Looking for the best drawing books for beginners?
If you’re just getting started with drawing—or helping a child who is—it can be tough to know where to begin. There are so many books out there, and not all of them are made with beginners in mind. Whether you’re teaching a child, picking up a pencil for the first time in years, or just looking for an approachable way to grow your skills, choosing the best drawing books for beginners can make all the difference.
That’s exactly why I created my collection of beginner-friendly activity books. These books are designed to take the guesswork out of learning to draw. Each title is built around one core idea: drawing should be simple, fun, and rewarding from the very first page.
Let’s talk about what makes a great beginner drawing book—and why my books are helping so many young (and young-at-heart) artists grow with confidence.
What Makes the Best Drawing Books for Beginners?
The best drawing books for beginners have a few key things in common:
- Clear step-by-step instructions
- Fun, engaging themes
- Age-appropriate guidance
- No prior experience required
- Encouragement to experiment and build confidence
All of these features are built into the drawing books I create. Whether it’s a child exploring basic cartoon shapes or an adult easing back into sketching, each book is carefully designed to guide you through the process without frustration.
Three Easy Ways to Learn: Step-by-Step, Tracing, and Grid Drawing
To help make drawing accessible to every type of learner, my books are organized into three main series, each with its own beginner-friendly style:
1. How to Draw (Step-by-Step Series)
Perfect for ages 6 and up, this series walks you through each drawing one step at a time—from basic shapes to the final outline. These books cover a wide variety of themes including:
- Cute cartoon animals
- Mythical creatures like unicorns and mermaids
- Monsters, aliens, and silly faces
- Food with personality (yes, food monsters!)
- Dinosaurs, sea creatures, and much more
The step-by-step format is ideal for visual learners and kids who love to build something from scratch. It teaches structure, proportion, and confidence, all in an enjoyable and approachable way.
2. Trace Then Color
Tracing is one of the most underrated tools in learning how to draw. In the Trace Then Color series, each page allows kids to trace over light outlines of a drawing, helping them develop muscle memory, control, and shape recognition.
This series is especially great for younger kids or those who feel nervous about drawing on their own. The added coloring element keeps things fun and creative, and helps kids feel proud of their work—even if they’re just starting out.
Themes include:
- Baby animals and cute creatures
- Robots, dinosaurs, and aliens
- Goofy and grumpy faces
- Princesses, unicorns, and fairies
- Fish, sea creatures, and more
3. Draw by Grid
For those ready to learn a bit more structure and observation, the Draw by Grid series introduces a classic artist technique: the grid method. It’s a time-tested approach that makes it easier to draw more complex images by focusing on one square at a time.
This style is ideal for kids ready to challenge themselves, or for beginners who prefer a more guided, logical layout to their drawing practice. It helps build patience, attention to detail, and proportion—all essential drawing skills.
Popular grid book themes include cute cartoon monsters, mutant animals, robots, and more.
Why These Books Work So Well for Beginners
I created these books to be more than just a set of instructions—they’re designed to offer encouragement. Each drawing feels like a mini accomplishment, and that momentum builds real confidence.
Many beginner artists struggle because they jump into drawing books that are too advanced, or they try to copy complex illustrations without any help breaking down the process. These books avoid that entirely.
Instead of overwhelming instructions or expectations, these books give beginners:
- Simple paths to follow
- Cute, funny, or exciting characters to draw
- A growing sense of progress and confidence
- Space to add their own creativity as they grow
Drawing Is More Than Just a Hobby
For kids, learning to draw builds more than just art skills. It improves:
- Fine motor skills
- Focus and patience
- Visual perception
- Self-esteem through accomplishment
- Creative problem-solving
These books are made to support that development while keeping things lighthearted and fun. Whether you’re homeschooling, looking for screen-free activities, or filling out an art corner in your classroom, these best drawing books for beginners fit the need.
Ideal For Home, School, or On-the-Go
All of the books in the series are designed to be self-guided and portable. You don’t need any special tools—just a pencil and some coloring supplies. That makes them perfect for:
- Rainy day activities
- Travel and waiting rooms
- After-school programs
- Art stations in classrooms
- Gifts and party favors
They also pair well with drawing tutorials, online classes, or YouTube videos—so kids can follow along, pause when needed, and return to the books for more hands-on practice.
Click Here To See The Best Drawing Books for Beginners
Over 70 Books and Growing
Right now, there are more than 70 beginner drawing books available, covering over 24 unique themes. Whether your child is into princesses, monsters, or space creatures, there’s something to match their imagination.
More books are always on the way, and the goal is to keep expanding into new themes, characters, and creative styles—so your child always has something new to try.
Where to Start
If you’re looking for the best drawing books for beginners and you’re not sure where to begin, think about your child’s (or your own) interests. Do they love animals? Are they into fantasy or sci-fi? Do they like drawing people or silly faces?
With the best drawing books for beginners you just have to choose a book with a theme that excites them, and go from there. Each book is designed to work as a stand-alone guide, so you don’t have to complete one before starting another.
Final Thoughts: The Best Drawing Books for Beginners Should Be Fun
When it comes to learning a new skill like drawing, enjoyment is everything. That’s why these books are built with fun at the center—because beginners who enjoy drawing are the ones who keep going.
If you’re looking for the best drawing books for beginners, I invite you to explore this collection. These books are fun, effective, and made to help every young artist build skills with confidence.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or creative beginner yourself, these books offer a fantastic entry point into the world of drawing—no stress, no pressure, just pure creative discovery.
Sign up for my free newsletter to get more drawing pages like this right in your inbox! Click here.
Click Here To See The Best Drawing Books for Beginners
Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 70 (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.”
