This past weekend, I spent three busy and exciting days at Phoenix Fan Fusion, the biggest comic convention in Arizona. I met so many great people, chatted with passionate fans, introduced new families to my books—and sold a lot of art books for kids. In fact, I sold out of many titles. But out of all 70+ titles I brought with me, one title stood out above the rest.

Without a doubt, Shape Drawing Challenge was my most popular drawing book during the entire event.

And honestly, I’m not surprised.

Shape Drawing Challenge

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A Fun, Creative Twist on Drawing for Kids

The Shape Drawing Challenge book has always been a favorite of mine. It’s unlike anything else I’ve made, and it gives kids the freedom to be wildly creative while still having a bit of structure to get them started. The concept is simple but powerful: take a basic shape and turn it into something brand new using your imagination. One shape becomes a spaceship. Another shape becomes a silly monster. A third might become a magical castle or a superhero hamster. There are no wrong answers—and that’s part of the magic.

Inside the book are 16 different shapes, and each shape appears 30 times on its own page. That’s 480 opportunities to turn a simple line or blob or squiggle into something totally unexpected. No steps to follow. No tracing. Just you, a pencil, and a whole page of creative potential.

Kids love it. Parents love it. And at Phoenix Fan Fusion, I saw just how much people were connecting with this idea. It was easily my most popular drawing book all weekend long.

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Why Shape Drawing Challenge Stood Out

I had dozens of different books on my table—everything from “How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals” to “Trace Then Color: Unicorn Animals.” And to be clear, a lot of those books did really well. Some titles nearly sold out. Others completely disappeared by Saturday morning.

But Shape Drawing Challenge was the only book that kept selling out, even after I restocked it each day. I brought extra copies with me just in case, and I still didn’t have enough to meet the demand. It was the first title people picked up, the one kids begged their parents for, and the one I kept having conversations about again and again.

There’s something about open-ended creative play that resonates with people. I think that’s why it became my most popular drawing book of the weekend. It invites kids to explore their imagination without any pressure. They’re not worried about getting a drawing “right”—they’re just having fun.

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About My Books: A Whole Series of Drawing Fun

Shape Drawing Challenge is just one book in a much bigger series of activity books I’ve created. Over the years, I’ve written and illustrated more than 70 different art books for kids. Some are “how to draw” books with easy step-by-step instructions. Others are tracing books where kids practice hand control and build confidence by following guided lines. There are also coloring and activity books, grid drawing challenges, and now a growing collection of shape-based drawing prompts like this one.

All of my books are designed with the same goals in mind: to give kids a creative outlet, to make drawing fun and accessible, and to provide screen-free entertainment that’s actually engaging. Whether a child is just picking up a pencil for the first time or already filling sketchbooks at home, I want them to feel inspired when they open one of my books.

Shape Drawing Challenge may have been my most popular drawing book at Phoenix Fan Fusion, but every title on my table had a purpose—and every one has helped kids discover the joy of drawing in their own way.

Browse All 70+ Art Books for Kids

Kids Took the Lead

One of my favorite things about the weekend was seeing how excited kids got about this book. They weren’t flipping through the pages looking for instructions—they were asking, “Can I really draw anything in here?” When I said yes, their eyes lit up. Some started sketching right then and there.

Parents told me they loved the concept too. It wasn’t just another activity book to pass the time—it was a real creativity booster. Some mentioned they were going to use it during road trips, others planned to bring it to restaurants or keep it handy for quiet time at home. I even had a few teachers and homeschool parents tell me they saw educational value in it, especially as a warm-up activity for creative writing or art class.

Those reactions reminded me why this is my most popular drawing book. It works across age groups, interests, and experience levels. It’s endlessly re-usable. And it’s not just fun—it’s meaningful.

What Will You Draw?

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Beyond the Book: The Shape Drawing Panel

On Saturday, I hosted a live drawing panel based on the Shape Drawing Challenge concept, and it was just as popular as the book itself. The room filled up fast. We drew together, laughed together, and created some of the weirdest, funniest, and most creative drawings I’ve seen in a long time.

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At one point during the panel, my daughter decided to jump in and help run the show—with sassy commentary and some genuinely great drawing ideas. The crowd loved it, and the energy in the room was amazing. Kids were raising their hands, showing off their creations, and asking if they could keep drawing after the session ended.

That kind of response is the dream. And it’s no surprise that after the panel, Shape Drawing Challenge became my most popular drawing book for the rest of the weekend.

Looking Ahead

Phoenix Fan Fusion was a huge success, and I’m still working on restocking inventory after selling out of so many titles—including, of course, my most popular drawing book, Shape Drawing Challenge (But don’t worry, all of my books are always in stock online). I’m planning more events in the future, including possible school visits, live drawing sessions, and maybe even new shape-themed books based on how much people loved this one.

If you’re new to my books or found me during the event, thank you. Your support means everything. And if you missed out on Shape Drawing Challenge, don’t worry—you can get it on Amazon right now with Prime Shipping!

In the meantime, you can see all of my titles over at FirstArtBooks.com. From fairy tales to silly monsters to drawing robots, I’ve got something for every kid who loves to draw.

Get The ‘Shape Drawing Challenge’ Book

Final Thoughts

Out of more than 70 books on my table, there was one clear winner. Shape Drawing Challenge wasn’t just my most popular drawing book at Phoenix Fan Fusion—it was the one that kids kept coming back for, the one that sparked the most conversations, and the one that truly captured the imagination of everyone who picked it up.

It’s a simple idea with powerful results. And judging by how fast it flew off my table, I think it’s safe to say: this little book of shapes might just be the start of something big.

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by, said hello, or picked up a book. I can’t wait to see what you draw next.

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The post What Was My Most Popular Drawing Book During Phoenix Fan Fusion? appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Let’s get weird—in the best way possible—with a brand new free drawing page from How to Draw: Grumpy Faces! Today’s featured character is a hilariously miserable monster with one huge eye, a stuck-out tongue, and a mop of wild curly hair. This is your chance to learn how to draw a grumpy cyclops—and it’s just as fun and silly as it sounds.

If your kids love expressive cartoon characters, especially ones that are a little quirky and over-the-top, they’re going to love this grumpy little guy. The free page walks you through how to draw a grumpy cyclops step by step, using the same easy-to-follow six-step format I use in all my drawing books. It’s a great way to ease into drawing cartoon characters with big personalities—and in this case, some big grumpiness too.

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Meet the Book: How to Draw: Grumpy Faces

How to Draw: Grumpy Faces is one of my personal favorite drawing books to make—and now it’s one of my favorite ones to share. Inside, you’ll find 50 hilariously cranky characters, each with their own unique look and exaggerated grumpy expressions. If your kids enjoy drawing faces full of personality, they’ll love learning how to draw a grumpy cyclops, along with dozens of other ridiculous, fun-to-draw characters.

Each drawing is broken into six steps, making it easy for beginners to follow along without feeling overwhelmed. These aren’t just any grumpy faces either—expect angry robots, sour aliens, annoyed grandpas, fussy animals, moody monsters, and of course, our one-eyed, tongue-out grumpy cyclops.

The goal of this book is simple: help kids (and creative adults!) draw silly cartoon faces while building real drawing skills along the way. The structured format helps with proportions and details, while the goofy expressions keep it light and super fun.

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Why Drawing Grumpy Characters is So Much Fun

Let’s be real—drawing expressive characters is one of the best parts of cartooning. Learning how to draw a grumpy cyclops isn’t just about drawing a funny monster with one eye. It’s about learning how to show mood, emotion, and personality through simple shapes and exaggerated features.

With this free page, kids get to:

• Focus on face shape and features
• Practice symmetry (even with just one eye!)
• Work on drawing curly hair and silly details
• Use creativity to exaggerate emotion

Plus, once they’ve finished learning how to draw a grumpy cyclops, they can customize the character any way they like—maybe add a grumpy little pet, a thought bubble, or even a background to show why he’s so cranky in the first place.

Draw 50 Grumpy Cartoon Faces

Part of the Bigger Picture: The How to Draw Series

How to Draw: Grumpy Faces is just one book in a much larger collection of drawing activity books I’ve created, all designed for kids who want to explore art in a fun, accessible way. If you’ve ever picked up one of my books before, you know what to expect: hand-drawn, silly, and super engaging characters that kids actually want to draw.

From animals and monsters to robots and fairies, the How to Draw series includes a huge variety of themes. And every single one follows that same six-step approach that makes drawing feel less intimidating and way more fun. If your kids enjoy learning how to draw a grumpy cyclops, there’s a whole universe of other characters waiting for them in the series.

Here are a few reasons parents and teachers keep coming back to these books:

• Kid-tested designs – All of my characters are hand-drawn and designed with young artists in mind.
• Skill-building disguised as fun – While your child learns how to draw a grumpy cyclops, they’re also developing fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and visual planning.
• Great for all ages – While aimed at kids 5 and up, even older kids (and adults!) get a kick out of drawing these characters.
• Perfect for screen-free entertainment – Just grab a pencil and some paper—no batteries required.

Book Details

Free Activity Page (save and print):

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How to Use the Free Page

Download the free drawing page, print it out, and give it a try! Whether your child follows each step exactly or uses the guide as a jumping-off point for their own version, they’re learning valuable drawing techniques in a low-pressure, creative way.

Once they’ve finished, challenge them to draw their own unique monster. What would a grumpy cyclops’s best friend look like? How about a grumpy cyclops in disguise? The possibilities are endless once kids feel confident with the basics.

And if they’re hungry for more, How to Draw: Grumpy Faces is packed with 49 other expressions to master—from furious to pouty to absolutely fed-up.

Let’s Draw

Ready to Draw More?

Grab the free page and dive into learning how to draw a grumpy cyclops today. It’s the perfect entry point into one of the most expressive, fun drawing books in the How to Draw series. Once you’ve mastered that silly, one-eyed frown, you’ll be hooked—and there are plenty more where that came from.

Thanks for checking out the newest freebie, and I hope it inspires your young artist to explore their creativity, one grumpy little face at a time.

Learn More

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The post Free Activity Page: How to Draw A Grumpy Cyclops | A Page Straight Out of ‘How to Draw: Grumpy Faces’ A Step-by-Step Drawing Book for Kids appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Get ready for a prehistoric drawing adventure! In today’s brand-new video tutorial, I’m showing you how to draw a pterodactyl, step by step. This isn’t just any flying dinosaur—it’s a cute, cartoon-style pterodactyl straight from the pages of my book, How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs. If you’re into dinosaurs and love creating silly, expressive characters, this one’s for you.

This video is perfect for young artists, beginners, or anyone looking for a fun way to practice their drawing skills. All you need is a pencil, some paper, and your imagination. Follow along with me and learn how to draw a pterodactyl in just 9 minutes. You’ll be surprised how simple it is to bring this flying reptile to life!

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About the Book: How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs

The adorable pterodactyl in this video is just one of the 50 cartoon dinosaurs you’ll find inside How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs. Each character in the book is broken down into six simple steps so that kids can follow along without getting overwhelmed. The book is designed for ages 5 and up, and it’s perfect for kids who want to draw fun, silly, expressive dinosaurs.

The pterodactyl featured in this video is one of my favorites because of how expressive you can make its wings and beak. In the book, you’ll also find a goofy T. rex, a cheerful stegosaurus, a silly triceratops, and tons more. Like all my books, every single character is hand-drawn by me with care to make sure it’s both fun and achievable for young artists.

If you loved learning how to draw a pterodactyl, you’ll absolutely love flipping through this book and discovering all the other prehistoric pals waiting inside.

Why Kids Love How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs

✅ Step-by-step instructions make drawing accessible and stress-free.

✅ Silly, fun characters that kids actually want to draw.

✅ Perfect for beginners or any young artist who wants to build confidence.

✅ Encourages creativity while teaching structure and sequencing.

✅ Great screen-free activity for classrooms, road trips, or rainy days.

Whether your child is a total beginner or already fills sketchbooks with doodles, this book helps them learn to draw in a way that feels like play. And if they’re excited by today’s video on how to draw a pterodactyl, they’ll be thrilled to take on the other 49 characters in the book.

Get Started Here

Part of the Art Books for Kids Series

How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs is part of my growing Art Books for Kids series, which includes books on animals, robots, food monsters, fairies, and more. Every title in the series is focused on making drawing fun and frustration-free, with characters broken down into simple shapes and easy steps.

Each book includes 50 characters, each one unique and fun to draw. And just like this tutorial showing you how to draw a pterodactyl, all the books are designed to help kids build their skills while having a blast.

If your kids love drawing, collecting characters, or just need a fun activity to keep them busy and creative, this series is for them. And if they’ve mastered how to draw a pterodactyl, they’re well on their way to mastering every book in the lineup!

Free Video Drawing Tutorial:

Take Your Drawing Further

Now that you’ve followed the video and learned how to draw a pterodactyl, try creating your own versions. What happens if your pterodactyl is extra sleepy, or maybe super excited? Try giving it sunglasses, a backpack, or even roller skates. That’s part of the fun—making each character your own.

Drawing should never feel intimidating. My goal with every video and every book is to show kids that drawing is just another way to play. If your kids had fun learning how to draw a pterodactyl today, then this book (and this whole series) is going to keep them entertained for hours.

View All 70+ Art Books for Kids

Grab Your Copy Today

You can check out the free video tutorial to learn how to draw a pterodactyl, and when you’re ready for more, How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs is packed with characters just as fun and quirky. It’s perfect for road trips, summer afternoons, classroom art time, or just a quiet drawing session at home.

Once you know how to draw a pterodactyl, you’ll be itching to learn how to draw all its dinosaur friends too. And with 50 total characters in the book, there’s no shortage of prehistoric fun.

Final Thoughts

I hope you and your kids had a blast learning how to draw a pterodactyl today. It’s one of my favorite characters in the book because it’s so expressive and fun to play around with. The whole How to Draw: Cartoon Dinosaurs book is built around that idea: drawing as play, creativity as a skill, and fun as the foundation.

Thanks for being part of this drawing adventure with me. Now grab those pencils and go draw some more dinosaurs!

Learn More

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The post Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw A Pterodactyl in 9 Minutes | Easy-to-Follow Drawing Activity For Kids | Fun All-Ages Art Books appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

This past weekend, I spent three jam-packed days at Phoenix Fan Fusion—Arizona’s biggest and best comic convention—and I’m still riding the high. I don’t know the exact attendance numbers, but everywhere I looked, it was a sea of fans, costumes, and energy.

One of the highlights for me was hosting the Shape Drawing Challenge panel on Saturday. It was a blast—and a bit of a family affair. Midway through, my daughter decided to “co-host” with her quick wit and serious art chops. At one point, someone asked me to draw Squirtle. Just as I reached for my phone to look him up, she snatched it away, forcing me to draw the turtle-squirrel Pokémon entirely from memory. Chaos (and laughter) ensued, and somehow we ended up with a packed room full of smiles and doodles.

The rest of the time, I was at my table in the exhibitor hall, introducing kids and parents to my drawing books and sending as many as I could off to new homes. I had set some pretty ambitious (possibly delusional) goals for the weekend—and somehow managed to beat them all.

It was incredible to meet so many new people discovering my books for the first time, and even more rewarding to see the joy on kids’ faces as they found the books that spoke to them. I’m also deeply grateful for the friends and familiar faces who stopped by to show their support.

I’m already planning more live drawing events, so stay tuned for updates. And in the meantime—keep drawing!

– Kevin Coulston

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The post Phoenix Fan Fusion Recap | Lots of Books, Laughs, and People appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Are you ready to draw something wildly funny and a little bit fruity? In today’s free drawing video, I’m showing you how to draw a Pineapple Monster step-by-step—a hilarious character pulled straight from the pages of my book How to Draw: Food Monsters! This spiky, silly, tropical monster is one of my favorites from the collection, and I can’t wait to show you how to bring him to life on paper.

Whether you’re drawing for fun, working on your cartooning skills, or just love weird and wacky creatures, this is the perfect character to get your imagination going. Grab a pencil, get your sketchbook ready, and follow along as I walk you through how to draw a Pineapple Monster from start to finish.

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From the Book: How to Draw: Food Monsters

The Pineapple Monster you’ll be drawing today is one of 50 food-themed monsters included in my book How to Draw: Food Monsters. This drawing book is packed full of silly, strange, and absolutely hilarious cartoon creatures inspired by everything from burgers and fries to bananas, cupcakes, broccoli, and beyond.

Each character in the book—including the Pineapple Monster—is broken down into six easy steps. The simple format makes it easy for kids (and adults!) to follow along. The Pineapple Monster has spiky pineapple skin, 3 eyes, and a goofy expression that makes him fun to draw and personalize with your own details.

If you enjoy drawing this tropical goofball, you’ll love creating the rest of the gang in the book. It’s a great way to build confidence in drawing while having fun at the same time. And trust me, there are plenty of characters just as weird and wonderful as this one.

Why You’ll Love This Book

How to Draw: Food Monsters is part of my Art Books for Kids series, which is all about making drawing fun and accessible for artists of all ages. The food monsters in this book are weird, wild, and totally original. These aren’t just standard cartoon animals or everyday characters—they’re monsters made out of your favorite foods.

Here’s why this book is a hit with kids, parents, and teachers:

• Easy Step-by-Step Format: Each monster is broken down into six clear steps.
• Original Art: You won’t find these characters anywhere else.
• Encourages Creativity: Kids can add expressions, accessories, and details to make each monster their own.
• Perfect for Ages 5+: Simple enough for young kids, fun enough for everyone.
• Screen-Free Activity: A fun and creative alternative to screen time.

So if today’s lesson on how to draw a Pineapple Monster sparks your creativity, know that there’s an entire book of characters just waiting for you to discover.

Get Started

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What You’ll Find Inside How to Draw: Food Monsters

This 106-page activity book includes step-by-step guides to draw all sorts of monstrous meals and freaky foods. Some of the characters inside include:

• A one-eyed cheeseburger monster with spider legs
• A grumpy banana with arms and legs
• A twisted pretzel creature
• A slice of pizza with attitude
• A broccoli beast
• An ice cream cone monster
• And of course, the infamous Pineapple Monster

Each page provides a simple layout that breaks down the character into basic shapes and lines, helping kids learn the fundamentals of cartoon drawing in a way that feels fun and doable.

Draw 50 Food Monsters

Build Drawing Skills While Having Fun

Learning how to draw a Pineapple Monster isn’t just silly fun (though it definitely is that!)—it’s also a great way for kids to build real drawing skills. As they follow along with the step-by-step format, they’re also practicing:

• Shape recognition
• Line control
• Spatial awareness
• Character design basics
• Emotional expression through facial features

Drawing goofy monsters like these makes it easier for kids to experiment, make mistakes, and try new ideas without pressure. It encourages storytelling, imaginative thinking, and a sense of creative freedom that often gets lost in more rigid art lessons.

Continue the Food Monster Fun

If you enjoyed learning how to draw a Pineapple Monster, the fun doesn’t have to stop here! How to Draw: Food Monsters is available now and packed with 50 total characters for you to draw. Whether you’re into drawing burgers, bananas, or just love creating strange new creatures, this book gives you tons of inspiration and guidance.

And this title is just one part of my growing Art Books for Kids series. From Trace Then Color books to Draw by Grid challenges, each book is designed to help kids build skills while expressing themselves through art. Every title features original characters, silly humor, and clear instructions.

Free Video Drawing Tutorial:

Ready to Draw Your Next Monster?

Now that you’ve learned how to draw a Pineapple Monster, take what you’ve learned and try creating your own food-inspired creatures! What would a cookie monster (not that one) look like? How about a taco with wings?

And if you want even more ideas and inspiration, check out the full How to Draw: Food Monsters book. It’s a great addition to any kid’s bookshelf or classroom art shelf.

Stay tuned for more free tutorials and new characters, and keep those pencils moving!

View All 70+ Art Books for Kids

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The post Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw A Pineapple Monster Easily in 7 Minutes | Beginner All-Ages Art Activity | Food Monsters Drawing Book appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Let’s kick things off with something awesome—a free drawing page straight from my book Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs! This one features a floating alien cyborg that’s basically an eyeball in a glass dome filled with liquid, hovering thanks to a fiery little thruster underneath. Weird? Yes. Fun to draw? Absolutely.

This page captures exactly what I love most about the Alien Cyborgs book: characters that are just strange enough to make you laugh while still being super fun to trace and color. The dome, the fire, the liquid—it all adds up to a cool, simple exercise that’s perfect for young artists.

Whether your kid is into aliens, robots, or just wild sci-fi creatures, this character is a great intro to the fun you’ll find inside the book. If you’re looking for a project that’s more exciting than a typical coloring page and also teaches drawing basics, this is it.

And yes, technically, this little guy counts as your first step if you’re wondering how to finish a cyborg coloring page—especially a cartoon one!

Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs

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About the Book: Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs

Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs is all about getting creative with characters that live at the edge of imagination—part alien, part robot, and 100% fun. Inside, you’ll find 50 unique cartoon alien cyborgs, each with exaggerated features, bold silhouettes, and loads of personality.

Each page offers a clean tracing outline to help kids build confidence with shapes and linework, followed by a simple coloring opportunity to let their creativity go wild. Whether it’s a brain-bot with rocket legs, a three-eyed alien with plug arms, or today’s floating dome cyclops, these characters offer a perfect blend of challenge and fun.

If your child loves starting off a good cyborg coloring page but isn’t quite ready for complex step-by-step instruction, this book bridges that gap beautifully.

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Why Kids (and Parents) Love This Book

There are tons of reasons this book has become one of the more popular titles in my Trace Then Color series. Here are just a few:

• Confidence Builder – Tracing helps young artists strengthen their motor control without feeling overwhelmed.
• Creative Freedom – Once the tracing is done, kids can color these characters however they want. Electric green robots? Lava-filled aliens? Totally up to them.
• Perfect for Ages 4 and Up – Younger kids get the support they need to succeed, and older kids still find the characters fun and engaging.
• Fast Wins – Each page can be finished in under 20 minutes, making it great for quick creative sessions or longer weekend projects.
• Jumpstart for Original Art – After tracing a few pages, kids often start designing their own alien cyborgs. That’s where the real magic happens.

And let’s not forget—the characters are weird in the best way possible. Who wouldn’t want to tackle a cyborg coloring page with crab claws, laser eyes, or floating tech-powered jelly bodies?

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Why Tracing Helps with Learning from a Cyborg Coloring Page

One of the best parts of the Trace Then Color format is how it prepares kids for more advanced drawing. When they trace these funky alien cyborgs, they’re learning all the foundational elements of drawing:

• Shapes and proportions
• Line control and confidence
• How characters are built from simple forms

All of that comes in handy when they eventually want to move beyond the basic cyborg coloring page and start creating their own characters. The structured outlines remove the guesswork and let kids focus on forming solid habits.

By practicing with outrageous and silly characters, the experience becomes playful instead of frustrating. And that’s exactly how learning to draw should feel—fun and approachable.

Free Activity Page (save and print):

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Trace and Color Cybernetic Aliens

Part of the Trace Then Color Series

Alien Cyborgs is one of many books in the Trace Then Color series, which includes other favorites like:

• Trace Then Color: Cartoon Dinosaurs
• Trace Then Color: Mermaids, Unicorns, and Other Cute Stuff
• Trace Then Color: Goofy Faces
• Trace Then Color: Cool Stuff

Each book in the series offers 50 unique characters to trace and color, and every single one is designed by me. The characters range from adorable to bizarre, and they’re always built with kids in mind—bold shapes, expressive features, and lots of room to make each page your own.

If your child loved diving into today’s floating eyeball cyborg coloring page, they’ll definitely find more weird and wonderful creatures in the rest of the series.

Ready to Create More Alien Cyborgs?

If this free page got your gears turning, then Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs is ready to deliver a full set of sci-fi silliness. With 50 unique alien cyborgs, it’s the perfect choice for kids who want something a little stranger and a whole lot more fun.

Whether your child is just starting their drawing journey or already begging for the next cyborg coloring page, this book gives them everything they need to build skills, stay engaged, and laugh a little while they’re at it.

Get Started Today

Let the Alien Invasion Begin

Grab your pencils, pull out some crayons or markers, and print out today’s free page. Watch your child bring that floating eyeball alien to life, then dive into the rest of the book for a full-on creative adventure.

And if you’ve been looking for a Robot Dinosaur Coloring Page, a princess to trace, or a mutant monster to sketch, be sure to check out my entire lineup of drawing books for kids. I’ve got over 70 titles and counting, all designed to make drawing fun, easy, and a little weird in the best possible way.

See All 70+ Art Books for Kids

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The post Free Activity Page: Cyborg Coloring Page | Trace Then Color A Floating Alien Eyeball | All-Ages Art Activity appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Today I’m excited to share a free drawing video featuring one of my favorite characters from How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters—a tiny, round, adorable baby monster with a big grin and wobbly legs. If your kids have ever wanted to know how to draw a baby monster, this is a great place to start. The character in the video comes straight from the pages of the book, and I walk you through the full drawing from start to finish.

Like all the tutorials I share, this one is meant to be fun, simple, and accessible to young artists. Whether your child is a seasoned doodler or just beginning to explore drawing, this baby monster is a perfect mix of silly and sweet, with big shapes and easy steps.

So grab some paper and a pencil, hit play on the video below, and follow along with me as I show you how to draw a baby monster—just like the ones in the book!

How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters

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About the Book: How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters

How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters is one of the most playful titles in my How to Draw series. It features 50 original cartoon monsters that are more goofy than scary—some have two heads, others wear pajamas, and a few even have candy stuck in their fur. The baby monster featured in the video is just one of many lovable creatures waiting inside the book.

Every character in the book is drawn using six simple steps. Kids follow along one step at a time to build each monster from basic shapes—starting with circles and rectangles and gradually layering in details. It’s a confidence-building approach that helps kids learn how to draw a baby monster and so much more.

Get The Book

The monsters are fun to draw, but they’re also designed to spark imagination. Once your kid has drawn a few, they’ll start inventing their own characters, stories, and personalities to go along with them. That’s the real goal—getting kids excited to create their own world of cute monsters.

What Makes This Book Great for Kids?

This book—and the entire How to Draw series—is built to help kids enjoy the process of drawing. Each page is self-contained, so they can jump in anywhere and start drawing right away. Here are a few reasons why kids (and parents!) love it:

• Simple, 6-Step Instructions
  Each monster is broken down into six clear, easy-to-follow steps. No guesswork, no confusion.
• Silly, Playful Designs
  These aren’t spooky or creepy monsters. They’re colorful, cartoony, and full of personality. Perfect for younger kids.
• Room to Practice
  Every character has its own space to draw right on the page. Kids can trace, sketch, and experiment as they go.
• Creativity Boost
  Once they’ve drawn a few monsters from the book, many kids start inventing their own. It’s a great springboard for creativity.

If you’ve ever watched your child stare at a blank page and not know where to start, this book gives them that first spark. It shows them how to draw a baby monster—and then encourages them to make it their own.

Get Started

Draw Along with the Video

The baby monster in today’s video is one of the most popular characters in the book. It’s got a round body, a wide smile, three teeth, and little arms that barely reach its belly. I picked this one for the tutorial because it’s a great intro to the drawing style used throughout the series.

As we go step-by-step, I’ll show your young artist how to use simple shapes and build them into a finished drawing. If they’ve never drawn a monster before, this is a great starting point. If they’ve already been through the book, it’s a fun way to practice alongside me.

Learn To Draw Monsters

Explore the Whole How to Draw Series

If your child enjoys this book, there’s a lot more where it came from. How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters is just one part of my growing collection of Art Books for Kids, and each book is packed with fun, accessible drawing lessons built around a central theme. Some of the others include:

• How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals – 50 animals like turtles, alligators, and giraffes.
• How to Draw: Cartoon Robots – full of wacky bots, techy pets, and robot sidekicks.
• How to Draw: Mermaids, Unicorns, and Other Cute Stuff – a magical mix of fantasy and fun.

View All Books

Every book follows the same format: 50 characters, 6 easy steps per drawing, and plenty of room to get creative. And just like with monsters, each book helps your child build skills while having fun. They’re not just learning how to draw a baby monster, they’re learning how to think like an artist.

All of these titles are available now at FirstArtBooks.com and on Amazon, and they make great gifts, classroom resources, or weekend art activities.

Start Drawing Today

If your child has ever asked how to draw a baby monster, now’s their chance to find out. Watch the video together, pause as needed, and let them enjoy every step of bringing this little monster to life. Then check out the full book for more adorable creatures they can draw all on their own.

I’ve had so much fun creating this series, and I love hearing from families and teachers who use these books in their classrooms and at home. Drawing is one of the best ways for kids to express themselves—and sometimes, the best way to start is with a goofy little baby monster and a pencil.

Book Details

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The post Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw A Baby Monster in 7 Minutes | From The Fun Kids Art Activity Book How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Monsters appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Today I’m excited to share a brand-new free page from one of my weirdest and most fun books—Draw by Grid: Crusty Goobers 2! This book is packed full of ridiculous cartoon creatures with strange features, strange names, and even stranger attitudes. If your kids love drawing goofy, gross, or just plain weird characters, this is the one they’ve been waiting for.

To celebrate the release of Crusty Goobers 2, I’m sharing a free drawing page from the book featuring a particularly crusty guy: a Crusty Goober with three vertically stacked eyeballs, two horns sticking out from the sides of his head, and two tiny robot arms. He’s weird, he’s crusty, and he’s ready for your kid to bring him to life with pencil and color.

This free page comes straight from the popular grid drawing book for kids and follows the same grid drawing format that’s made this series a favorite with families and classrooms. Whether your child is just starting to explore drawing or already filling up their sketchbooks, this book is a perfect fit.

Draw by Grid: Crusty Goobers 2

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About the Book: Draw by Grid: Crusty Goobers 2

Draw by Grid: Crusty Goobers 2 includes 50 all-new characters, each drawn with that same gross, wacky, over-the-top energy that made the original Crusty Goobers a hit.

The Draw by Grid format gives kids an easy way to break down complex shapes into simple, manageable chunks. Each drawing is placed inside a grid, and kids use the empty grid on the opposite page to recreate it one square at a time. It’s not only fun—it’s also a sneaky way to build observation skills, spatial awareness, and hand-eye coordination. And most of all, it builds confidence.

This is a Grid Drawing Book for Kids that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s the point.

What Makes the Draw by Grid Series Special?

The Draw by Grid series is one of my favorite formats to work in because it’s so approachable for all ages. Here’s why it works:

• Simple Grid Layouts: Each character is drawn within a labeled grid, helping kids focus on just one small piece at a time.
• Step-Free Structure: Instead of relying on step-by-step instructions, the grid format trains the eye to see shapes and lines—like a drawing boot camp that’s actually fun.
• Creative Characters: These aren’t generic cartoon animals. The Crusty Goobers are bizarre and silly in all the best ways. It sparks imagination and opens the door for kids to start creating goober creatures of their own.
• Skill Building Without Pressure: Kids learn essential drawing concepts like proportion and structure, but they don’t even realize it because they’re too busy drawing booger monsters and bug-eyed space blobs.

Each book in the series is built for ages 4 and up, but I’ve seen kids even younger get excited about the grid format, especially when the characters are as fun and weird as these ones.

Learn More

Get to Know the Crusty Goobers

So what exactly is a Crusty Goober?

They’re whatever you want them to be. Some are monsters. Some are aliens. Some are sentient trash. Some look like they crawled out of a haunted vending machine. They’re full of attitude, packed with texture and personality, and they’ve all been lovingly hand-drawn by me—warts and all.

The Crusty Goober featured on today’s free page has three stacked eyeballs, giving him maximum gross-out vision. His two horns give him a devilish silhouette, while his tiny robot arms suggest he’s either a failed science experiment or an intergalactic snack thief. You get to decide.

Drawing characters like this is a great way for kids to stretch their creativity. What’s his name? What does he eat? Does he live in a sewer, or is he the mayor of a robot city? Half the fun is inventing the story that goes along with the drawing. Draw them today in this Grid Drawing Book for Kids.

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Drawing Made Fun, Silly, and Accessible

I make these books with one thing in mind—getting kids excited about drawing. Not everyone wants to draw flowers or cars or straight-faced superheroes. Some kids want to draw crusty goblins with jellybeans for teeth. That’s why this Grid Drawing Book for Kids exists. It’s about breaking the rules, laughing while you draw, and not worrying about whether every line is perfect.

Draw by Grid: Crusty Goobers 2 is perfect for:

• Kids who think drawing is too hard or intimidating
• Parents looking for screen-free entertainment
• Teachers or art instructors building lessons around creativity and observation
• Anyone who loves weird, wild, and totally original cartoon characters

There are no wrong answers in a Crusty Goober book—only gross, goofy fun.

Start Drawing with This Free Page

Download the free Crusty Goober page and give it a try. All you need is a pencil, some crayons or markers, and your kid’s imagination. Have them use the grid to draw the creature one square at a time. Once the sketch is done, they can color it however they like—go neon, add slime, give him a tattoo. Make it their own.

This sample is just one of the 50 characters waiting inside Draw by Grid: Crusty Goobers 2. Every page is different, every goober is weird in a new way, and every drawing is another chance for your child to build their skills while having a blast.

Free Activity Page (save and print):

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Get The Book!

Keep the Goobers Coming

If your kids enjoy this page, they’ll love diving into the rest of the book. And if they haven’t tried the first Crusty Goobers book, that’s a great place to start too. Both books are available now as part of my Draw by Grid series on FirstArtBooks.com and Amazon.

With over 70 titles available across all my series, I’m always working to create more books that make drawing accessible, fun, and a little weird. Because sometimes, what kids need most isn’t just a lesson—it’s a laugh.

Get Started

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The post Free Activity Page: A 3-Eyed 2-Horned Goober on a Grid | Grid Drawing Book for Kids | From Draw by Grid: Crusty Goobers 2 appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 is right around the corner—and I’ll be there all weekend as an invited guest! The event runs from June 6th through June 8th at the Phoenix Convention Center, and you’ll find me at Artist Alley table #1888 with a table full of art, books, and some brand-new sticker designs. If you’re a fan of drawing, cartoons, or just looking for a fun, creative family activity to do that weekend, you won’t want to miss it.

Phoenix Fan Fusion Website

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Where to Find Me

I’ll be stationed all three days at table #1888 in Artist Alley. You can stop by to say hi, check out my books in person, and even pick up one of my brand-new Crusty Goober stickers—there are 14 fresh designs this year, and they’ll be making their debut exclusively at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025. I’ve never released these stickers before, so if you’re into weird, gross, goofy characters with a ton of personality, you’re going to love them.

Drawing Books for Kids

In addition to the stickers, I’ll have a full lineup of my kid-friendly drawing books. With over 70 titles and counting, I’ve packed my table with all the fan favorites from each of my series—How to Draw, Trace Then Color, Draw by Grid, and the interactive Shape Drawing Challenge series.

Whether your kid is just starting out with simple tracing or ready to level up to drawing their own cartoons in six steps, I’ve got something they’ll enjoy. These are the same books that have helped thousands of kids (and plenty of adults too!) build their skills and confidence through fun, easy-to-follow steps.

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Don’t Miss the “Shape Drawing Challenge” Panel!

On Saturday, June 7th at 12pm, I’ll be hosting a special drawing event in the Youth Art Room called the Shape Drawing Challenge. This panel is based on my book of the same name and is perfect for kids who love cartoons and want to try drawing in a new way.

Here’s how it works: I start with a simple shape, then I turn that shape into three completely different characters—right on the spot. It’s a great exercise in imagination, and it shows young artists how much creative potential they already have with just a little direction and a simple starting point. It’s always a fun, energetic session with lots of laughs, and everyone leaves with new ideas and fresh inspiration.

Get The Shape Drawing Challenge Book

Bring your kids, bring a sketchbook, and get ready to draw along with me. Whether they’re beginners or already filling up sketchbooks of their own, this event is built for all skill levels.

What Books Will I Have with Me?

I’ll be bringing a wide range of my most popular books, covering just about every theme you can imagine. Some highlights:

• Cute Cartoon Animals – Learn to draw 50 animals in 6 easy steps. A huge hit with kids who love animals (and who doesn’t?).
• Cute Cartoon Monsters – A silly and spooky lineup of monsters that are more adorable than scary.
• Cartoon Robots – Robots with personality, from robot dogs to gear-powered cyclopses.
• Food Monsters – Pizza slices with claws, cheeseburgers with fangs, and other deliciously creepy characters.
• Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff – Filled with magical creatures, adorable characters, and everything kids love to draw.
• Mermaids, Unicorns, and Other Cute Stuff – Whimsical and sparkly with lots of charming details.
• Cartoon Dinosaurs – From the classics like T. rex to fan-favorites like Parasaurolophus, all in my signature cartoony style.
• Trace Then Color Books – Perfect for beginners. Just trace the outlines and add your own color.
• Draw by Grid Series – A great way to learn observation and proportions in a fun, low-pressure way.
• Shape Drawing Challenge – The book version of my live panel, packed with creative exercises to spark imagination.

And yes, everything is hand drawn by me—Kevin Coulston. Every book is designed with kids in mind: easy to follow, visually fun, and loaded with characters that inspire storytelling and creativity.

Get The Books

Let’s Talk Creativity

I started FirstArtBooks.com to make drawing fun, simple, and accessible for kids. Everything I bring to Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 follows that same mission. My books don’t just show kids what to draw—they encourage them to come up with their own stories and characters. That’s the heart of cartooning, and I love seeing kids take those first steps into building their own creative worlds.

Being part of Phoenix Fan Fusion is an amazing opportunity to connect directly with families, young artists, educators, and fellow cartoon enthusiasts. I love getting to hear which books your kids love, what they’re drawing right now, and what characters they want to learn next. These conversations help shape my future books, so I’m always grateful to meet my readers in person.

See You There!

So if you’re attending Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025, be sure to swing by table #1888 in Artist Alley. I’ll be there all three days with books, stickers, and plenty of creative energy. And don’t forget to join me on Saturday, June 7th at 12pm in the Youth Art Room for the Shape Drawing Challenge event—bring your kids, bring your imaginations, and let’s draw together!

Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 is going to be a fantastic weekend for art, fandom, and fun. I hope to see you there!

Phoenix Fan Fusion

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The post Draw with me at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 next week! See my books in-person and check out my 14 new Crusty Goober stickers | Phoenix Arizona Comic Convention appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Ready to draw your favorite nunchuck-swinging turtle? In today’s free video tutorial, I’m showing you how to draw Michelangelo—yes, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle himself. If your kid’s into pizza-loving, sewer-dwelling heroes, they’re going to love this one.

This drawing is totally kid-friendly and drawn in my usual silly cartoon style. I walk you through every step slowly and clearly, making it easy for young artists to follow along.

And while Michelangelo isn’t one of the characters in my Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals book, this video fits right in with the kind of weird, wild, and wonderfully mutated animals you’ll find inside the pages of that book. After all, what are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles if not the original mutant animal cartoon crew?

Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals

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About the Book: Draw by Grid – Mutant Animals

Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals is one of my weirdest and funniest books—and that’s saying something. Every drawing in the book uses a simple grid system to help kids create their own versions of hilarious mutant creatures, one square at a time.

These aren’t your average animals. This book is packed with:

• A sheep with 4 arms
• A cycloptic pig
• A horse/bird hybrid
• A 6-armed cat creature
• …and dozens more strange and silly animal mashups

It’s a great companion to this free video, where we walk through how to draw Michelangelo, because the focus in both is the same—drawing funny characters with personality.

Kids who love the Turtles will get a kick out of this book because it taps into that same kind of energy: action, humor, and creative design all mashed together.

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What Makes the “Draw by Grid” Series Different?

This series is all about making drawing fun and accessible for kids. Each page features a goofy character broken down into a simple grid format. That means your child doesn’t have to worry about getting everything “right” all at once. Instead, they can focus on one square at a time, slowly building their drawing in a way that feels easy and achievable.

Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals is especially fun because it breaks all the rules of the animal kingdom. In this book, anything goes. Extra limbs? Go for it. Eye patches? Absolutely. Wings, horns, weird fur patterns, teeth where they shouldn’t be—yes, yes, and yes.

If your kid had fun learning how to draw Michelangelo in the video, they’re going to love drawing these ridiculous animal hybrids too.

Why Drawing Mutant Animals Is a Hit With Kids

There’s something super satisfying about drawing weird creatures. Kids don’t have to follow the same old rules, and that opens the door to real creativity.

In this book, I’ve designed each character to look wild and funny, but not complicated. They’re goofy and expressive, not overly detailed or intimidating. That balance makes it perfect for young artists who want to create cool things without getting overwhelmed.

Get The Book!

Plus, mutant animals spark storytelling. Your kid might start with the drawing, but don’t be surprised if they end up naming their creature, giving it a backstory, and imagining whole worlds where these characters live. It all starts with putting pencil to paper.

And after they try this video and learn how to draw Michelangelo, you may find them inventing their own turtle-like creatures—maybe even a pizza-loving platypus with a shell?

Designed for Kids Ages 6 and Up (But Fun for Everyone)

The Draw by Grid format works well for artists of all skill levels, but it really shines for kids ages 6 and up. The gridded pages help build spatial awareness, improve focus, and teach kids how to translate what they see into what they draw.

It also teaches patience—something every artist needs. Completing one of these pages feels like a mini achievement, and the results always bring a smile.

Even if your kid is just starting out, they’ll feel successful working through this book. And the more they draw, the more their confidence grows.

Learn More

Drawing at Home, in Classrooms, or on the Go

This series is designed to be used anywhere. All you need is a pencil and a flat surface. There’s no mess, no apps, no batteries required—just good, creative fun.

Try the free video where I show you how to draw Michelangelo, then grab a copy of Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals and keep the momentum going. Whether your child is working at the kitchen table, on a road trip, or in an art class, this book is easy to bring along and hard to put down.

Try the Video, Then Dive Into the Book

I always love sharing these video freebies because they give you a real taste of what drawing with me is like. If your child enjoys drawing Michelangelo, they’re going to love the mutant animal madness waiting inside the book.

The grid system in Draw by Grid: Mutant Animals makes it easy for kids to follow along, and the silly characters make it irresistible to keep going. This isn’t just drawing—it’s play, imagination, and storytelling all rolled into one.

So give the video a try. See what your kid thinks. And if they love learning how to draw Michelangelo, they’re absolutely going to love drawing their own army of mutant animals next.

Get Started!

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The post Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw Michelangelo from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 8 Minutes | Fun Drawing Video For Kids appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.