A good start for kids like this is to drop the pressure or level of expectation. Go with the flow and surround them with books which visually excite. This may mean providing picture books with few words for a lot longer than some might consider normal or average. There are many, many books with superb illustrations and simple stories. Look for big books with awe inspiring pictures which thrill the senses. But don't stop at fiction. Books with glossy photos of art from famous galleries and museums of the world usually have interesting text your budding artist will want to read. History books are often overlooked, but have fascinating information on great works of art. Look for ones with pictures and informative text.
Then there are the amazing array of how-to books. Reading and learning about technique is still reading and learning. Go for books with clear photos and step-by-step instructions. The text is an important part of these books. Providing these books will give them something to read and they won't even balk at the idea of reading. Not when the subject is something they already love. Depending on their level of interest, try books on the lives of the masters, such as biographies and semi-fictional accounts. There are books covering every aspect of modern and classic art, design, graphics, fashion design and more to stimulate imagination and excite the eye. Don't forget the number of magazines available for artists. These make great reading with profiles on artists and other relevant information.
Not only are these kinds of books inspirational, but your child will read the text out of their interest in the subject. Perhaps they want to perfect their own artistic endeavours or learn how a past master created solutions to problems in technique, etc. The idea is to provide the kinds of books they will enjoy. One of the keys to getting kids reading is to focus on whatever they already enjoy doing. Providing these books will promote further reading, simply because they won't be able to help themselves. More and fiction is set in the art world these days, many of these are mystery or riddle solving tales. Older children might enjoy Linnea in Monet's Garden
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