step by step drawing book

My kids, especially my youngest, love to draw. I've always provided books and art supplies for my kids so they can express themselves artistically as well as grow in their drawing skills. Of all the books we've had, these are our favorites.

Best Drawing Books for Kids

Step by Step Drawing Book by Fiona Watt (Usborne)
This book is excellent — our most used drawing book for littles and ME. And you know what, this book makes even little old me look like an artist.

Doodle Games Activity Book by Joe Rhatigan, illustrations by Anthony Owsley
We've loved this book, particularly because it facilitates a fun parent-child time. JJ and dad so far love The Mutant Game (players give each other weird mutant animal combos to draw), Doodle Dare Circles (draw as many things as you can using only circles), and Squiggle Masterpieces (squiggles that become something wonderful).

How to Draw a Unicorn and Other Cute Animals (With Simple Shapes in 5 Steps) by Lulu Mayo
My oldest daughter AJ really likes the step-by-step directions in this book. You'll find directions for 30 animals including a llama, sloth, beaver, panda, tiger, and much more. AJ likes that she can easily draw these on her new iPad with the Apple Pencil.

How to Draw a Bunny and Other Cute Creatures with Simple Shapes in 5 Steps by Lulu Mayo
Do you love Lulu Mayo as much as my kids and me? In this spring-themed how-to-draw book, you'll learn how to draw so many CUTE animals including a guinea pig, bunny, and duckling, plus a sloth on an Easter egg, a llama bunny, and a unicorn. The directions are easy to follow and the book gives you plenty of space for your own drawings next to the directions.

Kawaii Doodle Class by Pic Candle, illustrated by Zainab Khan
This is a learn to draw cute cartoons type of book — it appeals to my girls, especially my oldest who picked up a copy at our local bookstore.

Art for Kids: Drawing by Kathryn Temple
This book takes beginning artists to another level by teaching contouring, shading, perspective and more with directions for people, animals, and landscapes.

The Artist's Guide to Drawing Animals by J.C. Amberlyn
My daughter has drawn some beautiful cats and bunnies, among other animals, using this book. I really like how this book teaches specific pencil techniques to get a textured illustration.

Pick and Draw
This fun game takes learning the basics of cartoon faces and makes it a game for kids and families. Created by Rich Davis, the illustrator of the Tiny and Kell book series, you can also buy his activity book. (Read my full review on this game.)

Ed Emberley's Drawing Book of Animals by Ed Emberley
Here's another book that uses shapes to help kids learn to draw, this animal book is a popular choice for kids.

How to Draw People by Barbara Soloff Levy
Kids will learn how to draw 30 characters using basic shapes and step-by-step directions.

Drawing Fantasy Creatures by A.J. Sautter
This book ROCKS!! JJ not only loves the step-by-step directions, but she's also improved her drawing skills by trying most of the 48 fantasy creatures more than once. (The above photo is her chimera drawing.)

Best Drawing Books for Kids
Drawing Dragons by Sandra Staple
If you want to learn how to draw dragons, this is the book for you. From eyes to expressions to different kinds of dragons, this book has so much information. Although my kids haven't tried it yet, others have recommended this book highly.

The Drawing Lesson: A Graphic Novel That Teaches You How to Draw by Mark Crilley
The lessons within this graphic novel story will inspire and educate young artists. The lessons are woven within the larger story of a young boy named David who asks a young woman named Becky to give him drawing lessons. She reluctantly agrees, first asking him to draw her watch. This becomes a lesson in seeing scale, the blank spaces, and the differences between the real watch and the drawing. She continues (reluctantly) to give him lessons on shadowing, loose sketching, negative space, proportions, and more. The Drawing Lesson is a marvelous graphic novel that both entertains and teaches. Great for aspiring artists.

Drawing Supplies for Kids That We Recommend

Drawing Supplies for Kids

My kids started out with ALEX Chunky Pad notebook and washable crayons and markers but as they grew, I moved them to higher-quality art materials like these below.

Crayons
Crayons help young children draw smooth lines with ease.

Colored Pencils
Always a go-to favorite for my kids, colored pencils give artists options for shading that you don't get with markers.

Crayola Pip-Squeaks Washable Markers
SHOP
This carrying case makes it easy to carry your markers anywhere. And washable markers are a must-buy arts and crafts gift for creative kids!

Crayola Fine Line Markers
You can't go wrong with a set of fine-line markers. My kids generally prefer these to create more precise shapes and images.

Drawing Supplies for Kids
Pencil and Eraser Set

Mix Media Sketch Pad

Double-Ended Marker Pens (Fine and Chisel Tip)

Watercolor and Brushes Set

Drawing Supplies for Kids
Micron Fine Line Pen

Drawing Supplies for Kids
Light Box
My daughter recently asked for a light box as a gift — and it has been AMAZING for her drawing skills. I highly recommend it for your budding artists. This one is only $17.29. I also recommend this stand for it.