To make a comic with kids, choose one character they can draw, fold or rule a page into three or four boxes, and tell a tiny story: a beginning, a problem and a funny ending. Draw one picture per box, then add speech bubbles and sound effects. Short comics are quick wins that build drawing, writing and storytelling at once.
Why comics work so well
Comics combine the two things kids naturally do: draw and tell stories. Kids who resist writing will happily write speech bubbles. Kids who say they “can’t draw” relax because comic art is supposed to be simple. And a finished comic is something they’re proud to show off.
What you need
- Paper folded into four, or a page ruled into three or four boxes.
- A pencil, an eraser and a black marker or pen.
- Crayons or colored pencils (optional).
- One character the child can draw.
Step 1: Pick a star
The star should be quick to draw, because it’ll appear in every panel. A character from a step-by-step lesson is ideal: a Crusty Goober, a silly alien, a cartoon monster or the family pet. See character design for kids to invent a new one.
Step 2: Plan the story in three beats
Comics for kids work best as three or four panels:
- Setup: the character doing something normal.
- Problem: something goes wrong or something surprising happens.
- Twist or reaction: a funny ending or a big face.
For example: a monster bakes a cake; the cake grows legs and runs away; the monster chases it across the page. Talk it through out loud before drawing.
Step 3: Sketch, then draw
Sketch each panel lightly in pencil, leaving room at the top for words. Keep backgrounds simple: a line for the ground, a window, a tree. Then go over the lines you keep with marker.
Step 4: Add words and sounds
- Speech bubbles for talking (a round bubble with a point).
- Thought bubbles for thinking (a cloud with small circles).
- Sound effects in big letters: SPLAT, BOING, CRASH.
Write the words first, then draw the bubble around them, so they fit.
Make it easier or harder
- Ages 4 to 5: one or two panels. The child draws; you write the words they dictate.
- Ages 6 to 8: three or four panels with short speech bubbles.
- Ages 9 and up: a full page or a series. Try a mini comic book from one folded sheet.
Comic ideas to try
- A robot learns to dance.
- A dinosaur goes to the dentist.
- An alien tries pizza for the first time.
- A food monster refuses to be eaten.
- The family pet’s secret night job.
For more, use the drawing prompt generator or our story drawing prompts.
Tip: In a classroom, give every student the same first panel and let them finish the story. Comparing endings is half the fun.
The book that helps
Comics need characters kids can draw again and again. The Crusty Goobers, Silly Aliens and Cute Cartoon Monsters are simple, funny and perfect comic stars.
How to Draw: Crusty Goobers
How to Draw: Silly Aliens
How to Draw: Cute Cartoon MonstersAs an Amazon Associate, FirstArtBooks earns from qualifying purchases.
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Questions
How do you make a simple comic with kids?
Divide a page into three or four boxes, pick one easy character, plan a beginning, a problem and a funny ending, draw one picture per box and add speech bubbles.
What age can kids make comics?
From about 4 with help (a grown-up writes the words). By 6 to 8, most kids can draw and letter a short comic on their own.
Do comics help with writing?
Yes. Comics teach sequence, dialogue and story structure, and reluctant writers are often happy to write speech bubbles.