14 Books about Gustav Klimt and Art Nouveau

Gustav Klimt’s golden patterns, swirling lines, and nature-inspired shapes continue to enchant artists of all ages and these books help bring his world to life for children, teens, and adults alike. Whether you're exploring The Tree of Life through a fairytale, learning from Klimt himself in picture books, trying hands-on art projects, or diving deep into the Art Nouveau movement, this collection celebrates Klimt’s artistic legacy in playful, thoughtful, and creative ways. Perfect for the classroom, at home, or museum visits, these titles encourage readers to see art not just as something to admire, but something to experience and create.

You might also like these!

The Magical Tree: A Children’s Book Inspired by Gustav Klimt Myrian Ouyessad

This storybook is inspired by Klimt’s mural called The Tree of Life. Kids will be captivated as they read about a man who plants a fruit tree. The fruit gives the man the ability to see into the future! How will this power be used for good? The story reads like a fairy tale and will engage kids until the very end. The Klimt-inspired Art Nouveau illustrations stick with the same color scheme of orange, yellow, and black throughout the book and they’re exquisite! Read it with elementary kids.

Klimt and His Cat Berenice Capatti

This book offers a whimsical and heartwarming look into the life of modern artist Gustav Klimt, through the eyes of his clever and curious cat, Katze. Readers are invited into Klimt’s colorful studio, filled with paints, canvases, and creativity, while Katze shares insights about his work, travels, and personality. Author Bérénice Capatti and illustrator Octavia Monaco beautifully blend storytelling and Klimt-inspired visuals to bring this unique biography to life. 

13 Art Movements Children Should Know Brad Finger

With this book, kids will get an inside look at 13 art movements throughout history. It starts with Romanesque, progresses through Romanticism, Art Nouveau, and others, and ends with Pop Art. Each movement is described in detail, and eye-catching reproductions help children visualize the differences in each style. Plus, there are activity suggestions that will extend the learning opportunities for children. The text and activities are ideal for upper elementary and early middle school kids.

Hello Gustav Klimt (Artsmart Toddlers) Mrs. Lucy M. Pimpinella

This bright and playful introduction to the famous Austrian artist was created just for toddlers! This board book uses cheerful illustrations and simple, engaging text to spark curiosity in little learners. Young children will discover Klimt’s dazzling use of gold, patterns, and color, while interactive prompts like “Try This Art Challenge” invite them to create their own masterpieces. Perfect for ages 2–5, this book encourages early art appreciation, creativity, and learning through fun.

The Museum Susan Verde

Art inspires us and makes us feel all sorts of emotions! In this book, you and your children can see those emotions played out in the main character. She sees one piece of art and feels twirly-whirly. Another piece of art makes her sad and blue. Abstract art makes her giggle. The illustrations follow this playful attitude, and the rhyming text fits with it, too. Read this one with young children before your next trip to the art museum!

Meet Gustav Klimt (Meet the Artist) Read With You Center for Excellence in STEAM Education

Young readers will discover the world of modern art through the eyes of the artist himself. As Klimt shares the stories behind his iconic gold paintings and mosaic-inspired style, children are invited to observe details, ask questions, and even try out techniques like gilding and mosaic-making. Part of the Meet the Artist series, this book is a wonderful resource for classrooms and curious minds, it encourages young children to see art all around them.

Art Matters: Because Your Imagination Can Change the World Neil Gaiman

Award-winning author Neil Gaiman has written a number of inspiring speeches and other pieces, but this book provides just four of them. Each one is powerful in its own right and all of them talk about expression, inspiration, ideas, and the joy of creating. The text of the book is written in an informal handwriting script and the illustrations by Chris Riddell fit with the overall theme of expression and creativity. Gaiman’s ideas are insightful for teenagers looking to grasp ideas about success, identity, and art.

Patterns from Nature: The Art of Klimt Myung Irwa Yu

This lively biography of Gustav Klimt is told from the perspective of a cat. It focuses on Klimt’s brightly decorated paintings and his use of geometric shapes, both of which were inspired by nature. The illustrations are child-like but still give nods to Klimt’s overall style. Several reproductions of his paintings are included, too. Read this one with early elementary kids.

Anna at the Art Museum Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert

Anna is like most children in an art museum: bored and grumpy. She’s tired of all the rules! But when an open door catches her attention, a security guard invites her to go inside and see a totally different part of the museum. She walks into a workshop where paintings are being cleaned and prepared for showing. Anna realizes that she’s a lot like the people in the paintings! This book shows a few pieces of art on each page and provides a gentle introduction to several styles of art. See which pieces of art you and your child can identify! Read it with early elementary kids.

Art Masterclass with Gustav Klimt Lucy Brownridge

This is an art class in a book! Kids can go at their own pace as they work through 12 lessons inspired by Gustav Klimt’s art. The book begins with a brief biography of Klimt and a timeline of his life. After that, kids are treated to lessons in drawing, patterns, portraits, collage, and much more. There are lots of illustrations and reproductions throughout the book that add color and interest. The projects are suitable for middle schoolers to do on their own or for elementary children to work through with an adult.

Toulouse-Lautrec and the Stars of Paris Helen Burnham, Mary Weaver Chapin, Joanna Wendel

In this book, children can take a look inside the exciting world of entertainment in 19th-century Paris! They’ll learn about six performers (actors, singers, dancers, and others) and the artwork that Toulouse-Lautrec created for advertising posters during that time. His Art Nouveau style was instrumental in creating personas around each of these entertainment stars and bringing about the celebrity culture in Paris. Read this one with children 12 and older.

Gustav Klimt: Art Nouveau and the Vienna Secessionists Michael Kerrigan

This beautifully illustrated volume explores the life and legacy of Gustav Klimt, a leading figure of the Art Nouveau movement and a founding member of the Vienna Secession. More than just a biography, the book highlights the broader group of revolutionary artists who broke from tradition to redefine modern art in late 19th-century Vienna. This book is recommended for older children who lover art and adults.

Modern Art for Kids: Hands-On Art and Craft Activities Inspired by the Masters Stephanie Ho Poon

This inspiring, hands-on introduction to modern art movements and iconic artists is perfect for curious young creators. From Monet’s Impressionist ponds and Klimt’ Art Nouveau to Warhol’s Pop Art prints, each chapter combines fun facts, artist biographies, and step-by-step craft activities that bring art history to life. Illustrated in a bright, engaging style, this book invites kids to explore their creativity while learning about Impressionism, Surrealism, Minimalism, and more.

Art Nouveau Coloring Pages for Kids and Kids at Heart Hands-On Art History

This coloring book provides kids with a hands-on way to experience all of the florals, curves, and ornamental designs of Art Nouveau. There are 25 designs to color. It’s great for kids and adults!

newsletter icon Never miss a beat. Subscribe
to our
Newsletter!
* indicates required