Trace and Color a Grumpy Cartoon Face (Free Printable for Kids)
Trace the outline of this grumpy cartoon face, then color it in. It’s a free printable for ages 3 and up that takes about 10 minutes, and all you need is the printed page, a pencil and crayons. The page comes from Kevin Coulston’s book Trace Then Color: Grumpy Faces.
- Trace then color
- Ages 3+
- Grades Pre–K-K
- Beginner
- About 10 min
You’ll need
- The printed page
- Pencil
- Crayons, markers or colored pencils
You’ll practice
- Pencil control along a line
- Hand-eye coordination
- Choosing colors
Trace Then Color: Grumpy Faces offers 50 fun and unique cartoon faces to trace and color, providing hours of laughter and creativity for kids aged 3+ and the whole family!
Free Activity Page:
Trace Then Color: Grumpy Faces is a laugh-out-loud activity book that lets kids explore their creativity while drawing and coloring 50 uniquely grumpy cartoon people! Each page is filled with exaggerated, hilarious expressions that are guaranteed to entertain budding artists and spark their imaginations.
This activity book features easy-to-follow tracing guides, making it perfect for younger kids just starting out with art while still engaging enough for older children. After tracing the outlines, kids can let their creativity shine by coloring the characters in their own vibrant designs.
Why Kids Will Love This Book:
- Simple Tracing Pages: Build confidence and drawing skills with fun, easy guides.
- Funny Characters: 50 different grumpy cartoon people to inspire giggles and creativity.
- Boosts Creativity: Encourages kids to add their personal flair and colors.
- Endless Fun: Combines drawing and coloring for hours of entertainment.
- For All Ages: Perfect for kids aged 3+ and fun for the entire family!
Whether it’s for rainy days, quiet afternoons, or just for laughs, Trace Then Color: Grumpy Faces will inspire kids to embrace their artistic side while having a blast. Watch as they turn these funny frowns into colorful masterpieces!
Upcoming Events:
Verde Valley Comic Expo Shape Drawing Challenge With Kevin Coulston March, 29th 2025 11:00am + Exhibit Hall All Day Cottonwood Recreation Center 150 S. 6th St Cottonwood, AZ 86326
Phoenix Fan Fusion Shape Drawing Challenge With Kevin Coulston June, 7th 2025 12:00pm + Exhibit Hall All Weekend Phoenix Convention Center Phoenix, AZ
Draw it 3 ways
Every FirstArtBooks theme comes in three formats. Trace it, draw it step by step, or copy it square by square: the more ways kids draw a character, the better they know it.
- How to Draw
How to Draw a Grumpy Old ManA close cousin · Ages 5+See all How to Draw books - Trace Then Color
Trace it, then color itYou’re on this pageSee all Trace Then Color books - Draw by Grid
Draw A Grumpy CyclopsA close cousin · Ages 7+See all Draw by Grid books
Finished? Draw the scene next
- Add a background: draw a speech bubble and someone to talk to.
- Write one line under your picture to finish this story:
They opened their mouth and said…
That’s a picture book page. Draw two more and you have a whole story.
Draw it, then write about it
Give your grumpy cartoon face a name and a job. What makes it happy, and what makes it grumpy? Write two or three sentences.
Print a draw-and-write sheet: a box for the drawing and lines for the story. Primary lines (K–2) · Regular lines (grades 2–5)
Want to make it a whole story? Try the comic story starter or fold a mini-book in Story Studio.
Common mistakes and quick fixes
- The eyes sit too high on the head.
- On a real head, the eyes are halfway down. Draw a light line across the middle and put the eyes on it.
- The expression is hard to read.
- Eyebrows do most of the work. Tilt them down in the middle for angry, up in the middle for worried.
- The ears are in the wrong place.
- The tops of the ears line up with the eyes, and the bottoms line up with the nose.
- Tracing too fast and slipping off the line.
- Slow down on curves and corners. Try putting a finger from the other hand next to the line as a guide.
More in 10 common drawing mistakes kids make.
Talk about it
For the grown-up: ask one or two of these while your child draws. There are no wrong answers.
- How is this face feeling? What could have happened to make it feel that way?
- Can you make that face too? Which part of your face changes most?
- Which part are you proudest of?
- What colors will you use, and why?
More ideas in 25 questions to ask kids about their art.
Questions about this tracing page
What age is this grumpy cartoon face tracing page for?
Ages 3 and up (about grades Pre-K to K). It is a good first drawing activity for preschoolers, and older kids enjoy the coloring.
How long does it take?
About 10 minutes. Kids who add their own details or a background often keep going longer.
What supplies do you need?
The printed page; pencil; crayons, markers or colored pencils. Chunky crayons or washable markers are easiest for small hands.
What size does it print?
US Letter (8.5 by 11 inches). Use Print this page or Download PDF above. On A4 paper, choose “Fit to page” in the print settings.
Is tracing cheating?
No. Tracing builds pencil control and shows how a drawing is put together. When it feels easy, try drawing the character again next to it without tracing.
For teachers: grade, timing and standards
Grades Pre–K-K, about 10 minutes. Trace then color, beginner level.
National Core Arts Standards (visual arts)
- VA:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work: students practice control of drawing tools by tracing.
- VA:Cr1 Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas: students make their own color choices.
See every lesson by standard, plus the math in grid drawing, on the arts standards map.
Copies: print as many as your class needs. More in the teacher resources, the Funny Faces hub and our no-prep sub plans.
Get the free Christmas Drawing Pack
10 printable Christmas pages to draw, trace, color and decorate, sent with your welcome email. After that, Kevin’s newsletter brings new free pages and book news.
Take the idea into a book
Want more characters to draw, trace or color? Explore these related books and see which approach fits your next creative session.
Trace Then Color: Grumpy Faces
By Kevin Coulston
Explore this book →
Draw by Grid: Grumpy Faces
By Kevin Coulston
Explore this book →
How to Draw: Grumpy Faces
By Kevin Coulston
Explore this book →More like this: all 13 free face drawing lessons and pages →
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