Whenever I have the chance to pick some new books, I am often focused on getting books for the kids. We have lots of DK Encyclopedias and educational books, and I love having them in our home library. I remember growing up, having a large home library with similar books and how much I loved learning about so many different topics when pulling a book from the shelve.

This month, however, I decided to pick a couple of books for the boys and a couple for our grown-up library. I love heavy hard-cover books with thick, silky pages and my two book picks for us are stunning books that beg to be displayed. You can even incorporate them into your home decor even, as we did!

Our October DK Books Picks

Our October DK Books Picks

Below are all of our picks this month:

Music: The Definitive Visual History 

Produced in association with the Smithsonian and including images from The National Music Museum in South Dakota, Music: The Definitive Visual History guides readers through the progression of music since its prehistoric beginnings, discussing not just Western classical music, but music from all around the world. Telling the story of musical developments, era by era, linking musical theory, technology, and human genius into the narrative, Music: The Definitive Visual History profiles the lives of groundbreaking musicians from Mozart to Elvis, takes an in-depth look at the history and function of various instruments, and includes listening suggestions for each music style. Anyone with an interest in music will enjoy learning about the epic journey the art has taken over the years and will learn to appreciate music with a new ear.

Our thoughts: A stunning book filled with history and lots of information that any music lover would appreciate. A must have for your home library.

Photography: The Definitive Visual History

Photography is a beautiful, lavishly illustrated reference book tracing the history of photography, from its origins in the 1800s to the global phenomenon of digital photography. In Photography, DK celebrates the iconic photos and most famous photographers of the past two centuries, exploring the key events and developments in technology of the history of photography from the first black-and-white photography to photojournalism and contemporary street photography.

Photography is the only truly up-to-date, hardback gift book available on this subject. It is beautifully illustrated with many of most iconic images in the history of photography.  It is the only book of its kind to give a comprehensive account of the people, the photographs, and the technologies that have shaped the history of photography.

Our thoughts: Another hardcover book with beautiful photography, including history, all about its origins and more. Great addition to your home library.

Write Your Own Book

Tell your own story with this unique book filled with creative writing prompts and activities. Young writers can build their skills, develop their confidence, and learn how to write a book in this unique format filled with creative writing ideas and exercises.

Invent a magic spell or a potion recipe. Save the day with a brand-new superhero. Share the legend of your hometown. Write about what it would be like to stand next to a volcano that is about to explode. Inspire creativity through engaging exercises. Write Your Own B ook makes writing fun, personal, and special while encouraging students to continue writing outside the classroom, telling their own stories as they develop an important educational and life skill.

Our thoughts: We love books that encourage creativity and this book is one of them. Lots of activities to help children develop their skills and start writing.

Children’s Book of Art

This engaging guide takes children on an international tour of the world’s greatest art, from the first daubs of paint in prehistoric caves to today’s performance art. It includes all of the important art movements, from Renaissance to Rococo, as well as the great painters from all these eras. However, the approach is to look at art as an international exchange of ideas, not a straight history of western art. The book includes art from all countries, from aboriginal art to totem poles.

Our thoughts: This a great first introduction to the world of art for little kids.  Easy to follow and with lots of illustrations. Very engaging and filled with lots of great information.

Our October DK Books Picks

Our October DK Books Picks

Our October DK Books Picks

Disclosure: This is a partnered post with DK Books. However, all opinions and views on this post are 100% my own.