anything but – it came to life, swirling with color and even sound, because throughout his life, he experienced colors as sound and vice versa. (By the way, if the illustrations look vaguely familiar, it’s likely because you recognize Mary GrandPre’s illustrations from the original Harry Potter books).

On a Beam of Light: A Story About Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne, illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky If you’d seen young Albert Einstein riding his bike down the road, you would have probably just seen a boy on a bike, But in his mind, he saw himself traveling at the speed of light. This book is a delightful look into Einstein’s lifelong curiosity and discovery, and perfect for every child who loves to imagine the impossible.

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life With Chimps by Jeanette Winter This was one of the picture books that really helped me see how AMAZING picture book biographies could be. I love that it begins in her childhood and goesthrough her current work, accompanied by breath-taking illustrations. I also love Me….Jane by Patrick McDonnell as a simpler biography of Jane Goodall.

Amelia and Eleanor Go For a Ride by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Brian Selznick I have loved Brian Selznick’s illustrations since I was a child and his black and white drawings bring this amazing story about Amelia Earhart and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to life when, at a White House dinner party, Eleanor and Amelia sneak away to take an evening ride over Washington D.C. in a jet. All while wearing their evening gowns!

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow, illustrated by Steven Salerno I love picture book biographies that bring to life the inventor of a product children love and use daily. This book does exactly that with the man who invented crayola crayons and I loved every page of it – who knew that so much went into those boxes of 50 cent crayons you can now buy at Target?

Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet I am legitimately obsessed with this book and I love bringing out my copy every Thanksgiving about the boy who loved puppets and grew up to create the famous balloons that make up the Thanksgiving Day parade. The color and art in this book bring it to life and the end notes and photos and make it even more special.

Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World’s Coral Reefs: The Story of Ken Nedimeyer and the Coral Restoration Foundation by Kate Messner, illustrated Matthew Forsythe Sometimes the changes we want to see in the world seem too big, too overwhelming to tackle. But I love this biography of Ken Nedimyer, founder of the Coral Restoration Foundation, that shows that even one person can make a difference.

Sisters and Champions: The True Story of Venus and Serena Williams by Howard Bryant, illustrated by Floyd Cooper I’ve never watched a professional tennis match, but I was in tears by the end of this gorgeous picture book about Venus and Serena Williams and hard they work and, even more impressively to me, how much they support each other.

Around America to Win the Vote: Two Suffragists, A Kitten, 10,000 Miles by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Hadley Hooper Just over a century ago, two friends, Nell Richardson and Alice Burke set out from New York City to spread the word about giving American women the right to vote. Crammed in a little yellow car, with a kitten along for the ride, they drove 10,000 miles in pursuit of their goal.

The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer’s Bright Ideas and Brand New Colors by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tony Persiani Put neon colors on the list of things I’ve never given a second thought to. Until this book, about two brothers who loved to invent things and discovered neon coloring that’s now used all over the world. Who knew? The black pages with bright neon coloring make this book really pop.

Tree Lady: The Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins, illustrated by Jill McElmurry When I think San Diego, I don’t think dry desert town. But more than 100 years ago, when Katherine Olivia Sessions became the first woman to graduate from the University of California with a degree in science, she moved to San Diego and was horrified by the lack of trees. So she started a movement to transform her new home into the garden oasis we now know it as.

Henry’s Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad by Ellen Levine, illustrated by Kadir Nelson I’ve love everything Kadir Nelson touches and this book is no exception, about the lengths one man goes to in order to gain his freedom. After Henry’s family is sold, he comes up with a daring and dangerous plan to escape north, by having some friends nail him into a box and mailing him to a free state. Unbelievably it works!

Just Being Audrey by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Julia Denos I love this beautiful book about Audrey Hepburn and her life, from her early difficult childhood during WWII under Nazi occupation to her emergence as a style icon and her work with UNICEF. Star, particularly, took a shine to this book and I read it to her dozens of times (we also both loved Just Being Jackie about Jackie Kennedy Onassis).

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, illustrated by Stasia Burrington When Mae Jemison was young she longed to be an astronaut. Her teacher suggested she find something more practical, but her parents encouraged her to work hard and achieve her seemingly impossible dreams. And she did, becoming the first African American woman to travel in space. My girls loved this book and as a parent, it was so encouraging to me to let my own children dream big.

And if you’d like a printable copy of this list that you can take to your library or screenshot on your phone for easy access, just pop in your email address below and it’ll come right to your inbox!

If you liked this list of picture book biographies for kids, you might also like these posts:

The Best Picture Books to Read Aloud in a Classroom
10 Children’s Books about Death, Loss and Grief
13 Fantastic Easy Reader Chapter Books

Reader Interactions

September 17, 2019 at 11:29 am

This is a great list. I am excited to read as many as I can. Picture books really are the best and you can learn a ton!

September 17, 2019 at 6:28 pm

I love Karlin Gray’s picture book biographies! My favorite isThe Girl Who Couldn’t Sit Still about Nadia Comaneci. Gymnastics + beautiful book = yessss

September 17, 2019 at 7:16 pm

I love the Noisy Paintbox, too! ☺ Another one I love is The Boy Who Loved Math.

September 17, 2019 at 9:34 pm

Have you ever read any of the Little People Big Dreams series? I am in a different country and these are some of the only biography childrens books I have access to. I am wondering if anyone has experience with them and would recommend them.

September 18, 2019 at 6:19 am

This list is my love language. Thanks!!

September 18, 2019 at 3:36 pm

I just discovered Joan Proctor, Dragon Doctor and my daughter loves it.

September 19, 2019 at 9:54 am

I LOVE these sorts of picture books. I’ve learned SO MUCH about so many different people and things from reading them to my son! Just added all the ones we haven’t already read to our library list! (I am with you on being obsessed with Balloons over Broadway…I really just need to buy that one.)

October 25, 2020 at 11:42 pm

We love Mr. Ferris and His Wheel!

March 11, 2022 at 11:45 am

I learned so much from The Day-Glo Brothers – thanks for recommending it!

March 23, 2024 at 1:38 pm

Nonsense about Edward Gorey is also amazing.

[…] 20 fantastic picture book biographies for kids […]

[…] 20 fantastic picture book biographies for kids) […]

Picture Book Biographies

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Top 10 Biography And Autobiography Picture Books

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Biography Picture Books for Your Homeschool

Even before becoming a homeschooler I knew the importance of reading aloud. I vividly remember reading books to my ginormous pregnant belly (yes I was that mom).

But it was not until I became a homeschooler and read Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook then subsequently stumbled upon the amazing Sarah Mackenzie at Read Aloud Revival that I realized just how important the time spent reading aloud really was.

I was determined then that books would be the staple for everything in our homeschool. We would learn everything we could in all of the subjects with books as our base.

More than forty biography picture books your kids will love – an extensive list of biographies for elementary school.

For us picture books are the perfect place to linger. Emily is an auditory learner and I am a visual learner. So we use beautiful picture books to bridge our gap. This way we are both getting what we need and learning together along the way.

This series will feature our favorite picture books broken down into academic subjects so you can learn with books along with us! This post will be all about biography based picture books, these are a favorite for learning about history in our homeschool.

BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOKS

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and Shark Lady: The True Story of I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan The Boy Who Loved Math: The Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper On a Beam of Light: A William Still and His Freedom Stories: Marie’s Ocean: Marie Tharp Maps the A Race Around the World: The Finding Narnia: The Story of C. Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Counting on Katherine: How Katherine Johnson Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind Stephen Curry: The Children’s Book: The The Crayon Man: The True Story Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played Ada Byron Lovelace & the Thinking Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Six Dots: A Story of Young W Is For Webster: Noah Webster

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel Whoosh!: Lonnie Johnson’s Super-Soaking Stream of Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His Trombone Shorty Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True The Tree Lady: The True Story The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of The Power of Her Pen: The Malala’s Magic Pencil Bard of Avon: The Story of Lillian’s Right to Vote: A Celebration

Rescatando palabras (Digging for Words Spanish Rachel Carson and Her Book That The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael The Boo-Boos That Changed the World: Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Before She Was Harriet Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story Fly High!: The Story of Bessie Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian Finding Winnie Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True

Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote So Tall Within: Sojourner Truth’s Long The Secret Garden of George Washington Jump at the Sun: The True The Real Mccoy, The: Life of Yours for Justice, Ida B. Wells: Eleanor Makes Her Mark Lighter than Air: Sophie Blanchard, the Coretta Scott She Caught the Light: Williamina Stevens No Truth Without Ruth: The Life The Only Woman in the Photo: Molly, by Golly!: The Legend of Thanks to Frances Perkins: Fighter for Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos (1) Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien

SHOP EVEN MORE BIOGRAPHIES

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Your current subscription allows you to be actively logged in on up to three (3) devices simultaneously. click on continue below to log out of other sessions and log in on this device., 19 picture book biographies to read together | summer reading 2021.

SLJ is publishing lists all summer long—from family stories to mysteries to teen reads. Here's some of our favorite picture book biographies, from inventors and engineers to scientists and artists. The individuals profiled in these captivating read-alouds will inspire young readers (and their grown-ups).

The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow. illus. by Steven Salerno. HMH. ISBN 9781328866844.

For many children, crayons are ubiquitous, everyday items, but as this informational picture book attests, that wasn't always the case.

Dancing Through Fields of Color: The Story of Helen Frankenthaler by Elizabeth Brown. illus. by Aimée Sicuro. Abrams. ISBN 9781419734106.

A prominent abstract expressionist whose career spanned six decades but who is not as well known as her male contemporaries today, Helen Frankenthaler loved color and celebrated it through an artistic style that came to be known as "soak-stain painting."

Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers by Matthew Cordell. illus. by author. Holiday House/Neal Porter Bks. ISBN 9780823446186. Newer and older fans are welcomed to the neighborhood in this warm tribute to Fred Rogers.

Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré by Anika Aldamuy Denise. illus. by Paola Escobar. HarperCollins/Harper. ISBN 9780062748683. A look at the life and legacy of one of the most significant and inspiring figures in library history.

Secret Engineer: How Emily Roebling Built the Brooklyn Bridge by Rachel Dougherty. illus. by author. ISBN 9781250155320. A celebration of Emily Warren Roebling, the unsung female engineer behind the Brooklyn Bridge's construction.

Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean’s Biggest Secret by Jess Keating. illus. by Katie Hickey. Tundra. Jun. 2020. ISBN 9780735265080. Marie Tharp worked as a geologist and oceanographic cartographer at a time when women were not particularly welcome in the field.

Bread for Words: A Frederick Douglass Story by Shana Keller. illus. by Kayla Stark. Sleeping Bear. ISBN 9781534110014. Narrated from Douglass’ point of view, this early biography describes his childhood quest to learn to read and write.

Starstruck: The Cosmic Journey of Neil deGrasse Tyson by Kathleen Krull & Paul Brewer. illus. by Frank Morrison. Crown. ISBN 9780399550249. Krull and Brewer trace Neil deGrasse Tyson’s journey from his first trip to the Hayden Planetarium to his current role as the planetarium's director.

The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music by Debbie Levy. illus. by Sonja Wimmer. Kar-Ben. ISBN 9781541522190. Levy’s captivating picture book biography tells the story of Flory Jagoda, known today as the “Keeper of the Flame” of Sephardic culture and music.

Nonsense! The Curious Story of Edward Gorey by Lori Mortensen. illus. by Chloe Bristol. Versify. ISBN 9780358033684. With straightforward, rhythmic prose and deliciously atmospheric illustrations, this picture book biography of Edward Gorey distills his unconventional life and career.

Itzhak: A Boy Who Loved the Violin by Tracy Newman. illus. by Abigail Halpin. Abrams. ISBN 9781419741104. An appealing picture book biography about the childhood of violinist Itzhak Perlman, born to Polish Jewish parents living in Palestine in 1945.

Lights! Camera! Alice!: The Thrilling True Adventures of the First Woman Filmmaker by Mara Rockliff. illus. by Simona Ciraolo. Chronicle. ISBN 9781452141343. As an assistant in a camera shop, story-loving Guy-Blanché saw a unique opportunity to help sell a new-fangled product: the moving-picture camera. Rather than document life, Guy-Blanché reimagined it by using film to tell stories and to innovate techniques in special effects, color, and sound.

Prairie Boy: Frank Lloyd Wright Turns the Heartland into a Home by Barb Rosenstock. illus. by Christopher Silas Neal. Calkins Creek. ISBN 9781629794402. Instead of focusing on specific buildings Wright created, this book highlights the roots of his thinking—how what he believed as a boy influenced what he did as a grown man.

Mario and the Hole in the Sky: How a Chemist Saved Our Planet / Mario y el agujero en el cielo: Como un quimico salvo nuestro planeta by Elizabeth Rusch. illus. by Teresa Martínez. Charlesbridge. ISBN 9781580895828; ISBN 9781580895828. Growing up in Mexico, Mario Molina loved exploring the world around him and performing experiments with his microscope. As an adult, he made a horrific discovery: CFCs, chemicals used in countless everyday items, were damaging the environment by destroying the ozone layer.

Fauja Singh Keeps Going: The True Story of the Oldest Person To Ever Run a Marathon by Simran Jeet Singh. illus. by Baljinder Kaur. Penguin/Kokila. ISBN 9780525555094. At age 81, Fauja Singh became a runner and eventually ran a marathon, persisting despite injuries, self-doubt, and racism.

Thurgood by Jonah Winter. illus. by Bryan Collier. Schwartz & Wade. ISBN 9781524765330. When six-year-old Thurgood Marshall convinced his parents to legally change his name from Thoroughgood, his future as a lawyer seemed predestined.

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Picture Book Biography Series

For almost thirty years, David Adler’s Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler’s “expert mixtures of facts and personality” ( Booklist ) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes, inventors, explorers, and adventurers. These books are ideal for first and second graders interested in history or who need reliable sources for school book reports.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr. by by David A. Adler; illustrated by Robert Casilla

Picture Book Biography Series (29 Titles)

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Picture book biographies: best heartwarming true stories

From Malala to Anne Frank to Nelson Mandela, picture book biographies bring the real life stories of some of the world’s most celebrated people to life. We picked out some of the best

Some of the most heartening and inspirational stories are to be found in real life.

And there is a lot to be learnt from the trailblazing achievements of history’s most renowned and respected figures. But how did these inspirational figures reach their goals and what prompted them to act the ways they did?

Picture book biographies peel back history and bring to life the true stories of iconic figures for a younger generation of readers. Crossing nationalities, careers and cultures, people including Nelson Mandela and Amelia Earhart have overcome all sorts of obstacles to realise their dreams.

Here are 10 of the most inspiring picture book biographies for young readers to read and savour:

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter

Wangari Maathai, is credited with planting over 30 million trees in Kenya. Wangari spent six years studying in America, only to return to Kenya to find a wasteland and her beloved trees gone. She started a programme to reintroduce Kenya’s trees to the land, which grew from starting in her garden, to covering the whole of Kenya. Her incredible life which culminated in her winning a Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 is told here in breathtaking detail.

Just Being Audrey Margaret Cardillo and Julia Denos

Discover the inspirational woman behind the camera in this book about Audrey Hepburn’s life and charity work. As well as exploring her work on classic films including Roman Holiday and Breakfast at Tiffany’s, this picture book by Margaret Cardillo and Julia Denos follows Audrey’s childhood in Nazi-occupied Europe and her work in Africa as a Unicef ambassador. This is a great way to introduce this iconic screen legend to a younger audience and her dedication to helping and empowering others.

Malala Yousafzai: Warrior with Words by Karen Leggett Abouraya and LC Wheatley

The iconic story of Malala Yousafzai’s story is a testament to bravery and the importance of believing in yourself that is told here with the aim of educating a younger audience about the importance of education and the power of words. A voice of a generation and an inspiration to teenagers across the globe, this picture book bring’s Malala’s commitment to fairness and equality for all to a whole new generation of readers.

Long Walk to Freedom abridged by Chris van Wyk and illustrated by Paddy Bouma

The biography of the 20th centuries most famous activists is re–told for children by Chris van Wyk. Paddy Bouma’s illustrations capture the vibrancy of life in South Africa. A great book to introduce the countries first back president to younger readers.

Amelia to Zora by Cynthia Chin-Lee and illustreated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy

You get 26 true tales of 26 pioneering women who sought to change the world around them here. From Amelia Earhart – the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic – to Zora Neale Hurston, a trail blazing author, this is a book that celebrates the achievements of 26 women who made their unique marks on history.

Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles, illustrated by George Ford

From Pulitzer Prize winning author Robert Coles, this is the true story of six–year–old Ruby Bridges, who defied protesters to enter a segregated, all–white school in 1960. This is a story of defiance and strength of sprit brilliantly brought to life with delicate watercolours by George Ford and Coles’ touching story–telling.

Anne Frank by Josephine Poole and Angela Barrett

This sensitively illustrated picture book follows the story of Anne Frank, her persecution at the hand of Nazi Germany and her infamous diary. However, rather than starting the story with Anne and her families decision to hide in an annex, we are taken back to Anne’s early childhood, giving us insight into her life as a normal, happy child. Follow her heartbreaking story from beginning to end in this sensitive and delicate book that brings the human cost of the holocaust to life.

Girls Think of Everything by Catherine Thimmesh and Melissa Sweet

Did you know that some of the world’s most ingenuous inventions were thought of by women? Catherine Thimmesh’s book lifts the lid of some of histories unsung, female inventors. From Mary Anderson, who invented the windshield wiper to Ruth Wakefield who invented the first chocolate chip cookie, it also features young inventors including 10-year-old Becky Schroeder, who became the youngest woman to secure a patent in American history. The book is while being beautifully illustrated throughout by Melissa Sweet.

Henry’s Freedom Box by Ellen Levine and Kadir Nelson

This is the true story of Henry Brown, a boy who is born into slavery in the American South. Forced to work in a warehouse, he has an idea: to mail himself to the North where he can be free. This touching story about determination and the strength of the human sprit is captured with a heartwarming sincerity.

Little People, Big Dreams: Frida Kahlo by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Gee Fang Eng

This book is one of four in the “little people big dreams” series by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, released this year. The other editions cover the extraordinary lives of fashion icon Coco Chanel, writer Maya Angelo and pilot Amelia Earhart. This kooky volume is a quirky take on artist Frida Kahlo’s life, that took her from ordinary child to extraordinary artist. Starting with her early childhood and her early dreams of becoming a doctor that were then ended with an unfortunate accident, Kahlo refused to give up and started painting from her bedside. Expect lots of vibrant colours and sweet, cartoon style drawings, the book also comes with facts about her life at the back.

Have we missed your favourite picture book biography off the list? Let us know via twitter @GdnChildrensBks or by email [email protected] and we’ll add them to this blog.

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The Stories Behind American Heroes, Made Accessible to Kids

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By Marjorie Ingall

Published Dec. 5, 2019 Updated Dec. 12, 2019

With no end in sight to the current wave of “fake news,” teaching kids the facts of our history is more vital than ever. Picture-book biographies can help, using narrative flair and information-rich illustrations to compress a life story or contextualize an important moment in a small package. These books introduce people who faced bias, indifference and cynicism yet went on to change the world. They may inspire kids to stand up for what’s right … and provide hope to parents in bleak times.

In COUNTING THE STARS: The Story of Katherine Johnson, NASA Mathematician (Paula Wiseman Books/Simon & Schuster, 32 pp., $17.99; ages 4 to 8), Lesa Cline-Ransome uses the refrain “Why? What? How?” to describe the budding math whiz’s interest in the universe. There are poetic moments — “Ever since she had counted stars outside her bedroom window at night, Katherine’s mind swirled with questions that soared past the clouds and far beyond earth” — but this book is dense with facts: Sputnik, Explorer 1, Project Mercury, simulations and inspections, all on a single page.

Ransome, the author of picture-book bios of Harriet Tubman, Langston Hughes, and Venus and Serena Williams, includes John Glenn’s demand, “Get the girl to check the numbers!” It was, of course, both a compliment and an insult, and Cline-Rasome doesn’t elaborate; parents may want to discuss the nuances of that “girl.”

This is the third picture book about Johnson in the last two years, but the only one with art by the brilliant Raúl Colón. With luminous watercolor, colored pencils, lithograph crayon and a scratch tool to create grooves and textures, he makes even file folders look gorgeous.

There have been dozens of picture books about Martin Luther King, Jr. Do we really need another? Yes, if it’s illustrated by Jerry Pinkney and smartly narrows the focus to the writing and delivery of the “I Have a Dream” speech. In A PLACE TO LAND: Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Speech that Inspired a Nation (Neal Porter/Holiday House, 48 pp., $18.99; ages 7 to 10) Barry Wittenstein’s poetic text provides the cadences and repetition of a preacher, while Pinkney’s detailed, kinetic pencil and watercolor art incorporates bits of torn maps and sheet music and blurry period photos of marchers.

We learn that the day before the March on Washington, Martin’s speech is still unwritten; his advisers gather in the lobby of the Willard Hotel in D.C., clamoring with conflicting advice. The next day, we see Martin on the podium. He suddenly pivots mid-speech when Mahalia Jackson yells, “Tell them about the dream!” Wittenstein conveys the electrifying result, then flashes forward to the battles still ahead.

The book’s cynosure, however, is that day, that speech. “Martin stepped up to the lectern/and stepped down on the other side/of history,” Wittenstein writes. The book offers no sop to well-meaning, romanticizing white parents: The text pointedly notes that John F. Kennedy was slow to embrace the Civil Rights movement, and the informative back matter states that after the murder of four little girls in a Birmingham church, Martin came to feel more skeptical, as Malcolm X did.

The digital illustrations in HARD WORK BUT IT’S WORTH IT: The Life of Jimmy Carter (Balzer + Bray, 40 pp., $17.99; ages 4 to 8) have a simple feel. But that’s fitting for a biography of the straightforward farmer from Plains, Ga. Kyung Eun Han’s fine-lined work – its pale colors and faint speckling, as in old photos – calls to mind traced photographs or rotoscope animation. Bethany Hegedus’s unadorned text leans on the words “right” and “fair,” notions that informed Carter’s entire life.

The book doesn’t shy away from Carter’s failings, particularly his inability to bring home American hostages from Iran. But it ends with his triumphant return to prominence as a humanitarian, depicting a man always true to himself and the “Good Mental Habits” list he wrote as a boy.

In THURGOOD (Schwartz & Wade, 40 pp., $17.99; ages 5 to 9), we learn about the Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall’s childhood in Baltimore, encounters with racism and the legal system, passion for debate and determination to be a lawyer. Jonah Winter’s text focuses, wisely, on Marshall’s early life and some of his great cases, ending before his ascent to the Supreme Court. Style sticklers be warned, there are many italics and CAPITAL LETTERS (“There was this little boy named Thoroughgood who was by all accounts a born lawyer. ” “With every battle, Thurgood took a SLEDGEHAMMER to racial inequality in America.”) Yet amid all the emphasizing, some eye-opening anecdotes (Thurgood punching a white man, Thurgood ripping up a theater curtain after being told to move to the “colored” section) feel underdeveloped.

But Bryan Collier’s rich, sharp art shines through. In stained-glass-like watercolor and collage, his stately illustrations – skies rendered in squares of layered blue, the crumbling walls of Southern black schools, triptychs of Thurgood’s notable cases – make their case eloquently.

Text and illustration meld beautifully in Sue Macy and Stacy Innerst’s THE BOOK RESCUER: How a Mensch from Massachusetts Saved Yiddish Literature for Generations to Come (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, 48 pp., $17.99; ages 5 to 8), the story of a lesser-known hero, Aaron Lansky. A MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and the founder of the Yiddish Book Center, he almost singlehandedly saved Yiddish books in America at a time when Yiddish was considered a language “whose time had passed.” When he started rescuing books from Dumpsters, it was thought there were maybe 70,000 Yiddish books left; his team has now saved 1.5 million.

Macy, who has written books about women’s history and sports, knows how to start a tale: “ Kum aher . Sit down. I want to tell you a story.” In these luminescent pages, an “All-American boy” grows into a man in love with a language considered dead. The text is sprinkled with Yiddish (“Aaron could have plotzed! Destroying Yiddish books was like erasing Jewish history!”) without getting Catskills-y.

Innerst’s acrylic, gouache and digital art shares the book’s gentle humor: Little Aaron was a Star Trek fan, and images of Leonard Nimoy (a Yiddish-speaker himself) as Spock sneakily appear, like a pointy-eared Waldo, throughout the book. A cheerful spread strews around Yiddish words that have entered the vernacular (“klutz,” “bagel,” “glitch”). In another, little Aaron and hippie collegiate Aaron are each surrounded by washes of warm reds and pinks and flying rings of books forming a subtle infinity sign.

Heroes can be nebbishy linguists, math-loving girls, eloquent orators, soft-spoken housebuilders and excellent arguers. They get in trouble, make mistakes, find themselves unfairly dismissed. But they keep going. That’s what makes them heroes.

Marjorie Ingall is a columnist for Tablet and the author of “Mamaleh Knows Best.”

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10 Picture Book Biographies of Authors to Show Kids How to Use Their Words

Jesse Doogan

Jesse Doogan writes about food, faith, books, and DIY projects, and sometimes even puts these things on her blog . She works in publishing and lives near Chicago with her cat. She tweets about all these things at @jadoogan . Blog Twitter: @jadoogan

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I loved Little Women for many reasons, but I think there was a magic there knowing that Jo really was going to make it: she was going to grow up and write her book, and it would sell, and she would write more books. In the Betsy-Tacy books, Maud Hart Lovelace went even more into the nitty-gritty of the writer’s process: Betsy would send her stories and poems off with self-addressed, stamped envelopes on a monthly rotation that she tracked in a notebook, a process that would-be authors used for decades before email and spreadsheets. I loved to read about the admin as much as the attic-dreaming.

I think that’s why I find myself to be so drawn to these picture book biographies of various authors. They take many different approaches: some are paragraphs of facts, but some are like poems that tell one element of an author’s life that illuminates the rest. There’s admin and there’s attic-dreaming.

These books, I think, can be a way to make creativity accessible to small children. We talk a lot about representation in children’s books, and STEM careers can sometimes seem to get the flashier picture books, but I like that these picture books show children that they can use their words to describe their inner and outer worlds.

A note about diversity: I have spent a lot of time in the last few months reading picture book biographies of authors and I was shocked at the lack of books written by people of color. I was able to find books written about authors of color, but only two written by authors of color. While I’m talking about the ways these books can open up a world for young authors, I have to talk about how kids need to see people who look like them writing books in the present day, too.

A Book, Too, Can Be a Star by Charlotte Jones Voiklis and Jennifer Adams, illustrated by Adelina Lirius

This is a lovely biography of Madeline L’Engle written by one of her granddaughters, along with Jennifer Adams of BabyLit fame. The title is taken from a quote from L’Engle’s best known book, A Wrinkle in Time , and while there are stars throughout the book — Madeline wanted to write books that shone light into a dark universe — my favorite thread through the book is the idea of L’Engle writing books that ask questions and answer them.

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A Boy Called Dickens by Deborah Hopkins, illustrated by John Hendrix

This is one of my favorite author bios that I’ve come across. The narrator literally takes the reader by the hand and drags them around London to follow Dickens through his young life. Charles Dickens had a difficult childhood, and his cold, dreary existence isn’t ignored here, but the book keeps a merry pace that balances misery and humor in a way that doesn’t feel too far removed from Dickens’s own writing. John Hendrix’s illustrations, too, display a gritty old city that still seems like someplace to be explored.

Ode to an Onion: Pablo Neruda & His Muse by Alexandria Giardino, illustrated by Felicita Sala

I think this book does such a neat trick with its point of view. It’s told in the third person, but we’re firmly in Neruda’s head, even in the illustrations. Neruda is sad at the book’s opening, but he goes off to find his muse and cheer himself up in her garden. It’s a tiny slice-of-life story that shows the reader something big about Neruda’s life.

Papa is a Poet by Natalie Bober, illustrated by Ammi-Joan Paquette cover

Papa is a Poet: A Story About Robert Frost by Natalie Bober, illustrated by Ammi-Joan Paquette

I think sometimes picture book biographies struggle to find a way to make the subject accessible to the young readers, and Papa is a Poet found a perfect solution. The story of Robert Frost is told by his young daughter as they arrive back in America. Frost has just found an unauthorized collection of his poems being sold at a newsstand, and while he goes off to find the publisher, Lesley tells the story of their family life.

Poet: The Remarkable Story of George Moses Horton written and illustrated by Don Tate

I recently came across one of George Moses Horton’s poems, his first ever published, but this picture book biography was what filled me in on his, well, remarkable story. Horton was the first enslaved person to publish a poem, and he eventually earned enough from his book sales that he could afford to buy his own freedom, though his master refused to make the sale. It’s a heartbreaking, hopeful story.

It Began with a Page written and illustrated by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad cover

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad

My favorite picture book biographies open like a poem, and It Began with a Page does exactly that: “It began with a page, bright and beckoning.” It goes on to tell the story of Fujikawa’s immigrant family and her isolated childhood. But Gyo’s loneliness is tempered by her drawings, and Julie Morstad’s illustrations surround Gyo and keep her company throughout her life. The book touches on Fujikawa’s family’s internment and, of course, the publication of Fujikawa’s groundbreaking book, Babies , one of the first children’s books in the U.S. to portray a diverse cast of characters.

Balderdash!: John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Nancy Carpenter

I couldn’t make a list of picture book author biographies without including this one about the man who revolutionized children’s books. Before John Newbery, children’s books were mostly moralizing stories with no real interest for kids. But Newbery thought that children should enjoy reading (imagine that!) and this picture book biography is definitely something Newbery would approve of. It’s a bouncy, fun story about a changing publishing world.

16 Words: William Carlos Williams & “The Red Wheelbarrow” by Lisa Rogers, illustrated by Chuck Groenink

16 Words starts with an invitation. The first spread is a simple illustration of a window with a question for the reader: “Look out the window. What do you see?” The book immediately jumps from there into William Carlos Williams’s mind, to look out his window. The book takes the reader through Williams’s very normal life and shows all the places he found poetry.

John Ronald’s Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

I love when these bios choose one element of the author’s life that makes the rest of their life make sense, and it’s just delightful that McAlister chose dragons to tell the story of J.R.R. Tolkien’s life. It’s a cozy, gentle biography of a gentle man following a dragon.

The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet are a power couple in the world of author picture book biographies, and The Right Word is one of their best. The book combines straight text prose that tell Peter’s story, but the illustrations include comic book style speech bubbles to expand on the story. Sweet’s illustrations include lists and lists of words, helping the reader understand the overwhelming feeling Peter Roget must have had as he tried to catalog a language.

Want more picture book biographies? Here’s a great diverse list . And here’s a list of picture book bios of awesome ladies . Looking for more nonfiction for little ones? Here’s a list of picture books about creepy-crawlies .

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The How and Why of Using Picture Book Biographies in the Classroom

Bring historical figures to life!

"Otis and Will," "Thomas Jefferson Builds Library," and "Counting on Katherine" biography picture books.

As a genre, picture book biographies have taken off in recent years. There are biographies of famous people ( Vincent Can’t Sleep by Barb Rosenstock) and obscure people ( The Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson). Some biographies span entire lives ( Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova by Laurel Snyder) or one-day events ( A Place to Land: Martin Luther King Jr and the Speech that Inspired a Nation by Barry Wittenstein). Whatever you’re planning to teach, chances are, you’ll find a biography to go with it.

Picture book biographies are a great way to help bring historical figures to life, and to encourage students to ask deeper questions about a person, time period, or event. One thing to know: as a read aloud, they are long and often complex books, so it’s good to plan to read one book across multiple days.

Below find 4 reading skills that picture book biographies help teach, and 5 ways to use picture book biographies with your class (think: grades 2-5).

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4 Important Skills Readers Learn from Picture Book Biographies

These skills will make picture book biographies an integral part of your reading curriculum.

1. How to Approach Narrative Nonfiction

Narrative nonfiction requires reading skills from both fiction and nonfiction. Students have to identify details that are true, and bring their background knowledge about a time period or person to a text to better understand it. They also have to follow the narrative of a person’s life or experience.

Biography to Try: Reading a picture book biography that tells a narrative, like Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere by Barb Rosenstock, gives students a chance to practice connecting background knowledge with new information. In this case, they’ll learn about the ocean’s depths with the story of the Bathysphere. At the same time, they are reading a narrative with a beginning, middle, end, and other features.

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2. Expanded Vocabulary

Unlike expository texts, which have lots of academic words specific to a topic, picture book biographies have a broader vocabulary. Students will encounter words they’ll see in other fiction stories. This allows them to expand their vocabulary alongside the academic words that go with each story.

Biography to Try: The Noisy Paintbox by Barb Rosenstock allows you to to talk about common words like proper and appreciate . You’ll also talk about words that have to do with art: palette, cerulean, and many more.

3. Empathetic Connection with Nonfiction

Another aspect of connecting to text is the ability to empathize with characters, or in this case historical figures. Sometimes the best way to understand what it was like to live through something is a story. Picture book biographies allow students to engage with important events and people using empathy.

Biography to Try: The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Mosca helps students really understand what it felt to be Temple Grandin and face the challenges she did as a researcher with autism.

4. Ability to See Connections

Reading picture book biographies across a school year, you’ll find lots of ways to connect across and between books.

Biographies to Try: Read Shark Lady by Jess Keating, about shark researcher Eugenie Clark. Then, read Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed about Mae Jemison. Last, read I Dissent by Debbie Levy about Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Then bring it together to talk about how these three very different stories showcased women who pursued their dreams at a time when women were expected to stay out of the public sphere.

5 Ways to Use Picture Book Biographies

Once you’ve chosen your biography, here are five ways to use it:

1. Start with the Who

When you start a new unit, engage students in thinking about the most important (or maybe a lesser figure) with a biography.

Biography to Try: To start a unit about the Revolutionary period, read a biography of George Washington, like A Parade for George Washington by David Adler. Have students brainstorm questions starting with Washington.

2. Dig Deeper

Add a picture book biography partway through a unit to help students bring the general knowledge they’ve gained from expository text to one person’s experience. What questions were answered by studying this person’s life? And, what questions are students interested in exploring after learning more about one person?

Biography to Try: During a unit on astronomy, incorporate Counting on Katherine by Helaine Becker. This book showcases Katherine Johnson and her work with Apollo 13. It can help expand and deepen students’ knowledge of how people first explored space.

3. Introduce the Obscure

Sometimes you’re teaching a subject that seems completely foreign to students. Introducing it through a person can make the topic feel less obscure.

Biography to Try: Use the biography Emily Writes: Emily Dickinson and her Poetic Beginnings by Jane Yolen to talk about poetry and segue into Dickinson’s poetry.

4. Make the Familiar Unfamiliar

You’ll come across topics that students have studied over and over. Picture book biographies that focus on a lesser-known hero, or on a specific part of a famous person’s life, can inject new energy into familiar topics.

Biography to Try: When studying the founding of America, try reading Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock. You can talk about the life of Jefferson and go beyond the basic expository timeline or textbook.

5. Humanize Dry Subjects

Reading a biography in science, math, art, or another topic is a great way to show students how those topics impacted real people. Bringing real people into lessons can make dry topics more interesting and real-world.

Biography to Try: In Nothing Stopped Sophie by Cheryl Bardoe and Barbara McClintock, you’ll read about Sophie Germain. She grew up during the French Revolution and was interested in finding the order in math. Reading about Sophie will inspire more curiosity than solving math problems on day one of a math unit.

How do you use picture book biographies in your classroom? Share on our WeAreTeachers HELPLINE Facebook page.

The How and Why of Using Picture Book Biographies in the Classroom

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Laurent de Brunhoff, ‘Babar’ heir and author, dies at age 98

FILE - Babar author Laurent de Brunhoff poses for a photograph with Babar while celebrating 75 years of the book on Friday, April 21, 2006 at Mabel’s Fables in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. De Brunhoff, a Paris native who moved to the U.S. in the 1980s, died Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home in Key West, Fla., according to The New York Times. (Nathan Denette /The Canadian Press via AP)

FILE - Babar author Laurent de Brunhoff signs the wall, while celebrating 75 years of the book on Friday, April 21, 2006 at Mabel’s Fables in Toronto, Ont. De Brunhoff, a Paris native who moved to the U.S. in the 1980s, died Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home in Key West, Fla., according to The New York Times.(Nathan Denette /The Canadian Press via AP)

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NEW YORK (AP) — “Babar” author Laurent de Brunhoff, who revived his father’s popular picture book series about an elephant-king and presided over its rise to a global, multimedia franchise, has died. He was 98.

De Brunhoff, a Paris native who moved to the U.S. in the 1980s, died Friday at his home in Key West, Florida, after being in hospice care for two weeks, according to his widow, Phyllis Rose.

Just 12 years old when his father, Jean de Brunhoff, died of tuberculosis, Laurent was an adult when he drew upon his own gifts as a painter and storyteller and released dozens of books about the elephant who reigns over Celesteville, among them “Babar at the Circus” and “Babar’s Yoga for Elephants.” He preferred using fewer words than his father did, but his illustrations faithfully mimicked Jean’s gentle, understated style.

“Together, father and son have woven a fictive world so seamless that it is nearly impossible to detect where one stopped and the other started,” author Ann S. Haskell wrote in The New York Times in 1981.

The series has sold millions of copies worldwide and was adapted for a television program and such animated features as “Babar: The Movie” and “Babar: King of the Elephants.” Fans ranged from Charles de Gaulle to Maurice Sendak, who once wrote, “If he had come my way, how I would have welcomed that little elephant and smothered him with affection.”

De Brunhoff would say of his creation, “Babar, c’est moi” (“that’s me”), telling National Geographic in 2014 that “he’s been my whole life, for years and years, drawing the elephant.”

The books’ appeal was far from universal. Some parents shied from the passage in the debut, “The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant,” about Babar’s mother being shot and killed by hunters. Numerous critics called the series racist and colonialist, citing Babar’s education in Paris and its influence on his (presumed) Africa-based regime. In 1983, Chilean author Ariel Dorfman would call the books an “implicit history that justifies and rationalizes the motives behind an international situation in which some countries have everything and other countries almost nothing.”

“Babar’s history,” Dorfman wrote, “is none other than the fulfillment of the dominant countries’ colonial dream.”

Adam Gopnik, a Paris-based correspondent for The New Yorker, defended “Babar,” writing in 2008 that it “is not an unconscious expression of the French colonial imagination; it is a self-conscious comedy about the French colonial imagination and its close relation to the French domestic imagination.”

De Brunhoff himself acknowledged finding it “a little embarrassing to see Babar fighting with Black people in Africa. He especially regretted “Babar’s Picnic,” a 1949 publication that included crude caricatures of Blacks and American Indians, and asked his publisher to withdraw it.

De Brunhoff was the eldest of three sons born to Jean de Brunhoff and Cecile de Brunhoff, a painter. Babar was created when Cecile de Brunhoff, the namesake for the elephant’s kingdom and Babar’s wife, improvised a story for her kids.

“My mother started to tell us a story to distract us,” de Brunhoff told National Geographic in 2014. “We loved it, and the next day we ran to our father’s study, which was in the corner of the garden, to tell him about it. He was very amused and started to draw. And that was how the story of Babar was born. My mother called him Bebe elephant (French for baby). It was my father who changed the name to Babar. But the first pages of the first book, with the elephant killed by a hunter and the escape to the city, was her story.”

The debut was released in 1931 through the family-run publisher Le Jardin Des Modes. Babar was immediately well received and Jean de Brunhoff completed four more Babar books before dying six years later, at age 37. Laurent’s uncle, Michael, helped publish two additional works, but no one else added to the series until after World War II, when Laurent, a painter by then, decided to bring it back.

“Gradually I began to feel strongly that a Babar tradition existed and that it ought to be perpetuated,” he wrote in The New York Times in 1952.

De Brunhoff was married twice, most recently to the critic and biographer Phyllis Rose, who wrote the text to many of the recent “Babar” publications, including the 2017 release billed as the finale, “Babar’s Guide to Paris.” He had two children, Anne and Antoine, but the author did not consciously write for young people.

“I never really think of children when I do my books,” he told the Wall Street Journal in 2017. “Babar was my friend and I invented stories with him, but not with kids in a corner of my mind. I write it for myself.”

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75 Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids, 2024
The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons by Natascha Biebow, illustrated by Steven Salerno. INVENTOR. This might be a new favorite biography picture book because it's skillfully written, perfect for young readers, about a topic that we all love — crayons.
45 Superb Picture Book Biographies for Teaching Kids History
This picture-book biography explores the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression—all with a lyrical touch worthy of the subject. Gwendolyn Brooks was the first Black person to win the Pulitzer Prize, receiving the award for poetry in 1950. And in 1958, she was named the poet laureate of Illinois.
25 Wonderful Picture Book Biographies for Readers of All Ages
This picture book biography feels particularly appropriate to read during the Covid-19 pandemic. It chronicles the life of Dr. Jonas Salk, the inventor of the polio vaccine. Dr. Salk's legacy lives on at the medical research facility, the Salk Institute. Other Amy's Book Lists You'll Love: 30 Books About Voting And Elections For Kids of ...
10 of the Best Picture Book Biographies
A Kirkus Reviews most anticipated picture book of fall 2019. The uplifting story of a girl finding her own voice, A Likkle Miss Lou is a modern ode to language, girl power, diversity, and the arts. Louise Bennett Coverley, or Miss Lou, was an iconic entertainer known for popularizing patois in the arts—helping to pave the way for artists like Harry Belafonte and Bob Marley.
20 fantastic picture book biographies for kids
Eugenie spent her life proving the naysayers wrong, both abut sharks and female scientists. (Also check out Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang, illustrated by Jordi Solano). John Ronald's Dragons: The Story of J.R.R. Tolkien by Caroline McAlister, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler.
70+ Picture Book Biographies to Inspire Your Kids (& YOU)
3. Picture book biographies develop a growth mindset. A growth mindset says that you can improve your skills and abilities with practice and perseverance. Picture book biographies can support the development of a growth mindset in children (which is why THIS growth mindset journal includes so many inspiring true stories in their journals).
Picture Book Biographies of 2023 (99 books)
Picture Book Biographies of 2023. Check out this list of any and all picture book biographies for ages 3-8 published in 2023! flag. All Votes Add Books To This List. 1. The Girl Who Heard the Music. by. Marni Fogelson. 4.29 avg rating — 196 ratings.
Picture Book Biography Books
Showing 1-50 of 1,074. I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark (Hardcover) by. Debbie Levy (Goodreads Author) (shelved 16 times as picture-book-biography) avg rating 4.33 — 6,241 ratings — published 2016. Want to Read. Rate this book. 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars.
Picture Book Biographies (169 books)
Picture Book Biographies flag. All Votes Add Books To This List. 1: I am Martin Luther King, Jr. by. Brad Meltzer (Goodreads Author) 4.50 avg rating — 1,078 ratings. score: 270, and 3 people voted Want to Read saving… Want to Read; Currently Reading ...
The 100 Best Biography And Autobiography Picture Books
Top 10 Biography And Autobiography Picture Books. 7.0. 01. Abe's Honest Words. Written by Doreen Rappaport & illustrated by Kadir Nelson. 7.0. 02. Pocket Full of Colors: The Magical World of Mary Blair, Disney Artist Extraordinaire. Written by Amy Guglielmo and Jacqueline Tourville & illustrated by Brigette Barrager.
More than 40 of the Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and Shark Lady: The True Story of I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: Salt in His Shoes: Michael Jordan The Boy Who Loved Math: The Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper On a Beam of Light: A William Still and His Freedom Stories ...
Best Picture-Book Biographies of 2021
This introduction to an American icon feels just right. FULL REVIEW >. get a copy. bookshelf. OCT. 19, 2021. CHILDREN'S. MY ART, MY WORLD. by Rita Winkler with Mark Winkler and Helen Winkler ; illustrated by Rita Winkler & Leon Balaban.
Best Picture-Book Biographies of 2022
Weekly book lists of exciting new releases, bestsellers, classics, and more. ... Book List. Best Picture-Book Biographies of 2022. CHILDREN'S. JAN. 18, 2022. ... 10 Picture Books You'll Read Again and Again PODCASTS Episode 356: Veera Hiranandani Episode 355: Marie-Helene Bertino ...
Picture Books Biographies
ISBN 9781541522190. Levy's captivating picture book biography tells the story of Flory Jagoda, known today as the "Keeper of the Flame" of Sephardic culture and music. Nonsense! The Curious Story of Edward Gorey by Lori Mortensen. illus. by Chloe Bristol.
Picture Book Biography Series
Picture Book Biography Series Found in Children's Nonfiction For almost thirty years, David Adler's Picture Book Biography series has profiled famous people who changed the world. Colorful, kid-friendly illustrations combine with Adler's "expert mixtures of facts and personality" (Booklist) to introduce young readers to history through compelling biographies of presidents, heroes ...
50+ of the Best Picture Book Biographies with Reviews
Here are 50+ of the best children's historical picture book biographies and autobiographies/memoirs for kids. This list is separated into two parts - American history and world history. Picture books are a great way to bring visuals, stories, and life to the random black and white photos we see in history books. Read about the men and women ...
Picture book biographies: best heartwarming true stories
Picture book biographies peel back history and bring to life the true stories of iconic figures for a younger generation of readers. Crossing nationalities, careers and cultures, people including ...
15 Diverse Picture Book Biographies
This picture book biography showcases the life of Maya Lin, an artist whose design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial was chosen when she was just 21. Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines digs deep to show how art shaped Lin's life, having grown up in a family of artists and taking to art from a young age.
The Stories Behind American Heroes, Made Accessible to Kids
Picture-book biographies can help, using narrative flair and information-rich illustrations to compress a life story or contextualize an important moment in a small package. These books introduce ...
10 Picture Book Biographies of Authors to Inspire Young Writers
The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant, illustrated by Melissa Sweet. Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet are a power couple in the world of author picture book biographies, and The Right Word is one of their best. The book combines straight text prose that tell Peter's story, but the illustrations include comic book style speech ...
How to Use Picture Book Biographies in the Classroom
4. Ability to See Connections. Reading picture book biographies across a school year, you'll find lots of ways to connect across and between books. Biographies to Try: Read Shark Lady by Jess Keating, about shark researcher Eugenie Clark. Then, read Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed about Mae Jemison.
Best Picture-Book Biographies of 2023
Weekly book lists of exciting new releases, bestsellers, classics, and more. ... Book List. Best Picture-Book Biographies of 2023. CHILDREN'S. FEB. 14, 2023. CHILDREN'S. ROCK, ROSETTA, ROCK! ROLL, ROSETTA, ROLL! ... Picture Book by Lance Bass Coming This Summer Seen & Heard Bonnie Jo Campbell Talks Book on 'Today' ...
Amazon.com: Picture Book Biographies
A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark (Picture Book Biography) Part of: Picture Book Biography (16 books) 4.6 out of 5 stars 47. Paperback. $7.99 $ 7. 99. FREE delivery Sun, Sep 10 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. Or fastest delivery Wed, Sep 6 . More Buying Choices $1.99 (36 used & new offers)
Page Turners: Mahomet Public Library picture book biographies for Women
MAHOMET, Ill. (WCIA) — ciLiving is celebrating Women's History Month in March and Rebecca Storm from the Mahomet Public Library joins to share a few inspirational page turners themed around picture book biographies for Women's History Month. Upcoming Programs:Eclipse Programs Crafting the Cosmos: Drop-in eclipse crafts for kids and families.
Laurent de Brunhoff, 'Babar' heir and author, dies at age 98
2 of 2 | . FILE - Babar author Laurent de Brunhoff signs the wall, while celebrating 75 years of the book on Friday, April 21, 2006 at Mabel's Fables in Toronto, Ont. De Brunhoff, a Paris native who moved to the U.S. in the 1980s, died Friday, March 22, 2024 at his home in Key West, Fla., according to The New York Times.(Nathan Denette /The Canadian Press via AP)

75 Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids, 2024

The Best Picture Book Biographies for Kids

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4. The Crayon Man: The True Story of the Invention of Crayola Crayons

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