Let’s Learn How to Draw A Koala – Step by Step!
Featuring “How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals”
When it comes to drawing adorable animals, koalas are always a hit. Their round ears, big nose, and sleepy expressions make them instantly lovable—and super fun to draw.
In today’s post, I’m excited to feature a character straight from my book How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals: a cute cartoon koala, which I’ll show you how to draw in a free video tutorial below. But before we get to that, let’s talk about the book it comes from and why it’s one of my favorite entries in the “How to Draw” series.
What is “How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals”?
How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals is packed with 50 original animal characters that kids can draw using my simple 6-step method. I designed every character in this book by hand, keeping the shapes fun, the features expressive, and the steps easy to follow.
Every animal—from the tiger and the elephant to the octopus and mouse—is broken down into approachable parts. And yes, that includes our star today: the koala! If your child has ever wanted to learn how to draw a koala, this book offers the perfect jumping-off point.
This book is part of my “How to Draw” series, a growing collection of step-by-step drawing guides created for kids (and the adults who love drawing with them). Each book in the series focuses on a different theme, like monsters, robots, or fairies. But Cute Cartoon Animals remains one of the most popular, and it’s easy to see why—who doesn’t love drawing animals?
Why Drawing Animals is So Fun for Kids
Kids love animals, and drawing them lets their imaginations run wild. Whether they’re turning a giraffe into a superhero or giving a penguin a jetpack, there’s something magical about combining creativity with creatures from nature.
That’s part of what inspired me to create How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals in the first place. I wanted to give young artists a book that lets them not only learn how to draw these animals but also have fun doing it. Each drawing has its own personality, and the koala is no exception.
When you learn how to draw a koala from my book, you’ll start with simple shapes and add details step by step. Before you know it, you’ll have a complete character on the page, ready for color and customization.
How the 6-Step Drawing Process Works
I’ve tested and refined my 6-step drawing process over years of creating books, teaching classes, and working with kids. Each page in the book takes you through six clear, progressive steps, starting with the basic shape and building up to the final cute cartoon version.
This system works because it removes the pressure of “drawing it perfect” on the first try. Instead, kids can focus on the fun—drawing one simple shape at a time until the character appears.
Our koala starts with a few rounded shapes and ends up with a cuddly cartoon animal full of charm. It’s the perfect subject for young artists learning how to draw a koala for the first time.
Spotlight on the Koala
The koala in this tutorial is standing up, arms out, with an infectious smile and its iconic big round ears. Its soft shape and approachable design make it a favorite for younger artists. I made sure to keep all the features friendly and expressive, so even beginning artists can feel confident recreating it.
Learning how to draw a koala isn’t just fun—it also teaches kids about proportion, facial features, and how to bring personality into a character. And once they’ve drawn their koala, they can add their own creative touches: maybe a hat, a bowtie, or a tree branch for it to sit on.
Free Video Drawing Tutorial:
Why Kids Love the “How to Draw” Series
Every book in my How to Draw series is built with young creators in mind. These books aren’t just about following steps—they’re about building confidence and encouraging creativity.
Here’s what makes the series so popular with kids (and parents):
- Simple, Clear Instructions: Each character is broken into manageable parts.
- Fun, Original Characters: All art is hand-drawn by me, Kevin Coulston. You won’t find these characters anywhere else.
- Creative Freedom: Kids can copy the drawings or use them as inspiration to create their own characters.
- Perfect for All Skill Levels: Whether your child is just starting out or already loves to draw, these books offer a welcoming challenge.
And for today’s featured topic, if your child wants to learn how to draw a koala, this book is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to start.
Encouraging Creativity Through Drawing
As a cartoonist and illustrator who’s worked on dozens of kids’ books, I’m always thinking about how to keep the creative spark alive. Drawing is such a powerful tool for kids—it builds focus, patience, and imagination.
Books like How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals give kids the structure they need to learn while still leaving plenty of room for fun. When they sit down with a pencil and follow along with the koala tutorial, they’re not just copying lines—they’re creating something entirely their own.
That’s one of the reasons I make sure every drawing is fun, friendly, and just a little bit silly. It helps take the pressure off and keeps the joy of creating front and center.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Draw Together!
I’ve always believed that drawing should be accessible, approachable, and most importantly, fun. That’s what drives everything I do here at FirstArtBooks.com. Books like How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals are all about building skills and confidence while having a great time.
If your child wants to learn how to draw a koala, this book is a great place to start. With easy steps, original art, and plenty of personality, the koala—and all 49 other animals—offer hours of creativity and joy.
So grab a pencil, print the freebie, and let’s draw a koala together. I can’t wait to see what your young artist creates.
Kevin Coulston is an accomplished cartoonist, animator, and writer. He is the author and illustrator of over 70 (and still counting) children’s drawing books available here on FirstArtBooks.com. Kevin has also authored numerous kid-friendly comic book series, including “Dylan McVillain: A Super Villain with the Best Intentions” and “The Adventures of a 4th Grade Space Captain,” along with the Children’s Picture Book series “Alexis and the T-Rexes.”
