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Free Activity Page: Find The Mer-Puppy in This Mermaid Maze | Coloring and Activity Book for Kids | Mazes, Word Search, Coloring Pages, and More!

Kevin Coulston — Fri, 02 May 2025 18:27:04 +0000

Get Lost in a Mermaid Maze and Discover a World of Cute Creativity

If you’ve been looking for a creative and screen-free way to keep your kids entertained, Mermaids, Unicorns, and Other Cute Stuff: Coloring and Activity Book might be exactly what you need. With a fun variety of activities and hand-drawn illustrations by yours truly, this book is packed with characters and puzzles that spark imagination. Today, I’m sharing a freebie from the book—a Mermaid Maze where a mermaid is trying to find her way back to her mer-puppy. It’s just one example of the kinds of activities your kids will find inside, and I think they’ll love it.

As always, everything inside this book was created by hand. Every mermaid, unicorn, food character, and magical creature is something I sketched out, refined, and turned into a finished illustration—just like all my other books. If you’re new here, I’m Kevin Coulston, a cartoonist and illustrator who’s spent the last several years creating art activity books for kids. If you’re not familiar with my work, this is a great entry point.

Get The Coloring Book

What’s Inside the Book

This activity book is a little different from my step-by-step drawing titles, but just like those books, the focus is still on sparking creativity. Mermaids, Unicorns, and Other Cute Stuff: Coloring and Activity Book combines coloring pages with games and puzzles, all filled with cute and whimsical themes that are perfect for younger kids. The full list of activities includes:

Coloring Pages – Featuring cute mermaids, unicorns, magical pets, food with faces, and other adorable characters.
Mazes – Like the Mermaid Maze included in this post, these puzzles are simple but engaging and full of character.
Tic-Tac-Toe Pages – Play against a friend or decorate the board with your own creative twist.
Word Searches – Easy enough for early readers but still fun for older kids too.
Spot the Difference – Train your eye for detail while exploring cute scenes.

All of these were made with a similar purpose: to help your kids slow down, focus, and have fun while creating something. There’s something satisfying about coloring or solving a puzzle on paper, and it’s a great way to encourage a bit of quiet creativity without a screen in sight.

About the Mermaid Maze

Let’s talk about the free page I’m sharing today. The Mermaid Maze has one goal: help the mermaid reunite with her mer-puppy. Like all the puzzles in this book, it’s meant to be fun and accessible without being overly simple. There are a few turns and choices to make, so kids will get a light challenge without feeling overwhelmed. And of course, everything is illustrated by hand, from the twisting maze path to the characters themselves. You won’t find any clip art here.

This particular maze is a great example of how the book mixes activity and story. There’s no dialogue or text-heavy explanation, but the idea is still clear: there’s a mission, a path, and a goal. That small sense of story can make a big difference in how much kids engage with a puzzle.

If your child enjoys this maze, there’s more where that came from inside the book—plus plenty of coloring opportunities on every page.

Free Activity Page (save and print):

Free Mermaid Maze

Why I Made This Book

A lot of my books are focused on teaching kids how to draw, and while I still love that format, I also wanted to make something a little more open-ended. Not every kid is going to want to follow step-by-step instructions, and that’s fine. Some kids just want to color and explore. Others love puzzles. Some just want to stare at cute characters and create their own stories. That’s who this book is for.

It’s meant to be a relaxing activity book your kids can keep coming back to. Whether they color just one page or do all the puzzles in a row, they’re spending time in a creative space—and that’s always the goal for me when I make these.

Designed for All Skill Levels

This book isn’t age-locked. While it’s definitely designed with kids in mind, there’s nothing stopping older siblings (or parents, for that matter) from picking up a crayon or pen and joining in. The Mermaid Maze, for example, has been a hit with younger and older kids during testing. Some like to race through it, others like to decorate the path with colors, patterns, and glitter gel pens. I love seeing how different people approach the same activity in totally unique ways.

The Art Behind the Pages

Every single page of this book—like all my others—is drawn by hand. I spend a lot of time developing the look and personality of each character before they go to print. Whether it’s a sleepy narwhal, a cupcake with a crown, or a mermaid riding a unicycle (yes, that exists), each one starts as a pencil sketch. I clean them up, ink them, and then design the layout for the coloring or activity page they’ll live on.

It’s a time-intensive process, but I think it makes a difference. The characters feel more personal, and the pages have a consistency you don’t get from mixed-style stock art. More importantly, kids notice. They can tell when something’s been made with care.

Screen-Free Fun That Actually Feels Fun

There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to what’s “good” for kids, especially when it comes to screen time. I’m not here to tell you to toss your tablet or cancel your streaming service, but I am here to offer an alternative that’s quiet, creative, and hands-on.

Activity books like this one are great for car rides, waiting rooms, rainy days, or just afternoon downtime. They give kids a chance to work independently or with a friend and to make something they can hold in their hands when they’re done.

Who This Book Is For

Kids who love cute characters
Young artists and puzzlers
Parents looking for quiet time activities
Teachers who need quick and engaging creative work
Gift-givers looking for something a little different

And of course, if your child likes mermaids, unicorns, magical pets, or smiley food characters, this one’s an easy pick.

Final Thoughts

Whether your child is solving a Mermaid Maze, coloring in a dancing donut, or searching for hidden words among smiling sea creatures, they’re diving into a world built to inspire imagination. That’s what I aim for in every book I make—whether it’s a drawing guide or an activity book like this one.

I hope you and your kids enjoy exploring this book as much as I enjoyed creating it. And if they like this one, there’s plenty more to discover across my different series. Thanks for reading, and happy coloring!

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Draw with Kevin Coulston at Phoenix Fan Fusion | June 6th-8th, 2025 | Meet The Artist

Kevin Coulston — Thu, 01 May 2025 23:14:45 +0000

Draw with Kevin Coulston at Phoenix Fan Fusion!

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be a featured guest at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025, taking place June 6–8 at the Phoenix Convention Center. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families and young artists to dive into the world of drawing and creativity.

Meet Me at My Vendor Table

Throughout the weekend, I’ll have a vendor table set up where you can explore a variety of my drawing books. From the “How to Draw” series to “Trace Then Color,” “Draw by Grid,” and “Shape Drawing Challenge,” there’s something for every budding artist. I’ll be there to chat, sign books, and share drawing tips.

View All Books

Join the “Shape Drawing Challenge” Panel

On Saturday, June 7th at 12 PM, I’ll be hosting a special event in the Youth Panels Room called the “Shape Drawing Challenge.” This interactive session is designed to spark creativity by transforming simple shapes into imaginative characters. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that encourages kids to think outside the box and see the endless possibilities in basic shapes.

Draw with Kevin Coulston at Phoenix Fan Fusion

About Me

For those who may not be familiar, I’m Kevin Coulston, a cartoonist, animator, and writer based in Phoenix. Over the past 15 years, I’ve authored and illustrated more than 70 children’s drawing books, aiming to make art accessible and enjoyable for kids. My work includes kid-friendly comic book series like “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” as well as the picture book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”

My goal has always been to inspire the next generation of illustrators by providing them with the tools and confidence to express themselves through art. Whether it’s through step-by-step guides, tracing exercises, or creative challenges, I strive to make drawing a fun and rewarding experience for children.

See You There!

Phoenix Fan Fusion is a celebration of all things pop culture, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to my work, I invite you to stop by my table, join the “Shape Drawing Challenge,” and share in the joy of drawing. Let’s make this event a memorable one filled with creativity and inspiration.

Looking forward to seeing you at Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025!

Phoenix Fan Fusion

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Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw an Alien Astronaut in 8 Minutes | Step-by-Step Drawing | Fun All Ages Art Activity

Kevin Coulston — Thu, 01 May 2025 17:03:25 +0000

Learn How to Draw a Cartoon Alien Astronaut

If you’re on the lookout for something truly fun, weird, and creative to draw, my latest video tutorial is for you. In this one, I’m showing you how to draw an alien astronaut, step by step. The character comes straight out of my book How to Draw: Silly Aliens, and it’s just one of the many goofy extraterrestrials you’ll find in there. If your kids love aliens, space, and silly faces, this is a drawing they’re going to enjoy.

The alien astronaut is a great mix of science fiction and cartoon comedy. He’s got a bubble helmet, stubby limbs, and a big goofy smile—because who says astronauts can’t be silly? With just a pencil and a little imagination, you’ll bring this space explorer to life.

About the Book: How to Draw: Silly Aliens

How to Draw: Silly Aliens is part of my ongoing “How to Draw” series, designed to make learning to draw fun and easy for kids. This book is packed with 50 original alien characters, each one more ridiculous and expressive than the last. They’re full of personality—some are friendly, some are odd, and some look like they came from the farthest reaches of the universe.

Each character in the book is broken down into a series of simple steps that build up gradually to the final drawing. The idea is to keep kids engaged, not frustrated. Whether they’re new to drawing or already filling notebooks with doodles, this book gives them the confidence to try new things and develop their own style.

The alien astronaut featured in today’s video is a great example of what this book offers. He’s got just enough detail to be interesting, but he’s not overwhelming for beginners. Like all the characters in the book, he was designed to be fun to draw, not intimidating.

Why Learn How to Draw an Alien Astronaut?

Learning how to draw an alien astronaut is more than just a fun activity—it’s a great creative challenge. You get to think about how aliens might look, how they might dress, and what kind of gear they’d need to explore space. It’s a chance to stretch your imagination while practicing drawing skills.

Plus, this character is a great blend of familiar and unfamiliar. Kids recognize the basic shape of an astronaut, but adding alien features—like antennae, extra arms, or strange space suits—gives them the freedom to make it their own. Drawing this kind of character helps build creativity and problem-solving skills.

And let’s be honest—it’s just fun to draw aliens.

The “How to Draw” Series

This book is one of many in my “How to Draw” series. These books are all about making drawing approachable. Every page includes step-by-step guides that walk kids through the drawing process in a way that feels doable and encouraging.

The subjects vary—some books are full of animals, others focus on mythical creatures, robots, or even food-based characters. But the core idea is the same: give kids the tools to build their skills while sparking their imagination. If they love cartoons and storytelling, these books give them the foundation to create their own characters.

The alien astronaut is just one example. The series includes all kinds of characters, scenes, and creatures designed to appeal to kids’ sense of humor and curiosity. The goal is to keep them drawing—and having fun while they do it.

What Makes These Books Different?

There are a lot of drawing books out there, but here’s what sets mine apart:

Original Characters – I design every character myself, from scratch. That means you’re not just learning how to copy popular cartoons—you’re learning how to draw unique, imaginative characters you won’t find anywhere else.
Built for Kids – The steps are clear, the instructions are simple, and the tone is encouraging. I write and illustrate with young artists in mind.
Designed for Progress – The books start with easier characters and gradually introduce more complex shapes and poses, so kids grow their skills as they go.
Perfect for Short Drawing Sessions – Each drawing can be completed in a short session, making it easy to fit in a little creativity during the day.

When your kid learns how to draw an alien astronaut, they’re learning more than how to draw a single character. They’re developing artistic confidence, trying new ideas, and building the foundation for their own creative adventures.

Get Started Today

A Great Starting Point

If your child has ever looked at a blank page and said, “I don’t know what to draw,” these books are the perfect solution. The characters are quirky, the steps are manageable, and there’s a strong sense of accomplishment that comes from finishing a drawing that looked tricky at first.

The alien astronaut in today’s tutorial is a great introduction. The helmet, suit, and alien features are just challenging enough to keep things interesting—but not so hard that it becomes frustrating. Plus, when they’re done, they’ve got a cool, original cartoon they can color, decorate, and show off.

Watch The Video Tutorial Here:

More Than Just Drawing

Learning how to draw an alien astronaut also ties into broader skills:

Observation – Noticing shapes and how they fit together.
Spatial Awareness – Understanding where lines and features go on a page.
Focus and Patience – Following steps in order to complete a task.
Creative Expression – Making design choices and adding personal touches.

These are valuable skills, especially for kids who love to explore ideas visually. Drawing isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to think.

Final Thoughts

If your kids are into aliens, space, or silly characters, this is the perfect drawing project to get them excited about creating. The alien astronaut is a great blend of fun and challenge, and it’s just one of the many characters waiting for them in How to Draw: Silly Aliens.

Check out the new video drawing tutorial and follow along. It’s a great way to introduce kids to drawing, spark their creativity, and maybe even inspire them to invent their own alien space crew. Once they learn how to draw an alien astronaut, the sky (or the galaxy) is the limit.

Keep drawing, keep creating—and have fun doing it.

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The post Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw an Alien Astronaut in 8 Minutes | Step-by-Step Drawing | Fun All Ages Art Activity appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

8 Drawing Books Your Kids Will Love | Curated Author Picks | Fun All-Ages Art Activity Books

Kevin Coulston — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:49:09 +0000

Drawing Books Your Kids Will Love: A Closer Look at Our Four Fun Drawing Styles

If you’re looking for drawing books your kids will love, you’ve come to the right place. With a wide range of creative titles and drawing methods designed for young artists of all skill levels, my books offer a fun and approachable way for kids to practice drawing, improve their fine motor skills, and stretch their imaginations. Whether your child prefers step-by-step instructions, simple tracing, grid-based guidance, or imaginative drawing challenges, there’s a book style in my collection that will meet them right where they are creatively.

In this post, I’m going to give you a closer look at the four main drawing book styles I offer: “How to Draw,” “Trace Then Color,” “Draw by Grid,” and the “Shape Drawing Challenge.” These are not just drawing books your kids will love—they’re books designed to meet them where their interests and abilities are, and help them build skills while having fun.

1. The “How to Draw” Series

This series is built around the classic step-by-step method. Each page guides kids through a simple sequence of shapes and lines that lead to a finished cartoon character or object. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, designed to boost confidence and make kids feel proud of what they’ve drawn. These books are ideal for children who are eager to learn how to construct their drawings from scratch.

I created the “How to Draw” books with simplicity and fun in mind. Each lesson builds on the last, and every drawing is broken down into manageable steps that make the process approachable. It’s a great way to help kids build strong drawing habits and understand the basics of shape, form, and proportion. For children who enjoy starting with a blank page and following a guide, these are drawing books your kids will love.

View “How to Draw” Activity Books

2. The “Trace Then Color” Series

The “Trace Then Color” series was made for younger kids, or for those who enjoy a more relaxed and confidence-building experience. Each page features bold-line characters meant to be traced and then colored in. Tracing helps with muscle memory, control, and understanding the shape and structure of characters. It’s especially great for kids who may not be ready to freehand draw on their own just yet.

Tracing provides that perfect balance of creativity and support, allowing kids to feel like successful artists from the very first page. And because each character is unique and imaginative, the books keep kids engaged from start to finish. These are truly drawing books your kids will love if they enjoy tracing, coloring, or just want a calm creative activity.

View “Trace Then Color” Activity Books

3. The “Draw by Grid” Series

For kids who like puzzles or solving things one piece at a time, the “Draw by Grid” series is a great fit. These books use a classic drawing technique where kids replicate an image one square at a time. The grid system makes it easier to focus on detail and proportion, helping young artists slow down and really study what they’re drawing.

“Draw by Grid” is also a great way to help improve patience, focus, and spatial awareness. It turns drawing into a fun and engaging activity where kids can surprise themselves with how accurate and expressive their art becomes, even if they’ve never drawn before. It’s another excellent option if you’re searching for drawing books your kids will love, especially those who enjoy structure and logic in their creative play.

View “Draw by Grid” Activity Books

4. The “Shape Drawing Challenge” Series

This style is all about creativity and imagination. In the “Shape Drawing Challenge” books, kids start with a random shape and turn it into something entirely new. It might become a monster, an animal, a spaceship, or something completely unexpected. These challenges encourage kids to think outside the box, problem-solve, and explore their own creative instincts.

Each prompt gives just enough to get the imagination going without telling the child what the final drawing should be. This open-ended style is perfect for children who love inventing things, telling stories, or simply experimenting. It’s a less structured but highly creative approach that often leads to the most original and personal artwork.

These are drawing books your kids will love if they enjoy imagination-based play, character design, or making art from abstract ideas.

View The “Shape Drawing Challenge” Book

Why These Books Work

What all of these styles have in common is that they are designed to make drawing fun, attainable, and rewarding for kids. They’re not just educational tools—they’re invitations to play. With kid-friendly themes, silly and imaginative characters, and a variety of drawing methods to explore, every book is meant to inspire creativity, not stress perfection.

It’s important to me that each child feels successful, no matter their skill level. Whether your child wants to learn how to draw from scratch, prefers tracing and coloring, likes copying with a grid, or enjoys being prompted to invent their own characters from shapes, you’ll find drawing books your kids will love in every format.

Author Picks

Here are eight of my personal favorites that I think your kids will really enjoy. Each one represents the strengths of one of the book styles mentioned above:

Final Thoughts

When you’re choosing drawing books for your kids, you want something that’s not only fun but also developmentally helpful. My goal with every book is to blend skill-building with creativity, so kids can grow as artists while still enjoying the process. These books are more than just pages to fill—they’re springboards for imagination, learning, and artistic confidence.

No matter your child’s age or drawing ability, there’s something here for them. With four styles to choose from and a wide range of themes, you can explore different methods and see which ones your child connects with the most. You may even find that your child enjoys trying all four styles over time.

So if you’re searching for drawing books your kids will love, you’re in the right place. Thanks for checking out the series, and happy drawing!

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The post 8 Drawing Books Your Kids Will Love | Curated Author Picks | Fun All-Ages Art Activity Books appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Free Activity Page: Trace Then Color an Alien Cyborg | Alien Robot Coloring Page For Kids | Fun for All-Ages

Kevin Coulston — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 17:57:03 +0000

Alien Robot Coloring Page Fun with Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs

If your kid loves robots, aliens, or anything in between, then my latest book might just be their new favorite. “Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs” is a wild mix of sci-fi and cartoon craziness packed into 50 hand-drawn characters. This time, I’ve taken the best of both worlds—robots and aliens—and mashed them together into an imaginative, sketchy, goofy, and sometimes creepy collection of alien robot hybrids. And to give you a taste of what this book has to offer, I’m sharing a free Alien Robot Coloring Page pulled straight from the book.

See All 25 ‘Trace Then Color’ Themes

What is Trace Then Color?

If you’re new to my books, the Trace Then Color series follows a simple formula that makes it easy for kids to dive into drawing without the stress of getting everything “right.” Each page features one of my original illustrations printed in light gray. The child traces over the lines with their pencil, pen, or marker, and then brings the drawing to life with color. It’s like having training wheels for drawing, and it’s a great way to build confidence in young artists.

There are no complex steps or overwhelming instructions. Just trace, then color. Simple, fun, and incredibly satisfying.

And when it comes to tracing cool characters, nothing grabs attention quite like a detailed, wild-eyed alien cyborg with wires sticking out of its head.

Inside the Alien Cyborgs Book

“Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs” features 50 unique characters that look like they’ve crash-landed from another galaxy and immediately signed up for robot upgrades. You’ll find:

Cycloptic alien drones
Multi-limbed androids with space armor
Gooey extraterrestrials wired up with tech
Hovering cyber-aliens with tentacle plugs
Mechanical monsters with glowing eyes

Each one is packed with little details that make tracing fun and coloring even better. This isn’t just a bunch of basic shapes with eyes thrown on. These characters have personality. They look like they have names, jobs, weird hobbies, and whole stories behind them.

Want to test it out? Grab your free Alien Robot Coloring Page below and see for yourself.

Why Alien Robot Characters Work So Well for Kids

When I sat down to create this book, I wanted it to feel like an explosion of imagination. The idea of combining aliens and robots gave me full creative freedom. There are no rules. Alien robot characters don’t have to follow normal anatomy, proportion, or logic. One can have wheels for feet. Another can have four eyeballs and a jetpack made of jelly. That kind of creative space is where kids thrive.

The best part? These characters are weird in a good way. Weird is welcome here. The weirder the better.

Giving kids an Alien Robot Coloring Page to trace and color isn’t just giving them something fun to do—it’s giving them permission to explore a universe where creativity is the only rule.

The Magic of Trace Then Color

Over the years, the Trace Then Color series has become one of the most popular styles I offer. I think it’s because it strikes a perfect balance between freedom and structure. Kids don’t have to start from a blank page, but they’re still doing the drawing themselves.

By tracing, they learn the muscle memory of linework, shape, and proportion. But they’re also allowed to experiment. Maybe they trace loosely. Maybe they add new parts. Maybe they finish the tracing and go wild with colors, patterns, or even backdrops.

Every child will approach the same Alien Robot Coloring Page differently. That’s the beauty of it.

Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs

Who This Book is For

This book is perfect for:

Kids who love robots, aliens, or science fiction
Young artists who enjoy tracing and coloring
Parents looking for screen-free creative activities
Teachers who want a fun art station project
Anyone who thinks drawing should be fun first

“Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs” is aimed at elementary-age kids, but honestly, I’ve had teens and adults say they enjoy it too. The characters are fun enough for younger artists and detailed enough to keep older ones engaged.

What Makes This Alien Robot Coloring Page Special

The free page I’m sharing today features one of the goofier alien cyborgs from the book. He’s got a dome helmet, eyes that don’t quite match, and some mysterious hardware sticking out of his chest. He’s small, awkward, a little bug-eyed, and very traceable.

Once you trace him, that’s when the magic really starts. Give him glow-in-the-dark eyes. Add a laser cannon arm. Make his armor bright pink or radioactive green. You get to decide what kind of alien robot this guy becomes.

Free Activity Page (save and print):

More Than Just a Fun Activity

I believe drawing can teach kids more than just how to hold a pencil.

It teaches:

Patience
Focus
Creative thinking
Confidence in their ideas

When they trace something that looks complicated and realize they can do it, that confidence spills over into everything else they do. Especially when they get to show off their finished version of a wild Alien Robot Coloring Page to their friends or family.

And best of all, it doesn’t feel like learning. It just feels like fun.

Part of a Bigger Universe

The Trace Then Color series has books on all kinds of themes: animals, monsters, food characters, weird creatures, and of course, robots and aliens. With “Alien Cyborgs,” I wanted to push the concept to its sci-fi limits. Each page is packed with fun lines to follow and strange features to bring to life with color.

This book is perfect for those days when your kid says, “I want to draw something cool,” and you want to give them something that stretches their imagination just a bit further.

Ready to Try?

If you’ve never tried one of my books before, this Alien Robot Coloring Page (seen above) is a great way to start. It’s simple, open-ended, and gives a great sense of what the full book has to offer.

So grab your pencils, markers, or crayons. Pull out the page. Get tracing. And meet your first alien cyborg buddy. He’s got circuits, slime, and maybe even a secret backstory—but he’s waiting for you to bring him to life.

Because when you trace and color, you’re not just filling in lines. You’re creating something new. And in this universe, that makes you the artist, the inventor, and the storyteller all in one.

Trace it. Color it. Name it. And above all—have fun with it.

Because this isn’t just any activity.

It’s your own Alien Robot Coloring Page adventure.

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The post Free Activity Page: Trace Then Color an Alien Cyborg | Alien Robot Coloring Page For Kids | Fun for All-Ages appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Video Drawing Tutorial: Shape Drawing Challenge #2 | Turn 1 Shape into 3 Characters | Draw with Shapes

Kevin Coulston — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 19:10:33 +0000

Draw with Shapes – Turning Simple Shapes Into Amazing Characters

If you’ve ever wondered how to spark a child’s creativity with just a simple shape, the Shape Drawing Challenge book is one of the most engaging ways to do just that. In my newest video from the ongoing shape drawing challenge series, I take one simple shape and turn it into three completely different characters: an elephant, a dinosaur, and an alien. While the video shows just a glimpse of what’s possible, the real value comes from the Shape Drawing Challenge book itself—designed to help kids draw with shapes and stretch their creative problem-solving abilities in unexpected ways.

Draw 480 Things with 16 Shapes!

What Makes This Book Different?

The Shape Drawing Challenge is not your typical step-by-step drawing guide. Instead of showing how to draw a specific character or object from the beginning, each page presents a unique shape. That’s it—just a shape. The challenge for the artist is to draw with shapes by transforming that one abstract form into a complete drawing. Whether it turns into an animal, a monster, a robot, or a slice of pizza is completely up to the artist.

This structure encourages lateral thinking and makes it fun for kids to engage their imaginations in a low-pressure way. There are no right or wrong answers here—only creative solutions.

Why Kids Love to Draw with Shapes

Most drawing books are about instruction, teaching a kid how to recreate a specific picture. And while that’s a useful skill, there’s something uniquely exciting about open-ended creativity. When kids draw with shapes, they’re not just learning how to draw—they’re learning how to see.

That triangle isn’t just a triangle. It might be the tooth of a dinosaur, the hat of a wizard, or the tip of a spaceship. A circle might become an eyeball, a planet, or a loaf of bread. This kind of thinking trains the brain to explore options and make connections.

The beauty of this format is how adaptable it is. Younger kids can keep it simple and turn the shape into a smiling face. Older kids (and even adults) can challenge themselves to come up with the most unexpected or hilarious transformation possible.

How the Book Works

The Shape Drawing Challenge book includes 50 different shape-based prompts. Each page has:

A unique abstract shape
A space to draw your creation using that shape as the foundation
Plenty of room to get creative

There’s no step-by-step guidance, no example to copy, and no suggested answer. This is pure creative expression from start to finish. When you draw with shapes, you’re training your mind to look at things differently.

This format is great for quiet time, classroom art projects, group challenges, or just sitting around the kitchen table with a box of pencils and a curious imagination.

More Than Just a Drawing Book

One of the biggest benefits of encouraging kids to draw with shapes is how it strengthens key cognitive skills:

Creative problem-solving: What can I turn this shape into?
Visual reasoning: How do lines, angles, and curves relate to familiar objects?
Confidence-building: There’s no wrong answer, so kids feel more free to try.
Artistic expression: Every page becomes a personal creation.

These aren’t just fun art exercises—they’re little puzzles that help children think in creative and flexible ways. This is especially useful for kids who enjoy art but get frustrated by trying to “get it right.” In this book, “right” doesn’t exist—only “interesting.”

Get Creative Today!

Highlight from the New Video

In the newest video in the shape drawing challenge series, I take one shape and turn it into three imaginative things: an elephant, a dinosaur, and an alien. Watching the process play out in real-time gives a sense of how varied the results can be when you choose to draw with shapes instead of following a set of steps.

These types of videos give kids a taste of what they can do with a little imagination and an open-ended prompt. The goal isn’t to copy exactly what I do—it’s to get inspired and see just how flexible creative thinking can be.

This aligns with what the book is all about. Every child will come up with something different. A jellybean-shaped blob might become a balloon, a submarine, or a dancing blobfish. And that’s what makes it fun.

Watch Here:

Part of a Larger Mission

The Shape Drawing Challenge book is part of a broader philosophy that fuels all of my drawing books: that every kid can be creative, and that the best way to learn is through play. While other books in my collection focus on specific drawing techniques—like Trace Then Color, How to Draw, or Draw by Grid—this book breaks the mold by focusing entirely on idea generation and playful experimentation.

I’ve seen this book used by:

Parents looking for screen-free creative activities
Teachers introducing a fun warm-up activity in art class
Homeschoolers looking for something unique and hands-on
Kids who feel stuck or bored with traditional drawing books

In all of those cases, the response has been the same: they love the freedom and fun of being given one shape and being asked, “What could this be?”

A Book That Grows with You

What’s especially exciting about the Shape Drawing Challenge is that it doesn’t age out. Younger kids enjoy it because they can just scribble and invent. Older kids like the challenge of coming up with clever or funny ideas. Even adults have told me they enjoy flipping through and creating alongside their kids.

In that way, this book becomes a creative companion that you can return to again and again, each time seeing the shapes with new eyes. It’s a great tool to boost artistic confidence without pressure or perfectionism.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, creative drawing book that encourages open-ended exploration and visual thinking, then the Shape Drawing Challenge is a great place to start. It’s fun, flexible, and full of surprises.

When you sit down to draw with shapes, you’re doing more than just doodling—you’re opening the door to a whole new way of seeing and creating. Whether the shape turns into a dinosaur, a dancing elephant, or a strange alien from another planet, the act of transforming the abstract into the familiar is where the magic happens.

If you enjoyed the latest video where I took one shape and turned it into three characters—an elephant, a dinosaur, and an alien—just imagine what you could come up with inside the book. The possibilities are endless.

So grab your pencils, open your mind, and draw with shapes.

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The post Video Drawing Tutorial: Shape Drawing Challenge #2 | Turn 1 Shape into 3 Characters | Draw with Shapes appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Free Activity Page: Trace Then Color A Duck with this Cute Duck Coloring Page | Fun All-Ages Art

Kevin Coulston — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 07:29:09 +0000

Get a Free Cute Duck Coloring Page from “Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff“

Are you searching for an adorable Cute Duck Coloring Page to spark your child’s creativity? Look no further! Today, we’re celebrating one of the sweetest additions to our Trace Then Color series: Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff. And to make it even better, we’re offering a free Cute Duck Coloring Page straight from the book! Whether your child loves magical creatures, whimsical animals, or simply enjoys a creative coloring challenge, this book is packed with delightful designs sure to make any young artist smile.

See All 25 Trace Then Color themes

Why Kids Love the Cute Duck Coloring Page

The Cute Duck Coloring Page from Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff isn’t just any ordinary duck. It’s a cheerful, cartoon-style duck drawn with a soft, rounded design that appeals to young artists. With its big expressive eyes, happy smile, and whimsical pose, this duck captures everything that’s fun and magical about the world of Trace Then Color.

When kids work on this Cute Duck Coloring Page, they’re not just filling in colors—they’re also tracing lines, developing their fine motor skills, and gaining the confidence to create art independently. Tracing first helps kids slow down, focus on line quality, and improve their hand-eye coordination, setting the foundation for more advanced drawing skills down the road.

About the Book: Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff

Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff is one of the most whimsical entries in the Trace Then Color series. Inside, you’ll find 50 original cartoon characters including fairies, princesses, mermaids, bunnies, unicorns, and, of course, a cute duck! Each page invites kids to trace the lines before adding their own colors, blending two important creative activities into one fun process.

The goal of this book—and the entire Trace Then Color series—is to make drawing accessible and exciting for children of all skill levels. By starting with a traceable guide, kids overcome the fear of “messing up” and instead dive into creativity with confidence. It’s about celebrating progress, not perfection, and making art a joyful experience.

What Makes the Trace Then Color Series Special

Every book in the Trace Then Color series, including Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff, is thoughtfully designed to help kids grow as artists while having a blast. Here’s what sets the series apart:

Focus on Skill Development: Tracing first encourages better pencil control, steadier hand movements, and a stronger understanding of shapes and lines.
Encouragement of Creative Freedom: After tracing, kids can color their creations however they wish, giving them ownership over the final look.
Approachable and Fun Characters: Every character is designed to be friendly, simple to trace, and open to endless color possibilities.
Confidence Boosting: Watching a traced design come to life builds confidence and encourages kids to try drawing on their own in the future.

The Cute Duck Coloring Page is a perfect example of how even a simple, cheerful design can be a springboard for imaginative play and artistic growth.

How a Cute Duck Coloring Page Can Boost Creativity

You might not think of a Cute Duck Coloring Page as a powerful educational tool—but it absolutely is! Here’s why:

Fine Motor Skills: Tracing and coloring require small, controlled hand movements, essential for writing and other tasks.
Color Recognition and Theory: Kids can experiment with different color combinations, learning about complementary and contrasting colors.
Problem Solving: Deciding how to color the duck’s beak, feathers, and background invites kids to think creatively and make decisions.
Storytelling Opportunities: Coloring the duck might inspire a story about where it lives, what adventures it goes on, or who its friends are!

A simple Cute Duck Coloring Page can open doors to hours of imaginative exploration—all while helping kids develop valuable skills.

Free Activity Page (save and print):

Perfect for Home, Classrooms, or Art Time

The Trace Then Color books, including Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff, are perfect for many settings:

At Home: Great for after-school activities, rainy day fun, or quiet creative time.
In the Classroom: Teachers can use pages like the Cute Duck Coloring Page to support lessons in art, story writing, or even science (imagine lessons about animals!).
During Parties or Playdates: Set up a mini coloring station where kids can pick a page, trace, and create their own masterpiece.
On the Go: Pack a Trace Then Color book and some colored pencils for travel entertainment that doesn’t involve screens!

The portability and simplicity of the Trace Then Color series make it easy to incorporate into all kinds of activities and environments.

Encouraging Artistic Confidence Through Tracing and Coloring

Many kids get frustrated with drawing because they believe they can’t “get it right.” The beauty of tracing is that it removes that pressure. When kids start with a tracing guide—like the adorable Cute Duck Coloring Page—they can focus on enjoying the act of creation rather than worrying about perfection.

Once kids realize they can create art that looks amazing, their confidence skyrockets. They start trying to draw new things, invent their own characters, and even make entire scenes. That’s the real magic behind the Trace Then Color series—it’s not just about filling in lines, it’s about opening the door to creativity.

More than Just a Cute Duck Coloring Page

While today we’re celebrating the Cute Duck Coloring Page, Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff offers so much more. Here’s just a glimpse of what’s inside:

Sparkling fairy characters with wings and wands
Royal princesses with elegant dresses and crowns
Adorable woodland creatures like bunnies and deer
Whimsical unicorns ready for magical adventures
Sweet sea creatures like mermaids and baby dolphins

Each page offers a new opportunity to trace, color, and imagine. Plus, the mix of fantasy and cuteness ensures that there’s something for every child’s interests.

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Make Art Part of Every Day

Giving kids the tools to create art on a daily basis is one of the best gifts you can offer. Art fosters patience, attention to detail, and emotional expression. With a Cute Duck Coloring Page from Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff, you’re not just offering entertainment—you’re helping to nurture skills that will benefit your child in every area of life.

A few ideas for making art a regular activity include:

Daily Art Challenges: Pick a new page to trace and color every day.
Art Showcases: Hang your child’s artwork on the wall to celebrate their creativity.
Creative Story Times: After coloring, encourage kids to tell a story about the character they just traced.

The Trace Then Color books are designed to make creativity accessible, enjoyable, and part of everyday life.

Conclusion: Dive Into Creativity with the Cute Duck Coloring Page

If you’re looking for the perfect way to introduce your child to the world of art, Trace Then Color: Fairies, Princesses, and Other Cute Stuff is a wonderful choice. The Cute Duck Coloring Page is just the beginning of a journey full of magic, fun, and skill-building.

By tracing and coloring, kids don’t just create adorable artwork—they also gain the confidence to explore their artistic talents even further. Whether you’re planning a fun afternoon activity or looking for an educational gift, this book offers the perfect blend of guidance and creative freedom.

Download your Cute Duck Coloring Page today, and watch as your child’s imagination and artistic skills take flight!

Get Your Copy Today!

The post Free Activity Page: Trace Then Color A Duck with this Cute Duck Coloring Page | Fun All-Ages Art appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Robots and Aliens Coloring Books for Kids | 3 Recommended Activity Books Sure To Push The Limits of Imagination

Kevin Coulston — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 21:13:03 +0000

Robots and Aliens Coloring Books: A Creative Universe for Young Artists

If you’re on the lookout for robots and aliens coloring books that spark imagination, entertain for hours, and gently encourage artistic development, you’re in the right place. Whether your child dreams of intergalactic exploration or marvels at the mystery of machines, the Trace Then Color series offers a variety of fun, beginner-friendly books that combine creativity with skill-building. Three standout titles in this theme include Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots, Trace Then Color: Cartoon Aliens, and the newest release, Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs.

Get The Books!

These robots and aliens coloring books are designed to be more than just coloring pages. They guide kids through the act of tracing before coloring, which strengthens hand-eye coordination, improves line control, and builds confidence. Plus, they make the creative process feel approachable, even for kids who don’t consider themselves “good at drawing.” Each character is playful, imaginative, and entirely original—crafted to keep your child inspired and engaged.

Let’s explore each robots and aliens coloring books title in detail and how they all come together to create a robust, space-themed drawing and coloring experience.

Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots

The mechanical marvels in Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots aren’t your typical cold, emotionless machines. These bots have personality, charm, and a cartoonish flair that make them a hit with kids of all ages. From rocket-boosted helpers to wobbly repair bots with oversized eyes, this book features 50 unique characters that are ready for your child’s imagination to bring them to life.

What makes this one of the most popular robots and aliens coloring books is its ability to combine fun with structured drawing practice. Each page includes a grayscale version of the character to trace and a blank version for freehand coloring or experimenting with their own twist on the design.

Whether your child wants to trace every nut and bolt or invent their own gear-laden robot army, Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots gives them the tools to do both. It’s a wonderful way to introduce kids to visual storytelling and build up basic drawing skills while keeping the fun front and center.

Trace Then Color: Cartoon Aliens

If your child prefers life beyond Earth, Trace Then Color: Cartoon Aliens will be their creative companion. This book features 50 strange and delightful extraterrestrials, each with their own quirky personality. Think aliens with six eyes, floating jellybean-shaped bodies, and unexpected outfits—it’s a playground for the imagination.

What sets Trace Then Color: Cartoon Aliens apart from other robots and aliens coloring books is its variety. Not only are the aliens visually interesting, but they also evoke story ideas. Your child might ask: What planet does this alien come from? What does it eat? What kind of spaceship would it pilot? These types of questions naturally lead to creative writing and storytelling, making the book a gateway to broader artistic activities.

The trace-then-color format also continues to reinforce the fundamentals of art without feeling like a lesson. Kids get to develop line confidence and control, learn about shapes and proportions, and most importantly, have fun doing it.

Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs

The latest addition to the lineup of robots and aliens coloring books is Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs. This book takes the fun of drawing robots and aliens and smashes them together into one epic hybrid. Each character in this book is a blend of alien and machine—think glowing eyes, tentacles, mechanical limbs, and bizarre gadgets integrated into strange alien bodies.

See all 25 ‘Trace Then Color’ Books

These aren’t your average sci-fi characters. Each cyborg design is an imaginative blend of cartoon-style whimsy and futuristic design. Some are tall and angular, others are round and gooey with wires sticking out. Kids can trace each character to practice consistency and line control, then add their own flair with colors, backgrounds, and maybe even some accessories.

Out of all the robots and aliens coloring books I’ve created, this one might be the most creatively freeing. Because the designs are so out there, there’s no “wrong” way to color or interpret them. It’s the perfect book for kids who want to experiment with wild color combinations, invent their own characters, or just have a good laugh while coloring something totally ridiculous and fun.

What Makes the Trace Then Color Series Unique?

Unlike traditional coloring books, the Trace Then Color series gives kids a chance to draw and color—not just color. Every page offers a chance to practice tracing first, which is perfect for building up fine motor skills, particularly in younger artists or beginners. It’s a format that helps kids transition from coloring to drawing, all while keeping them engaged with characters that are weird, cute, and just plain fun.

The consistent structure of the books means kids know what to expect with each new page, while the variety of characters keeps things fresh. Whether your child is more interested in robots, aliens, or cyborgs (or all three!), these books offer a structured but flexible space to explore their creativity.

Plus, these robots and aliens coloring books aren’t gendered—they’re just fun. Whether your child is into cute, creepy, mechanical, or all-of-the-above, the characters in these books appeal across the board.

A Great Gift for Budding Artists

Looking for birthday gifts? Rainy day activities? Screen-free time that still feels like fun? These robots and aliens coloring books are great picks. They’re also awesome for road trips, summer downtime, or even as part of an educational art curriculum at home.

If you have more than one child, they can even share pages or work side by side, tracing the same character and seeing how different each version turns out. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and build confidence—especially in kids who are still figuring out what kind of art they like to make.

Why Robots and Aliens?

Why do kids love robots and aliens so much? Because they represent the ultimate unknown. Robots can do anything. Aliens can be anything. These concepts open the door to creativity in a way that more realistic themes sometimes can’t. There are no rules. No one can tell your child their robot has the wrong number of legs or that their alien is too purple. It’s pure imaginative freedom—and that’s what these books are built for.

And when you combine that imaginative freedom with a format that’s unintimidating and approachable, you get a powerful tool for creative growth. These robots and aliens coloring books make art feel doable, fun, and exciting. That’s a recipe for lifelong artistic interest.

Wrapping Up

If you’re searching for robots and aliens coloring books that will entertain, inspire, and teach kids valuable drawing skills all at once, these three books from the Trace Then Color series are a perfect place to start:

Trace Then Color: Cartoon Robots for kids who love gears, bolts, and silly machines
Trace Then Color: Cartoon Aliens for young fans of outer space and wacky creatures
Trace Then Color: Alien Cyborgs for those who want something totally unexpected and wild

With 50 original characters in each book, there’s no shortage of creativity waiting to be unlocked. Whether your child wants to become a better artist or just have fun with some silly sci-fi characters, these books are ready to deliver.

Grab your robots and aliens coloring books today and let the drawing adventures begin!

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The post Robots and Aliens Coloring Books for Kids | 3 Recommended Activity Books Sure To Push The Limits of Imagination appeared first on FirstArtBooks.com.

Free Activity Page: Learn How to Draw A Cute Crusty Goober! Gross, Cute, Fun! All-Ages Drawing Activity

Kevin Coulston — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 16:58:03 +0000

How to Draw A Cute Crusty Goober: A Look Inside ‘How to Draw: Crusty Goobers 2‘

If you’ve ever looked at a weird, melty, googly-eyed creature and thought, “I want to draw that,” then How to Draw: Crusty Goobers 2 is for you. This fun and quirky drawing book is the latest addition to my popular How to Draw series and a direct follow-up to the original Crusty Goobers title. In this post, we’re diving deep into what makes this book special, how it fits into the larger How to Draw universe, and why these crusty little characters are so fun to sketch. Plus, there’s a free drawing page featuring one of the goobers themselves—small, chubby, with two eyes and a kind of melting vibe. If you’ve been wanting to learn how to draw a cute crusty goober, you’re in the right place.

What is a Crusty Goober?

A crusty goober is a creature of my own creation: think of them as alien blobs with big personalities. Some are wobbly, others lumpy. Some have three eyes, others just one. In the case of the free page we’re sharing today, you’ll get to learn how to draw a cute crusty goober with two eyes, a pudgy little body, and the delightful look of something that’s been sitting under a heat lamp for just a bit too long. These characters are meant to be gross, cute, weird, and hilarious—all at once.

The joy of drawing crusty goobers is that there’s no wrong way to do it. They’re perfectly imperfect, with exaggerated features and bizarre anatomy that makes every drawing feel playful and fun. They’re a great way for kids and beginners to loosen up and draw without fear of doing it “wrong.”

Inside the Book: ‘How to Draw: Crusty Goobers 2‘

This second volume expands on the crusty universe with 50 all-new goobers to draw. Each page features step-by-step drawing instructions, breaking the characters down into simple, easy-to-follow shapes. Whether you’re new to drawing or already have a few sketchbooks full of doodles, this book guides you from blank page to full character one step at a time.

You’ll learn how to draw a cute crusty goober and dozens of his friends—some with dripping slime, others with robotic limbs, and even a few wearing funky accessories. The book is packed with variety, while still maintaining that same squishy, cartoony goober aesthetic that made the first book so fun.

Why the Crusty Goobers Series is a Fan Favorite

The original Crusty Goobers book was one of my most popular How to Draw titles. Kids loved the silly designs and the freedom to add their own details. Parents loved that it kept their kids engaged, off screens, and creating for hours.

How to Draw: Crusty Goobers 2 takes everything people loved about the original and builds on it with more characters, more creativity, and more laughs. It’s a perfect fit for kids who want something a little offbeat, a little gross, and totally hilarious. Plus, it’s still just as beginner-friendly.

Check out all 22 ‘How to Draw’ books

The ‘How to Draw‘ Series

My How to Draw series is all about breaking things down into simple steps so anyone can create a finished drawing they feel proud of. Themes range from cute cartoon animals to mermaids and unicorns, to monsters and dinosaurs, and of course, our lovable goobers. Each book stands on its own, but if you love one, there are dozens more to check out.

Every book in the series follows a similar format: clean layouts, easy-to-follow steps, and fun characters that are just the right amount of silly. They’re perfect for kids, beginners, or anyone who wants to sit down and draw something fun without needing prior experience.

The Drawing Freebie: Learn How to Draw a Cute Crusty Goober

As a treat for this blog post, I’m sharing a page straight out of How to Draw: Crusty Goobers 2 that shows you how to draw a cute crusty goober. This little guy is round and squishy, has two eyes peeking out of his droopy head, and looks like he might melt into a puddle if you leave him in the sun. He’s weirdly adorable.

The steps are laid out clearly, just like in the book, so you can follow along and try it for yourself. Once you’ve mastered this little guy, there are 49 more goobers in the book waiting to be drawn.

Get The Book Today!

Why Learning How to Draw a Cute Crusty Goober is Great for Kids

Drawing characters like this helps kids tap into their imagination in a big way. These aren’t realistic figures or stiff technical diagrams—they’re goofy, expressive, and open to interpretation. It’s all about embracing your own weirdness and having fun with it.

Learning how to draw a cute crusty goober is more than just following steps. It’s about problem-solving, building hand-eye coordination, and developing artistic confidence. Plus, once kids see that they can create something cool on their own, they’re more likely to keep drawing and exploring their creativity.

Who is This Book For?

How to Draw: Crusty Goobers 2 is great for kids aged 5+, but it’s also fun for tweens, teens, and even adults who like drawing weird, funny characters. If you’re looking for something different from the usual drawing books out there, this one offers something totally unique.

It’s especially great for:

Kids who love silly, gross, or funny characters
Parents who want screen-free creative activities
Teachers looking for fun art class resources
Beginners looking for approachable drawing practice

Final Thoughts

How to Draw: Crusty Goobers 2 is all about embracing the weird. It invites kids (and adults) to explore a world full of chubby, melty, googly-eyed creatures and learn to draw them step-by-step. And thanks to the freebie included in this post, you can start today by learning how to draw a cute crusty goober right now.

Whether you’re new to the How to Draw series or already have a shelf full of my books, this latest volume is one of the most fun and ridiculous yet. If you’re ready to get drawing, grab your pencil, print out the free page, and learn how to draw a cute crusty goober. It’s weird, it’s fun, and it’s a drawing challenge you won’t want to miss.