Join Me at the Verde Valley Comic Expo for the Shape Drawing Challenge!

by | Mar 19, 2025 | Educational, How to Draw Books for Kids

Take the Shape Drawing Challenge at the Verde Valley Comic Expo

Get ready for a day of creativity and fun at the Verde Valley Comic Expo! On March 29, 2025, I’ll be hosting the Shape Drawing Challenge—a hands-on, interactive drawing event designed to spark creativity in young artists. Join me at the Cottonwood Recreation Center at 11:00 AM as I demonstrate exciting drawing techniques that turn simple shapes into incredible characters and objects. Plus, I’ll be exhibiting all day in the Exhibit Hall, so stop by to check out my books and say hello!

What Is the Shape Drawing Challenge?

The Shape Drawing Challenge is an engaging drawing activity based on my book of the same name. Just like seeing shapes in the clouds, this challenge encourages kids (and kids at heart!) to take basic shapes and transform them into anything their imagination can dream up. From goofy monsters to cute animals, every shape has the potential to become something totally unique!

During the event, I’ll guide participants through the process of turning simple circles, squares, and triangles into creative masterpieces. The best part? Everyone gets to draw along! Whether you’re an aspiring artist or just looking for a fun activity, this challenge is a great way to explore your artistic side in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Why Attend?

Hands-On Drawing Fun – Follow along with my live demonstration and bring your ideas to life. ✅ Learn Cool Drawing Techniques – Discover how to turn simple shapes into expressive characters. ✅ Encourage Creativity – A fantastic event for young artists, educators, and parents looking for engaging, screen-free activities. ✅ Meet the Author – Stop by my booth in the Exhibit Hall to chat, check out my books, and get inspired!

Event Details:

📅 Date: Saturday, March 29, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM (Shape Drawing Challenge) + Exhibit Hall All Day
📍 Location: Cottonwood Recreation Center
150 S. 6th St, Cottonwood, AZ 86326

Verde Valley Comic Expo Website

If you love to draw, laugh, and let your imagination run wild, this event is for you! Whether you’re a teacher looking for classroom inspiration, a parent wanting to encourage artistic skills, or a young artist eager to learn new techniques, the Shape Drawing Challenge is the perfect opportunity to have fun while exploring the magic of drawing.

Get The Book!

Mark your calendar and join me at the Verde Valley Comic Expo! I can’t wait to see what amazing creations you come up with!

Meet The Author & Artist

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.”

Over a decade and a half since his initial published work, Kevin is now dedicating himself to inspiring the next generation of illustrators with his “How To Draw,” “Trace Then Color,” and “Draw by Grid” series of art books.

Decorate Your Christmas Tree — A Free Kid’s Activity Page

Decorate Your Christmas Tree with this free page from the activity book for kids ‘How to Draw: Christmas’ by Kevin Coulston

How to Draw A Kangaroo! 🦘 (Free Activity Page)

How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals teaches kids aged 5+ to easily draw 50 adorable animals, including the kangaroo below, with step-by-step instructions, providing hours of creative fun and artistic development! Learn to Draw 50 Adorable Cartoon Animals with our fun...

NEW BOOK ✏️ Trace Then Color: Mutant Animals!

50 Mutant Animals to Trace and Color! Get ready for a fun and quirky coloring adventure with Trace Then Color: Mutant Animals! This exciting activity book lets kids trace and color 50 unique and imaginative animals with a playful twist. Perfect for young artists aged...

Free Activity Page: How to Draw A Cute Macaroni Monster | Food Monsters Drawing Book for Kids | Step-by-Step Art

Draw a Macaroni Monster with Step-by-Step Instructions — From How to Draw: Food Monsters If your kids love drawing quirky, imaginative creatures and laughing while they do it, they’re going to love today’s free drawing activity. We're featuring a fun, free page...

Free Video Drawing Tutorial: How to Draw Donatello from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Fan Art Drawing Series

Learn How to Draw Donatello from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles If your child is a fan of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (I know I am), there's a good chance they have a favorite turtle (I do)—and for many, that turtle is Donatello. Known for his intelligence,...

How Step-by-Step Drawing Books are Keeping Your Kids Focused in School

As parents, we want to do everything we can to help our children succeed in school. One way to do this is by encouraging creativity at an early age. Step-by-step drawing books are an excellent resource for this, as they provide children with a structured approach to creating artwork while still allowing for plenty of room for artistic expression.

10 Reasons It’s Important to Encourage Creativity in Children

How to Draw: Cute Cartoon Animals by Kevin CoulstonSet your children on a path for a successful future Encouraging creativity in children allows them to express themselves and their ideas in a unique and personal way. Through drawing and illustration, children can...

Video Drawing Tutorial: How To Draw A Mermaid

Learn to draw 50 adorable mermaids, unicorns, and other cute characters with simple, step-by-step instructions in this fun, creativity-boosting drawing book! Over 50 Cute Step-by-Step Drawings for Kids! This fun, 106-page drawing book teaches your child how to draw...

How To Draw Geno from Super Mario RPG – A Video Drawing Tutorial

How To Draw Geno from Super Mario RPG 🍄 Step-by-Step Drawing Tutorial

Trace Then Color A Werewolf — A Free Halloween Kid’s Activity Page

Trace and color this cartoon werewolf with this free coloring page from the spooky activity book for kids ‘Trace Then Color: Cartoon Halloween Characters’

What Our Customers Are Saying

“The author really does a great job demonstrating how easy (and rewarding!) it can be to draw seemingly ordinary things you (and your little ones!) may feel too intimidated to try drawing without the step-by-step guide! Putting already-known shapes together and making something new and original is a fantastic way to learn! And recognizing that you can add your own twists and personality to your drawings makes all the difference. I think it’s a fun, original approach to building confidence for a lifelong hobby. I have the ebook copy, and can only imagine how great a physical copy would be!”

– Daenarah [Amazon Review]

“There are several of these fun books by this author. My kids and I have had a lot of fun with these. It’s a great activity to do as a family and see how they all turn out. Almost like a sip and paint but more of a juice box and draw.”

Allison B. [Amazon Review]

My kids can’t wait to start drawing these monsters in their illustrations! The many different moods of the monsters appeal to their different personalities. We love the many options, styles, and opportunities to expand upon the characters. Recommended for all ages!

– Kasey [Amazon Review]

“Kevin has put out many books on drawing and animation, and has such a great feel for HOW to explain the process. His art is so expressive and kid-friendly, but his real strength is in his ability to really explain and show how it’s done, making it accessible to kids and adults. I’m a firm believer that not everyone who “can do” can teach, but Kevin does both beautifully! Pick this up and watch kids have a blast making robots of all sorts, while learning great fundamental art skills at the same time!”

Tom R. [Amazon Review]

“My 5yo LOVES this book! The drawings are cute and the instructions are easy to follow along with. She gets a kick out of drawing muffin monsters and ketchup monsters and it actually keeps her pretty focused for long periods of time.”

– Monica [Amazon Review]

“This is a fantastic book for kids who love art, cartoons, comic books, or just having fun! There are a lot of characters to choose from, and really easy step-by-step instructions to follow. You child will have a blast drawing these fun, silly characters! And just in time for Easter baskets!”

– Bestmomever [Amazon Review]

“This is a very good book for kids that want to learn to draw, my sons love it and Kevin does a great job of making drawing fun and not intimidating. Highly recommended for the long summer hours!”

David D. [Amazon Review]

News and Free Drawing Tutorials