Celebrate Mario Day 🍄 by Drawing Elephant Mario

by | Mar 9, 2025 | How to Draw Books for Kids, Video Tutorials

This coming Monday (March 10th) is Mario Day! Celebrate the greatest video game franchise in history by learning to draw Elephant Mario from Mario Wonder on Nintendo Switch!

If you enjoyed this video drawing tutorial, make sure to check out my art books for kids at FirstArtBooks.com

Unlock Creativity with Fun and Engaging Drawing Books for All Ages!

Are you looking for a fun, screen-free activity that sparks creativity, builds artistic confidence, and keeps kids entertained for hours? Whether your child dreams of drawing adorable unicorns, silly monsters, or fierce dinosaurs, my collection of How to Draw, Draw by Grid, and Trace Then Color books is designed to inspire budding artists of all skill levels!

From easy step-by-step tutorials to imaginative tracing activities and structured grid drawing challenges, there’s a book for every young creator. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these books perfect for kids (and even creative adults!) who love to draw.


How to Draw Books – Step into the World of Art

My How to Draw series makes it easy to learn to draw anything from cute animals and fantasy creatures to silly faces and spooky Halloween characters. Each book features a simple, step-by-step approach that helps kids break down complex images into easy shapes.

📌 Great for beginners – No prior drawing experience is needed!
📌 Perfect for young artists – Fun themes like Cartoon Robots, Alphabet Monsters, and Crusty Goobers keep kids engaged.
📌 Boosts confidence – Kids see their skills improve with every drawing!

If your child loves doodling and wants to create their own characters, these books are a fantastic way to help them grow as an artist.

See “How to Draw” Books


Draw by Grid – A Fun and Simple Drawing Challenge

Does your child love puzzles and structure in their art? The Draw by Grid series turns drawing into a fun, easy-to-follow activity by using a grid system to help kids recreate amazing illustrations.

🎨 Improves focus and spatial awareness – Breaking images into grids helps kids train their artistic eye.
🎨 Wide variety of themes – From Silly Aliens to Cool Stuff: Monsters, Aliens, Robots, and More!
🎨 Great for all ages – Whether your child is just starting out or already loves to sketch, this series makes drawing easier and more accessible.

The grid method helps young artists develop their skills while having fun, making these books a perfect mix of structure and creativity.

See “Draw by Grid” Books


Trace Then Color – Perfect for Younger Artists

For little artists who are just beginning their drawing journey, my Trace Then Color books are a fantastic way to build confidence while having fun. Kids can trace adorable characters, color them in, and even add their own creative touches!

🖍️ Ideal for younger children (ages 3+) – Easy tracing pages introduce basic drawing concepts.
🖍️ Encourages creativity – Fun themes like Unicorn Animals, Mutant Animals, and Cartoon Food Monsters keep kids engaged.
🖍️ Great for motor skills – Tracing helps develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.

These books are not just about following lines—they encourage kids to experiment, customize their drawings, and make each character their own!

See “Trace Then Color” Books


Why These Books Are Perfect for Kids (and Fun-Loving Adults!)

✅ Screen-free entertainment – Keep kids engaged without digital distractions.
✅ Encourages imagination – From fairies and princesses to weird creatures and goofy faces, each book inspires creativity.
✅ Great for all skill levels – Whether they’re just starting or already love drawing, these books grow with them.
✅ Perfect gift idea – Great for birthdays, holidays, or just because!

No matter what your child loves to draw, there’s a book for them. Whether they want to sketch robot dinosaurs, trace grumpy faces, or draw silly aliens, these books provide endless fun and artistic growth.

Take The “Shape Drawing Challenge”

Ready to get started? Explore the full collection and give your young artist the tools to create their own imaginative world—one drawing at a time!

Upcoming Events:

Verde Valley Comic Expo
Shape Drawing Challenge
With Kevin Coulston
March, 29th 2025 11:00am
+ Exhibit Hall All Day
Cottonwood Recreation Center
150 S. 6th St
Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Phoenix Fan Fusion
Shape Drawing Challenge
With Kevin Coulston
June, 7th 2025 12:00pm
+ Exhibit Hall All Weekend
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, AZ

Meet The Author & Artist

Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 80 (and still counting) children’s drawing books available here on FirstArtBooks.com. Kevin has also authored numerous kid-friendly comic book series, including “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” along with the Children’s Picture Book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”

Over a decade and a half since his initial published work, Kevin is now dedicating himself to inspiring the next generation of illustrators with his “How To Draw,” “Trace Then Color,” and “Draw by Grid” series of art books.

Superhero Saturday 2025 Recap

This past Saturday I took my Art Books for Kids to Superhero Saturday in Phoenix Arizona. This was a nice event to start the year on, and I was happy to get new books into the hands of so many creative children and their families. By far the stand-out book of the...

Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 | Join Me for a Shape Drawing Challenge Live Demo in Cottonwood Arizona

Join Me at the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026 for the Shape Drawing Challenge I’m excited to announce that I’ll be appearing at the Verde Valley Comic Expo 2026, and I’d love to see you there. This fun, family-friendly comic expo takes place on Saturday, March 28th,...

New Release – Trace Then Color: Crusty Goobers by Kevin Coulston

Trace and color 50 Crusty Goobers with the newest creative activity book from FirstArtBooks ‘Trace Then Color: Crusty Goobers’ by Kevin Coulston

Check Out These Fun Animal Drawing Books for Kids! Step-by-Step Tutorials, Grid Drawing, Coloring Pages, and More!

The Best Animals Drawing Books for Kids! If you're searching for animal drawing books for kids that offer variety, creativity, and real skill-building, you've come to the right place. I’ve created a collection of fun and engaging books that teach kids how to draw...

Free Goat Coloring Page for Kids | From Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Animals | Tracing and Coloring Book

Free Activity Page from Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Animals — Enjoy This Goat Coloring Page Today I’m excited to share a brand-new Goat Coloring Page from my book Trace Then Color: Cute Cartoon Animals. If your kids enjoy tracing, coloring, and learning how...

NEW BOOK ✏️ Trace Then Color: Mutant Animals!

50 Mutant Animals to Trace and Color! Get ready for a fun and quirky coloring adventure with Trace Then Color: Mutant Animals! This exciting activity book lets kids trace and color 50 unique and imaginative animals with a playful twist. Perfect for young artists aged...

Free Gingerbread Man Coloring Page | From Trace Then Color: Cartoon Christmas Characters – A Tracing and Coloring Book for Kids

Free Activity Page from Trace Then Color: Cartoon Christmas Characters — Enjoy a Fun Gingerbread Man Coloring Page The holiday season is the perfect time for kids to unwind, get creative, and enjoy hands-on activities that bring out their imagination. Today, I’m...

Video Drawing Tutorial: How To Draw A Mermaid

Learn to draw 50 adorable mermaids, unicorns, and other cute characters with simple, step-by-step instructions in this fun, creativity-boosting drawing book! Over 50 Cute Step-by-Step Drawings for Kids! This fun, 106-page drawing book teaches your child how to draw...

Cartoon Cats & Dogs – Three Ways To Draw! Step-by-Step, Trace and Color, Grid Method

Three Ways to Draw Adorable Cartoon Cats & Dogs! If you or your child love drawing cute and funny pets, you’re going to love my three art books, all centered around the same lovable theme—cartoon cats and dogs! Whether you're a beginner, an experienced young...

Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw A Candy Corn Monster in Less Than 6 Minutes | Kids Halloween Drawing Activity

How to Draw A Candy Corn Monster – A Fun Halloween Drawing Tutorial for Kids If your kids love Halloween and drawing cute, silly monsters, they’re going to love this new tutorial! In my latest video, I show you how to draw a Candy Corn Monster, one of the fun and...

What Our Customers Are Saying

“The author really does a great job demonstrating how easy (and rewarding!) it can be to draw seemingly ordinary things you (and your little ones!) may feel too intimidated to try drawing without the step-by-step guide! Putting already-known shapes together and making something new and original is a fantastic way to learn! And recognizing that you can add your own twists and personality to your drawings makes all the difference. I think it’s a fun, original approach to building confidence for a lifelong hobby. I have the ebook copy, and can only imagine how great a physical copy would be!”

– Daenarah [Amazon Review]

“There are several of these fun books by this author. My kids and I have had a lot of fun with these. It’s a great activity to do as a family and see how they all turn out. Almost like a sip and paint but more of a juice box and draw.”

Allison B. [Amazon Review]

My kids can’t wait to start drawing these monsters in their illustrations! The many different moods of the monsters appeal to their different personalities. We love the many options, styles, and opportunities to expand upon the characters. Recommended for all ages!

– Kasey [Amazon Review]

“Kevin has put out many books on drawing and animation, and has such a great feel for HOW to explain the process. His art is so expressive and kid-friendly, but his real strength is in his ability to really explain and show how it’s done, making it accessible to kids and adults. I’m a firm believer that not everyone who “can do” can teach, but Kevin does both beautifully! Pick this up and watch kids have a blast making robots of all sorts, while learning great fundamental art skills at the same time!”

Tom R. [Amazon Review]

“My 5yo LOVES this book! The drawings are cute and the instructions are easy to follow along with. She gets a kick out of drawing muffin monsters and ketchup monsters and it actually keeps her pretty focused for long periods of time.”

– Monica [Amazon Review]

“This is a fantastic book for kids who love art, cartoons, comic books, or just having fun! There are a lot of characters to choose from, and really easy step-by-step instructions to follow. You child will have a blast drawing these fun, silly characters! And just in time for Easter baskets!”

– Bestmomever [Amazon Review]

“This is a very good book for kids that want to learn to draw, my sons love it and Kevin does a great job of making drawing fun and not intimidating. Highly recommended for the long summer hours!”

David D. [Amazon Review]

News and Free Drawing Tutorials