Welcome to Day 2 of my Girl Power series! Throughout this week, I will be introducing you to a wide range of books about extraordinary women, both real and imagined. If you have missed previous days, check out the other links here!

Today’s list focuses on women who have made a difference in the arts. From groundbreaking artists and dancers to creators and designers who changed their medium, there are lots of trailblazing women to explore! These children’s books about women in the arts are sure to engage your daughters and your sons.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post. Some of these books I received in exchange for my honest review. These will be marked by an *. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lights! Camera! Alice!: The Thrilling True Adventures of the First Woman Filmmaker*

Written by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Simona Ciraolo

This remarkable story introduces readers to Alice Guy-Blache, the first woman to create movies. The story is broken up into sections of her life, and these are marked by title cards which use actual titles of films that she made. Readers can follow her journey from childhood to adulthood, exploring her many jobs and accomplishments. The illustrations use a muted color palette with lots of old fashioned details throughout. The back of the book includes more information on her life and works, as well as history on why most people don’t know about her.

Brave Ballerina: The Story of Janet Collins*

Written by Michelle Meadows and illustrated by Ebony Glenn

Janet Collins was the first African American prima ballerina in the Metropolitan Opera House. This beautifully illustrated book examines her early life and the journey she took to make her dreams come true. The story uses a simple rhyming text and each page introduces an important part or time in her life using the repeating line “This is the…”. The illustrations are beautiful, using delicate colors and lines to show the movement of her skirts and the gracefulness of her dancing. The back of the book includes notes from the author about Collins’ life, as well as sources for future research.

Along Came Coco: A Story About Coco Chanel*

Written and illustrated by Eva Byrne

This introduction to Coco Chanel follows her path from curious young girl to world famous fashion designer. The story is engaging for young readers, showing the many places she drew inspiration from, and how her rule breaking style changed fashion forever. The illustrations are charming, using bright colors and bold lines to create artwork reminiscent of fashion sketches. The back of the book includes more information about Coco Chanel and her life, as well as notes from the author and a list of recommended resources.

What I Can Learn from the Incredible and Fantastic Life of Oprah Winfrey*

Written by Melissa Medina and illustrated by Fredrik Colting

This introduction to Oprah Winfrey takes readers through her life and career, and highlights her accomplishments. The text includes lists of fun facts and positive things about her life, as well as tips on how to be more like her. The illustrations and layout of the book are colorful and eye catching, and reminiscent of a beloved scrapbook.

Nature’s Friend: The Gwen Frostic Story*

Written by Lindsey McDivitt and illustrated by Eileen Ryan Ewen

In this inspirational book, readers are introduced to Gwen Frostic, a remarkable woman who overcame physical limitations to make her dreams come true. Gwen loved to create artwork and to be part of nature, so she used her passions to create greeting cards and artwork that showcased the beauty of nature. Through her work, she helped to raise awareness about the environment and the creatures and plants that she loved. The illustrations are colorful and appealing, showing the beautiful nature scenes that she adored. The back of the book includes more information about Gwen’s life and legacy for readers who are curious about learning more.

Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen: The Story of Six Novels, Three Notebooks, a Writing Box, and One Clever Girl

Written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Qin Leng

This illustrated biography introduces the reader to the life of Jane Austen. Jane was a shy child who loved to read and imagine, and she used her love of books and observation to create her classic novels that are still read today. The book explores how Austen created new types of novels, reflecting real people and situations instead of the sweeping epics that were popular at the time. The text is accompanied by beautiful watercolor illustrations that will take the reader back in time. The book also includes a timeline of her life, as well as details on her most popular works.

She Made a Monster: How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein

Written by Lynn Fulton and illustrated by Felicita Sala

This fascinating book shares the story of how Mary Shelley created the monster story that is so well known today. The text follows Mary on a stormy night as she tries to come up with the best ghost story. The illustrations are dark and frightening, mirroring the topic and pulling the reader deeper into her dark mind. This is a fascinating look at the background of a familiar story, as well as the inner workings of the author’s mind.

Alabama Spitfire: The Story of Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird

Written by Bethany Hegedus and illustrated by Erin McGuire

This book shares the life story of Nelle Harper Lee and how she came to write her famous novel. The text is easy for kids to understand, showing Nelle as a child and sharing her likes and interests, and showing how she was inspired by the world around her. The illustrations are sharp and eye catching, drawing the reader in.

Pocket Bios: Frida Kahlo*

Written and illustrated by Al Berenger

This small biography introduces readers to the life and artwork of Frida Kahlo. Each two page spread focuses on a specific set of years in her life. The text explores her childhood, as well as the hurdles she had to face in her life. The illustrations paired with the text are full of bright colors and the cartoon like people will keep little ones engaged.

Giveaway!!

Thanks to our friends at Abrams, we have the opportunity to give away one copy of Along Came Coco to a lucky follower!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tomorrow…

Come back tomorrow for Day 3 of my Girl Power Series, when I will be sharing books about inspirational women who have changed history!

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