Book Review: How to Draw Anything for kids: 300 Cute Step-by-Step Drawing Stuff: Amazing Food, Animals, Kawaii, Gifts and Other (How to draw books for kids)
A Delightful Creative Journey: Review of How to Draw Anything for Kids by Patricia Rogers
🎨 Introduction: A Must-Have Drawing Guide for Budding Artists
If you’ve ever watched a child light up with excitement at the idea of drawing but then struggle with where to start, How to Draw Anything for Kids by Patricia Rogers is the perfect solution. This book is a treasure trove of 300 step-by-step drawing tutorials that make art accessible, fun, and engaging for young artists. Whether your child loves cute animals, delicious food, kawaii characters, or whimsical gifts, this guide offers a structured yet playful approach to nurturing creativity.
As a parent or educator, you might wonder: Does this book truly simplify drawing for beginners? Will it keep kids engaged? After spending time with this book, I can confidently say—yes, and then some! Let’s dive into why this book stands out in the crowded world of children’s drawing guides.
📖 Book Summary: A World of Cute and Simple Drawings
How to Draw Anything for Kids is structured as a beginner-friendly workbook that breaks down complex shapes into easy, digestible steps. Each drawing starts with basic lines and gradually builds into a complete illustration, ensuring kids don’t feel overwhelmed. The book is divided into themed sections:
- Food & Treats (ice cream, pizza, cupcakes)
- Animals (puppies, kittens, dinosaurs)
- Kawaii Characters (smiling clouds, happy fruits)
- Gifts & Everyday Objects (bows, presents, toys)
The step-by-step format is intuitive—each stage is numbered, with clear visual cues. Kids can follow along at their own pace, and the variety of subjects ensures they’ll never run out of inspiration.
✏️ Character & Style: Why Kids Love This Book
While this isn’t a narrative-driven book with characters, the art style itself is the star. Patricia Rogers adopts a charming, cartoonish aesthetic that appeals to children. The drawings are:
- Simple yet expressive (big eyes, rounded shapes)
- Encouraging (no overly complex details)
- Whimsical (even everyday objects have personality)
🖋️ Writing Style & Teaching Approach
Patricia Rogers’ teaching method is the book’s biggest strength. Instead of overwhelming kids with technical terms, she:
- Uses minimal text (focusing on visuals)
- Breaks drawings into 4-6 manageable steps
- Encourages experimentation (no strict rules)
The instructions are clear and concise, making it ideal for independent learning. Parents don’t need to hover—kids can pick it up and start drawing immediately.
🌈 Themes & Deeper Value: More Than Just Drawing
Beyond teaching art skills, this book subtly reinforces:
- Patience & Persistence (following steps to complete a drawing)
- Creativity (kids can customize colors and details)
- Fine Motor Skills (pencil control, hand-eye coordination)
It’s not just about copying—it’s about building foundational skills that translate into other areas of learning.
❤️ Personal Experience: Why My Kid (And I) Loved It
As someone who’s reviewed multiple drawing books for kids, I was impressed by how quickly my 7-year-old engaged with this one. Unlike other guides that assume prior skill, this book meets kids where they are.
Highlights:
- No frustration factor—simple enough for true beginners.
- Great variety—keeps kids from getting bored.
- Encourages pride—seeing their progress is motivating.
One minor critique? Some more advanced challenges would be nice for kids who progress quickly, but the sheer volume of drawings compensates for this.
📚 Comparison to Other Drawing Books
Compared to similar books (Ed Emberley’s Drawing Book, How to Draw 101 Animals), this one stands out for:
✅ More diverse subjects (not just animals)
✅ Kawaii style (more playful than realistic)
✅ Clean, clutter-free layout (easier to follow)
If your child enjoys cute, approachable art, this is a better fit than more technical guides.
🎯 Who Is This Book For?
- Ages 5-12 (best for elementary/middle school)
- Beginners (no prior drawing experience needed)
- Parents/teachers looking for a structured yet fun art resource
Not ideal for: Teens seeking hyper-realistic drawing techniques.
💬 Memorable Quotes & Interactive Elements
While the book is mostly visual, the encouraging tone stands out:
“Every artist was first an amateur. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll amaze yourself!”
Discussion Prompts for Kids:
- Which drawing was the easiest/hardest?
- How would you redesign your favorite character?
🔗 Get the Book
Ready to spark your child’s creativity? Grab a copy here:
🔗 Amazon
Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Young Artists
How to Draw Anything for Kids is one of the best beginner drawing books I’ve encountered. It balances simplicity with variety, making art fun rather than intimidating. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or gift-giver, this book is a fantastic investment in a child’s creative growth.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Question for Readers: What’s the first thing your child would love to draw from this book? Share in the comments! 🎨
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