10 Essential Animation Books of 2025
With two weeks still to go until Christmas, there’s still time to pick up the perfect gift for that special animator in your life. Or, if you’re an animator yourself, maybe you’re already thinking about what to spend those gift vouchers on from your nan come the new year…
Skwigly has you covered! 2025 (and late 2024) has been a bumper year for the release of animation-related books. We have picked out 10 of the stand out titles. Read on for our list of Essential Animation Books of 2025, in no particular order:
Beryl (£22.75)
This book offers an in-depth look into the creative process of director Joanna Quinn and screenwriter Les Mills.
Through revealing and often hilarious anecdotes, you’ll learn about Joanna and Les’s creative backgrounds and how they develop their ideas. With comprehensive behind-the-scenes insights, you’ll see how they take the initial concept of an idea to final production.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Studio Ghibli: Architecture in Animation (£27.78)
Learn how Studio Ghibli brings its vibrant worlds to life through hundreds of pieces of concept art, sketches, and background paintings that illuminate the historical, architectural, and personal inspirations behind such iconic buildings as the bathhouse from Spirited Away, Howl’s moving castle, and Satsuki and Mei’s country home from My Neighbor Totoro.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
The Art of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (£30.63)
Explore the world of Aardman’s 2024 film with The Art of Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. This captivating book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s creation, featuring concept art, Nick Park’s sketches, and interviews with key crew members. Explore the meticulous craftsmanship and boundless creativity that bring Wallace and Gromit’s latest adventure to life.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Intimate Animation (£37.49)
Join Skwigly’s very own Ben Mitchell and Laura-Beth Cowley (and of the Intimate Animation podcast) as they take you on a tour of the landscape of contemporary animated films that deal with themes of love, intimacy, relationships, anatomy and sexuality – and the incredible artists behind them.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Animation for the People: An Illustrated History of the National Film Board of Canada (£32.59)
A celebration of the influential and Academy Award–winning animators of the National Film Board of Canada. Featuring interviews with filmmakers and animators, behind-the-scenes insights, and original artwork from iconic shorts like The Sweater and Neighbours, this book reveals how the NFB became a hub of innovation, collaboration, and artistic freedom.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
On the Animation Trail: 20 Years of Animation Festival History (£42.99)
Documenting more than 20 years of travels, this book will appeal to all those with an interest in animation. If you are a young animator and want to know what festival life is like, this is the book for you. If you are a seasoned veteran and want to bring back some memories of festivals past, this book should bring some smiles to your face. Read our review here.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
ANIMATION ME: An illustrated memoir with Pencils, Pixels & Arnie (£14.61)
In ANIMATION ME, Tony – a British Academy Award-winning animator, author and teacher – tells his fascinating and unique life story – from art school and early career struggles, to becoming a recognized master animator in his own right. This is a perfect book for students, professionals, or anyone interested in how a great tradition was once practiced.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
The Art of Elio (£23.59)
The Art of Elio presents the story behind the newest film from Pixar Animation Studios. It highlights the stunning artwork from the film’s creation, including character designs, storyboards, color scripts, and much more; plus, exclusive interviews with the creative team along with behind-the-scenes details.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: The Ultimate Visual History (£29.93)
What’s this?! Why, a tour through the story of Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, featuring behind-the-scenes details about stop-motion animation, concept art, removable inserts, and more.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Disney The Art of Moana 2 (£20.99)
The Art of Moana 2 is a behind-the-scenes hardcover book showcasing the development art, character designs, storyboards, and color scripts from the Disney film, featuring exclusive interviews with the creative team, and offering deep dives into the artistry, character aging, and visual storytelling of Moana’s new voyage.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
