Best Animation Graphic Design Books of 2025

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story is an adaptation of Charlie Mackesy's heartwarming book. The animated short film, streaming on Apple TV+ on Christmas Day, is a celebration of the work of over 100 animators across two years of production. The film brings to life Charlie's distinctive illustrations with hand-drawn traditional animation and accompanying hand-written script. The book has brought comfort and joy to over seven million readers worldwide, and the film is sure to do the same. Overall, this book and its adaptation are a must-read and must-watch for anyone in search of home and happiness.

The Disney Dreams Collection Thomas Kinkade Studios Disney Princess Coloring Book is a delightful coloring book that features more than 40 coloring pages of beloved Disney Princess characters. Each image is based on the Disney Dreams Collection of paintings by Thomas Kinkade Studios and presented in full color on one page, with a detailed black line art on the opposite page to color. The book is printed on uncoated paper, making it suitable for coloring with crayons, colored pencils, and gel pens. This book is perfect for Disney Princess fans, and it makes a great gift for anyone who loves to color.

The Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Official Cookbook is a must-have for fans of the beloved series. The book features sixty authentic recipes inspired by the four nations, including vegetarian dishes from the Air Nomads and fiery entrees from the Fire Nation. With step-by-step instructions and tips for adapting dishes to specific diets, this cookbook is a diverse compendium of delicacies from the world of Avatar. The enticing color photography adds to the overall appeal of the book. Jenny Dorsey, a professional chef and author, has done an excellent job of bringing the food of the Avatar world to life. This book is a unique addition to any cookbook collection, and fans of the series will not be disappointed.

The Art of Avatar The Way of Water takes readers on an exclusive, behind-the-scenes journey into the creative process of James Cameron's latest film. The book features hundreds of stunning images and intricate designs of Pandora, including characters, creatures, and costumes. Produced in collaboration with Lightstorm Entertainment and Twentieth Century Film, the book is written by Tara Bennett, a New York Times bestselling author and entertainment journalist. With a foreword by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, this book is a must-have for Avatar fans and art enthusiasts alike.

The Animator's Survival Kit is a comprehensive manual for animators of all levels, from beginners to experts. Written by Richard Williams, who won three Academy Awards, the book provides a practical system that distills the secrets of the masters into a working method. Williams encourages readers to "invent but be believable" and illustrates his points with hundreds of drawings. This book is a must-have for professionals, students, and fans of animation. Williams' dedication to passing on his knowledge is evident throughout the book, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art of animation.

Gurren Lagann Archives is an ultimate collection of illustrations from the landmark anime series. The book features hundreds of designs for characters, mecha, vehicles, and locations, as well as rare pieces and color artwork. GAINAX, the studio behind the series, delivers a non-stop roller coaster of all-out anime action, complete with buxom babes, brutal beastmen, and mountainous mecha. For fans of the series, this 488-page book is a must-have. It's a great addition to any animation graphic design book collection.

The Art of Spirited Away is a stunning coffee table book that collects the color illustrations of Spirited Away for the first time in English. The book features paintings, designs, sketches, storyboards, and illustrations used to envision the fantasy world of the film. It also includes a complete English-language script and commentary. Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. This book is a must-have for fans of the film and lovers of animation in general.

The Art of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is a celebration of DreamWorks Animation's latest installment from the Shrek universe. Written by Ramin Zahed, the book presents hundreds of character designs and concept art from the making of the movie, along with exclusive interviews from the writers, artists, and filmmakers who brought this story to life. The foreword from Antonio Banderas, the voice of Puss in Boots, adds to the insider's guide's charm. The Art of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is an excellent addition to any art book collection, especially for fans of the beloved feline character.

Celebrate your love for Steven Universe with the Steven Universe Deluxe Hardcover Blank Sketchbook: Rebecca Sugar Edition. This sketchbook includes exclusive content from show creator Rebecca Sugar, with a foreword and whimsical drawings from her and the show's other artists. Its blank pages invite fans to unleash their creativity and let the colorful characters of Steven Universe inspire them. Published by Insights, known for its dedication to quality and innovation, this book makes a great addition to any fan's collection.

The Art of Howl's Moving Castle is a hardbound, prestige format book that acts as an essential companion to the film. It presents a generous collection of concept sketches, fully rendered character and background drawings, paintings, and cell images. The book also includes interviews and comments with the production staff, including key points directly from the director. The Art of Howl's Moving Castle is a great way to preserve the magic of the next great anime classic from Hayao Miyazaki. It is a must-have for fans of the movie and lovers of animation art books.