How to Draw Books Our Little Artists Love

I have a few boys who love to draw, and I am definitely NOT an artist. So, we discovered a few art books that we love around here. My favorite part about them is that they give step by step and easy instructions that my kids, starting about 7 can follow. It is fun for me to learn how to draw too! These were Christmas gifts and my boys spent a good part of Christmas break drawing collections of animals and monsters. I would highly recommend them!

How to Draw 101 Animals: $4.99, Get it on Amazon, here

How to Draw 101 Monsters: $4.99, Get it on Amazon, here

If I had girls instead of boys, I would have gotten them this one, grab it here:

Frequently Asked Questions: How to Draw Books

What age are how to draw books good for?

About seven and up, in my experience. That is the age my kids could follow the step-by-step instructions independently, which is what makes these books work. Younger children can enjoy them with an adult sitting alongside, but the independence is the real value — it means the book gets used again and again.

Do I need to be able to draw to help?

Not remotely — I am definitely not an artist, which is exactly why we bought them. The instructions do the teaching. I ended up learning to draw alongside my kids, which was an unexpected bonus and made the whole thing something we did together rather than something I supervised.

Do how to draw books make good gifts?

They are one of my favourite inexpensive gifts. Ours were Christmas presents and my boys spent a good part of the holiday break drawing collections of animals and monsters. Inexpensive, completely screen free, and they buy you hours of quiet — a rare combination in a small present.

Which one should I buy first?

It depends on the child. How to Draw 101 Animals is the more universal of the two and the one that gets pulled out most often here. How to Draw 101 Monsters is what my boys reached for first, and it is the better choice for a child who draws creatures rather than pets.